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Clearing 2011 – How Best to Navigate Your Way through the Process

The mad scramble for university clearing places is Less Than a month away with the release of A-Level results drawing ever closer. According to UCAS there were 180,000 candidates chasing places in clearing 2010 up from 135,000 in clearing 2009. Last year, according to UCAS, there were 18,500 courses with clearing vacancies down from the 32,000 courses with clearing vacancies in 2009. With applications to study at university reaching a record high in 2010 it was predicted that around 170,000 candidates would miss out on a place on a degree course. You should expect this trend to continue and for there to be even more candidates and less vacancies in clearing 2011. Here's what you need to know to get through clearing 2011 and secure yourself a place on your degree course of choice.

UCAS Clearing Overview

With the release of the A-level results many students will find they have achieved the grades they need to study the course of their choice. That said there will be many students who will find they have either not achieved the marks they need or that find they've achieved better results than they originally expected. It's for these students that the clearing process is available.

Clearing gives students the chance to find alternative courses and universities as well as making available previously unconsidered options to those who achieved better results than they originally anticipated.

Universities who are part of the UCAS system make known the places they have available on their courses which candidates can apply for through the clearing process.

The University Clearing Process

If you are eligible for Clearing an 'Add Clearing choice' button will appear on your UCAS Track 'choices' screen which you can use to apply for a course.

The next step is to find out which universities have places available. Details of clearing vacancies are published on the UCAS website and can be found in The Telegraph newspaper amongst other sources.

You should make sure that the courses and universities you're considering are right for you. You're going to be spending at least the next three years of your life studying your chosen course there, so even though you'll feel that you have to make a decision quickly, it's in your best interests to take your time and really think through your options.

When you contact universities they will ask for your Clearing Number so that they can consider you in Clearing. They can then view your complete application immediately via UCAS's online system which means you'll get a decision from them faster.

You can speak to as many universities as you want, which means you can do some phoning around and get an idea quite quickly as to what courses and universities are available to you. Each university will be able to informally offer you a place (as long as you meet their requirements), and they will give you a time period during which they will keep a place open for you.

You must then decide which of your offers you would like to formally accept. You do this by clicking on your 'Add Clearing choice' button within UCAS track and entering the course details of your chosen favourite. You can only enter details for one choice.

UCAS then let the university or college know that you have applied, and if accepted. UCAS will send you a letter to let you know your place is confirmed in addition to updating your "choices" section of Track. The Confirmation letter will explain whether there is anything you need to do now and acts as official confirmation that you have gained a place. If for some reason you are not accepted by your chosen institution then the 'Add Clearing choice' link in Track will be reactivated and the whole process starts again.

Tips for Clearing 2011

Take the time to talk to the teacher at your school that deals with UCAS applications. They will have a wealth of experience and advice for how best to negotiate your way through Clearing 2011.

Remember that you don't have to stick to the course you originally applied for so do some research into similar alternatives. You should be prepared to explain why you've changed your choice of course to admissions tutors should you choose to do so.

Most universities will be running Clearing open days. Take the chance to look round their campuses and get a feel for the university if you can. Remember you're going to be spending at least the next three years of your life studying your chosen course there. You don't want to make the wrong choice.

About the Author

This article about Clearing 2011 was put together was put together by the Schools and Colleges Liaison team at Kaplan Business School who works with many institutions every year, helping students with their university applications, clearing and understanding more about university life and the career opportunities open to them upon graduation.

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