Clearing allows universities and colleges to fill spaces on courses that aren’t yet full, while students without offers are given a second chance to pursue their higher education aspirations.  A record number of students have taken up places on degrees through clearing last year and is established as a respected and important route to higher education.

From 5 July to 23 October, you can apply for a course using Clearing if you’re not already holding an offer from a university or college, and the course still has places.

You can use Clearing if:

• you’re applying after 30 June
• you didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)
• you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers

Clearing can be a stressful and uncertain time for students who may not have got the grades they had hoped for.  It is at this time when you need to spend time researching your options and making sure you find out about the courses that maybe of interest to you.

The easiest place to start is to look at the UCAS website which lists all the courses that are available.  You can specifically search for courses that are available in Clearing 2019 and type in some keywords to match what you originally had chosen.

The good news is that this site is updated regularly, with a direct link to the University or College website which will give you more information about the course and who to contact.  As a recommendation, take your time, shortlist a few courses and spend time looking at the modules and course content.  Use this opportunity to note down any questions you may have which the tutor can help you with.

The next step is to make sure you have some key information to hand. This includes your Clearing number from UCAS Track, your results, personal statement, details of the course, a list of queries raised and a fully charged mobile phone or access to a landline.

You now need to make the call and speak to the tutor about the course and the reasons you wish to apply.  Your personal statement is a good reference point so use that to provide clear examples of how the course is a right fit for you.

It is important to be positive, enthusiastic and focused on your benefits, but also use this as an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course.  By doing this, you are demonstrating to the tutor that you are a competent and capable student.

If all goes well, you may have an offer, which you should request be sent to you in writing. You can now decide whether it is one you wish to accept, or if unsure, contact other institutions on your list.  You do not need to accept the first offer you get, so speak to the others and make a decision, but do it quickly as places will get taken up quickly, usually you have around 3 days to make a choice.  Remember you can only add a Clearing choice on UCAS Track after 3pm on A Level results day.

If you haven’t already done so, you will then need to get your student finance in place.