Clearing can be a lifeline if you didn’t get the results you were hoping for or have decided late on your university choices. However, the process to apply can appear a little daunting.
Let’s address some common problems and issues and investigate useful solutions to help you navigate Clearing smoothly.
Common Clearing Problems and Solutions
Not Sure About Who to Contact for References
- Problem: You might struggle to find someone to provide a reference if you’re no longer in school.
- Solution: Speak to your former school or college to see if they can provide a reference. If they refuse, consider asking a professional who knows you well, such as an employer. Predicted grades are not always necessary for Clearing applications, but a reference is essential.
Difficulty Understanding the Clearing Process
- Problem: The Clearing process might be difficult to understand or can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to understand what steps to take and when.
- Solution: Familiarise yourself with the process early, You can also book a call with a university you are interested in and you’ll get up to date advice. Clearing opens on 5 July and runs until mid-October. You can apply through Clearing if you’re not holding any offers, if you applied late or if you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers.
Tips and advice
If it’s really not making sense to you, try different formats. Sometimes a clear, short video on YouTube on how to apply through Clearing will make much more sense to you than a lengthy page. Everyone learns differently so take a good look at all the information out there. Social media can be super helpful in this case.
Fear of Making the Wrong Choice Quickly
- Problem: You’re feeling worried that you’re pressured to make quick decisions, which is leading to stress and potential regret.
- Solution: Use the time given for each offer wisely. Universities typically allow 12 to 48 hours (about 2 days) for you to accept an offer. Use this time to research the university and course to ensure it’s the right fit for you. You might even be able to visit the uni to get a better idea what it’s like to be a student there.
Concerns About Lower Entry Requirements
- Problem: You may be worried that Clearing is only for courses with low entry requirements.
- Solution: There’s a range of high-quality courses you can choose in Clearing, now while some universities may lower their requirements slightly, you will still need to demonstrate your passion and suitability for the course if you want to get a place.
Tips and advice
If you’re worried that you didn’t do so well in your exams, don’t be. You can still get to university and what you do from then onwards could matter more than your exam grades.
Worries About Accommodation and Finance Available through Clearing
- Problem: It’s common among Clearing students to be anxious about securing accommodation and updating their student finances – but, again, this isn’t anything to be worried about.
- Solution: Contact the university about accommodation options as soon as you receive an offer – you might find they contact you so check your inbox regularly. Update your student finance application immediately to reflect any changes. Universities often have dedicated support to help with finding accommodation during Clearing and throughout your time at university.
Tips and advice
Each university has a different offer when it comes to accommodation; you’ve probably already had a good look at the uni’s location, but it’s always worth checking out how far accommodation might be from campus etc.
Feeling Isolated During the Process
- Problem: Maybe you feel a little isolated and that’s making applying through Clearing difficult for you?
- Solution: Seek advice from career advisors or use online forums like The Student Room for support and guidance. You’ll soon learn that the chances of getting a university place through Clearing are high. There’s also many students and advisors available to help you navigate the process.
Still having difficulty applying through Clearing? Here’s some Q+As on common problems students have previously had.
Q: Why Can’t I Add a Clearing Choice on UCAS?
A: Ensure you have discussed your application with the university first. You can only add a Clearing choice if the university has given you a verbal offer and requested you to apply. Adding a choice without prior discussion can lock you out of adding any other choices until the university removes your request, wasting valuable time and potentially causing you to miss out on other opportunities.
Q: Can I Get into Uni If I Haven’t Done an Application Yet?
A: Yes, you can still get a place through Clearing even if you haven’t applied yet. You’ll need to register with UCAS and apply as soon as possible. Clearing is open to students applying after 30 June, those without offers or those who declined their offers. Start by researching available courses and contacting universities directly to discuss vacancies and application procedures.
Additional Tips if You’re Finding Applying Difficult
- Prepare Early: Gather all necessary documents and information before results day, including your UCAS number, exam results, personal statement and questions for universities.
- Stay Positive: Remember, going through Clearing does not mean you’ve failed. It’s an opportunity to find the best fit for your higher education journey.
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from university advisors, online forums, and friends or family.
By addressing these common issues and following these tips, you can navigate the Clearing process more effectively and secure a place at a university that’s right for you.