Clearing 2023

If possible, do not be on holiday or at work, keep the day free to contact universities. You need to be available to speak to admissions tutors and make decisions yourself – your parents, teachers and friends cannot do it for you. If you must work that day or are away travelling or on holiday, it’s worth giving your parent/guardian nominated access to your UCAS application details so that they can speak on your behalf. 

You may not have got the grades or points score that you needed, but your Firm or Insurance choice university may still decide to accept you onto the course. Contact them first and do not just assume that you are in Clearing. If they decide not to accept you, or if you are not holding offers at any institution, you are eligible to apply for a place through Clearing. Applicants making applications after 30th June are automatically entered into Clearing and are also eligible.

You’ll know that you are in Clearing if your UCAS application states ‘You are in Clearing’ or ‘Clearing has started’. If you are in Clearing, you must contact universities directly to enquire about available places on their courses and whether you meet their requirements.

During Clearing, the phone lines can be busy, and you may also have to wait to be put through to the relevant department, asked to call later, or the university may ring you back. Don’t worry, Clearing lasts for far more than one day so you do have time to make up your mind and find a course.

When speaking to universities, have your UCAS application number, Clearing number, course codes, your A Level results and relevant GCSE results to hand as the staff on the Clearing Helpline will ask for these. We will also need your contact details and e-mail address so we can send you your Clearing offer in writing.

Just like you did with your original choices, consider, for example, course content and structure, academic facilities, social life, distance from home, sports facilities and living costs. You may be relieved to be offered an alternative course, but you still need to choose the right course at the right university for you.

You do not have to go for the same subject you initially applied for, but if you do go for something different, the university may still expect you to have specific A Level subjects. If your preferred choice of course is full, look at related alternatives, for example, for Medicine consider Medical Science or Biomedical Science.

You don’t have to accept the first Clearing offer you’re made. Most universities will be happy for you to take the time to make sure that the course and the university are right for you. 

Most universities, like Bangor University, will organise Open Days and events for Clearing applicants which you should attend so that you can have a look around the university and area, collect more information about the course, speak to staff and students and decide if you would be happy studying at that institution.