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Over the years the bond between students and universities has been a little rocky. Typically, universities had the upper hand as they got to set the grade requirements and reject anyone who didn’t meet them.
However, as fewer students are applying for courses, universities now have to be more flexible. In fact, according to Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute “Universities and students are now in a position of matchmaking with each other”.
So how do you become a #boss and let the universities come to you? The answer is clear…well, Clearing!
Often evoking thoughts of students with low grades, panicked phone calls and enrolling onto any course that the university has to offer, Clearing has certainly gained a (completely unfounded) negative reputation. But actually in 2018, almost 67,000 applicants were accepted onto a course through Clearing, with dozens of top-rated unis offering course.
Universities are also adopting new and creative ways to attract students and show that Clearing isn’t a bad thing, with some advertising their clearing courses on social media platforms and apps (including the Whatuni app
So what should you be doing to make the most out of Clearing?
Make the First Move
Whether you’re going through clearing or adjustment
Here's members of our very own student advisory board
VIDEO
If you don’t get the grades you need to be accepted by your first choice, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t work it out with the university. Once you’ve received your A-Level results, call the uni to see if there’s any room to negotiate. Depending on the institution, you might be able to charm them into offering you a place.
If your university can’t compromise, it’s time to take charge of the situation and start looking into other institutions through Clearing
The truth is we’re all going to face rejection at some point, but there’s no need to hide under your duvet or eat an entire tub of ice cream (although we’ve all been there). Remember, you’re still a desirable applicant to other unis, even if you don’t make your first choice. In other words, there’s plenty more fish in the sea
So, if your first choice rejects you, make the first move and approach universities by calling their individual Clearing hotlines, which you can find right here on Whatuni iTunes Google
Making the First Move in Adjustment
Bossed your exams? Decided to change your course? You could still be eligible to register for adjustment UCAS
If you end up getting better grades than you were expecting (get you, you clever clogs!), it could be worth keeping your options open and assessing the compatibility between yourself and a university. As a student, this gives you the power because let’s face it, universities need you to avoid empty lecture halls!
Applying Last Minute?
Planned on taking a gap year but changed your mind? You might be thinking university is out of the question, but you can still apply through clearing! The official deadline for Clearing applicants is 22nd October so you’ve got much more time to apply than you may think!
However, it’s worth checking the specific deadlines for each institution, as you don’t want to miss out on your first week of university… or freshers week!
Overall, whether you get better or worse grades than predicted, there’s no need to settle on a course or university until you find your perfect match. So, make the first move and get out there!
Search the latest clearing places right here on Whatuni
