The insider’s guide to Clearing

Whatever your reason for going through Clearing, Whatuni is here to help you every step of the way. So, to get a real insight into what the process is like, we looked to our friends at Bucks New University for some guidance. They introduced us to Owen Lord, who worked in admissions at the university at the time. Here, he talks about Clearing, phone calls and the steps applicants may go through.

Please note: Owen's answers have been adjusted slightly for clarity and to account for changes made to the Clearing process in subsequent years since this article was first published.

Can you tell us a bit about the preparation your team have to go through in advance of Clearing?

“We spend a lot of time before results day making sure we’re up to speed with what courses we have available, and ensuring specialist staff and support services are on hand to speak to applicants about some of the more specific questions they may have.

“Because it’s such a busy time, we have to work together as a team even more, but we share the sense of achievement when we help out a student that is worried or we offer them a place on their dream course.

"For us, it’s not just about making offers though. It’s about taking the time to understand what course you are interested in, what your hopes are for the future, and perhaps exploring other options that you might not have thought of.

"We don’t like setting students up to fail, so if we don’t think you’ll be suitable for a course we’ll be honest with you. But we’ll always put this information in a constructive way, suggesting other courses that you may be more suitable for, such as a foundation year.”

What would you say to students who are worried about going through Clearing?

“So while we know it can feel like a really stressful time, it’s important to remember there are loads of other people in the same situation as you – and also remember that as a university, we go through this every year, so we’re well equipped to help you!

"We try and work through everything as quickly as we can, but there are occasions when we won’t be able to make a decision straight away. Do bear with us though, we’ll contact you as soon as we can.

“Although results day is one of the busiest days of the year for us, we treat each applicant as an individual, making sure that we help you make the right choices – after all, you could be spending the next three years living and studying here, so it has to be right for you.”

So, what’s the most common question people ask first?

“A lot of students ring up and ask what course they can get on to with the grades they have.”

And how do you answer that?

“University will be your life for the next few years so it’s important that your decision is the right one for you. And if that means taking a gap year, resitting exams, or applying once you’ve received your results, if that’s what works for you then that’s fine.

“It might seem like everything has to be done the second you get your results, but it’s more important to take your time, talk through your options with friends and family or your teachers, and weigh everything up so you can feel reassured you’re making the right choice. You can only add a Clearing choice once your UCAS application shows that you’re eligible. Take time to research your options and speak to the university before adding anything, so you can be confident about your decision.”

Ok, can you tell us more about the process of Clearing? What steps do people have to take, from picking up the phone to securing a place on a course?

“The Clearing process can seem like a bit of a minefield. But if you go into it armed with a few main bits of information, you’ll be fine!

1. If you’re eligible for Clearing, your application status will show that you’re in Clearing and display your Clearing number. Keep this number and your UCAS Personal ID to hand when contacting universities.

2. Make a list of your qualifications and grades and have any relevant certificates or supporting information ready. Write down the questions you want to ask, as it can be easy to forget them during a busy call.

3. Look at the available courses on UCAS, Whatuni and the university’s own website. Check how the university wants you to apply, as this could involve a phone call or an online form. The admissions team may ask about your results, your interest in the course and any relevant experience. If it is willing to offer you a place, it will explain what to do next and may ask for supporting documents.

4. Before accepting, check the course details, accommodation and any opportunity to visit the campus or attend an online event. Once you’re happy and the university has told you to proceed, go to Your choices in your UCAS application and select Add Clearing choice.

5. The university will then consider and confirm the choice in your application. Check for any further instructions about accommodation, enrolment or evidence you need to provide.

How do you deal with students who are really upset?

“We’re aware that for some students, the Clearing process can be emotional and stressful. That’s why we try to provide as much help and advice in the run up to results day – to try and prepare students for whatever situation they find themselves in.

“When students contact us, we take the time to speak to them as an individual and understand that they can be feeling like everything has gone wrong or there’s no hope. They’re often also feeling under a lot of pressure to ‘do the right thing’. But there are always options and we always spend the time talking through those together with the student. Taking a student from being in tears of sadness at the beginning of a call to tears of happiness at the end of a call is always a brilliant feeling for us!”

What’s the one misconception about clearing you’d love to put right?

“I think there’s still a lot of negativity around Clearing and a belief that it’s only for people who didn’t get the results they hoped for, as a last attempt to get into university. You might have changed your mind about your choices, received no offers or applied later in the cycle. Whatever your reason for entering Clearing, we’re here to help and can talk you through your options.”

Finally, what advice do you have for students who find themselves in the Clearing process?

“If I could only give two pieces of advice to students that find themselves in Clearing, they would be:

1. Try and do some research over the next few weeks, before you receive your results. This way you can go into the process knowing what to expect and having made a list of a few potential options. This will hopefully make the process less daunting and stressful on the day you receive your results.

2. Don’t panic! You’re not alone in this process. Speak to whoever you feel comfortable talking to, to go through your options. Don’t feel pressured into making a decision just to please someone else though, go with your gut and do what feels right for you.

We’re here to help, so if you have any questions just let us know!”

Thanks Owen!

Owen’s advice shows that although Clearing can feel stressful, there are people available to help you understand your options. Read our guides below for more help with searching for courses and navigating the Clearing process.

NEXT:

• Search for Clearing courses

• Guide to Clearing