Clearing: How to Secure the Best University Offer

With UK A-level results day approaching, students should understand the options available if they do not get into their first-choice university. One of those options is Clearing.

Clearing is the process UCAS uses to match applicants with university places that are still available. During this process, students call universities to discuss possible course options.

This year’s Clearing is expected to be busier than ever. UCAS has predicted a record 80,000 students will use the system to find university places, and its chief executive has said it will be "the busiest yet". At least part of that is due to COVID-19 disruption, which has affected gap years, internships and placements, and pushed many students into online learning.

Pete Edge, Director of Admissions and Student Recruitment at The University of Law, shared some insider advice on how to get the best possible offer when speaking to universities during Clearing.

Use Clearing Plus as a supplement

This year, UCAS has introduced a new Clearing Plus system that automatically matches applicants with suitable universities.

However, Edge says the new system is still fairly limited in scope and will continue to develop over the next few years.

"My advice would be to use it as a supplementary tool. It cannot replace your own research," Edge said. "It will show you options you may not have considered, and you can then do more research into them."

Do your research in advance

This year’s Clearing runs until 20 October 2020, when universities withdraw from the list once they no longer have vacancies. You can find the relevant deadlines on university websites. That short application window makes advance preparation essential.

So when should you start preparing for Clearing? Edge says it is wise to do some research before you receive your results, even if you think you are likely to get the grades you want. That way, you will be fully prepared when you enter the process.

"Approach it with the same attitude and method you used when making your initial choices in the cycle," he advised.

He also recommends creating a scoring matrix to compare courses and universities. "Include the factors that matter most to you, then look at which university-and-course combination is the best fit," Edge explained.

You can read more about students’ Clearing experiences on The University of Law website.

Ask targeted questions

"Ask targeted questions rather than general ones," Edge advises. "I would suggest asking whether there are any events you can attend to get a better sense of the course and institution, and whether you can speak to academics or current students as part of that."

For example, The University of Law runs a virtual Successbury festival in the week after A-level results day to help students learn more about the university and its work.

When you call universities during Clearing, you will often speak to volunteer students on the helpline. You can use that opportunity to ask for their own views of the university. "Getting genuine insight from students is valuable information," Edge said.

Know why you want to study the course

During Clearing, you may be asked several questions when you call.

"Besides wanting to know your grades, they are also keen to understand whether there were any mitigating circumstances that explain why your results do not reflect your potential," Edge said.

"If you speak to academics, they may also want to hear your thoughts on their course, to make sure you can talk enthusiastically about the subject you are interested in."

Find a university that is right for you

A common mistake students make is negotiating too aggressively for a place at a particular university or on a particular course. Edge says this often gets them nowhere, because universities already know the standard of student they are willing to accept and will try to stick to it.

"You are better off spending your time finding a university that wants you, rather than trying to cling to one that does not."

"Universities do not publicly announce their Clearing grades because it is a highly competitive market," Edge said. "So you will need to research what is available, then use your scorecard matrix, explained earlier, to work out what matters most to you."

Take time to consider every offer you receive

Before accepting a university place through Clearing, make sure you have thought carefully about whether it is right for you.

"My advice is: don’t rush," Edge said. "Do your homework, and then, if you are confident in what you have found, choose that university as your Clearing option and start looking forward to the next chapter of your life."

It is important to remember that the best university offer for you may not be the same as the one your friends receive, Edge added.