Clearing - information, help and advice 
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This page provides information for students applying for higher education courses through Clearing in 2007.
Clearing is the process by which universities and colleges publish and fill their remaining vacancies. More than 35,000 people find places through Clearing every year. Even if you don’t get the exam results you had hoped for and your offer is not confirmed, as long as you’re flexible and have reasonable grades, there is still a good chance you could find another course through Clearing.
You are eligible to enter Clearing if any of the following apply: • You did not receive any offers earlier in the year or you declined all offers which were made to you. • Your offers had not been confirmed by the university/college because you did not meet the conditions or obtain the grades required. • You applied late, ie, your application form was received by UCAS after 30th June 2007 (12th June for Route B art and design courses). When does Clearing take place? Clearing takes place during August and September each year. Official lists of courses with vacancies are published on the day that ‘A’ Level results are made known to candidates - in 2007 this will be Thursday 16th August. Advanced information can sometimes be obtained in Higher Education sections of Sunday newspapers and direct from universities and colleges.
If you are eligible to enter Clearing, UCAS will automatically send you a Clearing Passport. Those who are not holding offers will receive their Clearing Passport in July. Those who have offers will receive their Clearing Passport once they become eligible for Clearing (ie, if they are turned down by their universities or colleges). You should check the lists for courses with vacancies that interest you, then contact the university or college to ask if it will accept you. It is a good idea to do this yourself because the admissions tutor will want to speak to you personally, not a parent or teacher. An admissions tutor who wants to offer you a place might ask for your Clearing Passport. Send it only if you are certain you want that place. If you accept a place through Clearing, UCAS will send you a
All Connexions Centres receive up-to-date Clearing Vacancy information. Personal Advisers are available to offer you independent and impartial advice throughout the Clearing process. Lists of courses with vacancies will be published in The Independent and The Independent on Sunday, as part of BBC2’s Ceefax Teletext service (pages 700 - 799) and available on the UCAS website. The UCAS website will have an interactive Clearing vacancy search from 16th August 2007 (the day ‘A’ Level results are published).
The BBC One Life Results Helpline will be available continuously from 8th August until 26th August. Advisers will have access to all the latest information on Clearing vacancies. Call them on on 0808 100 8000 The BBC One Life website has information and advice on entering university, college or work. It also has links to other useful contacts such as UCAS, universities and Gap Year organisations. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onelife
Admissions staff will normally work longer hours, including weekends, to take Clearing enquiries from students. If you have not quite met your firm or insurance offer you may wish to contact the institution to find out whether they are still considering your application. Remember if you are rejected from your firm offer but meet your insurance offer they will confirm your place on that course. If you get results just below conditional firm or insurance offers made to you, ring the institution as they may still accept you. Talk to your Personal Adviser about which courses and subjects would be most suitable for you, particularly if your original UCAS application was unsuccessful. You can apply for any course that has vacancies - you don’t need to keep to the subjects you applied for in the first place. If an Admissions Officer is not available, ask to speak to the Course Leader. If you still have no success in getting referred leave your name, telephone number and UCAS number and ask if someone can ring you back. Always get the name of the person you have spoken to and the name of the person who will ring you. If you are finding it difficult to get through on the telephone, don’t forget you can increase your chances by using e-mail. If you have no success in speaking to an Admissions Officer or Course Leader and you feel that you are reaching a stalemate situation, speak to your Personal Adviser or contact UCAS, as too long a delay is going to hold up your attempts to find a course in Clearing.
• Plan your summer holiday so you are available when your exam results come out - you need to be available in person to deal with admissions tutors and make your decisions. Institutions do not like • If a college or university asks you to submit your Clearing Passport you must send the original form (which means that it can only be sent to one institution at a time). If you are unsuccessful, the form will be returned to you so that you can send it to your next choice of institution. If you are made an offer but choose to decline your Clearing Passport will be returned and you will be able to keep looking. • Don’t panic and take the first course that is offered to you. Universities and colleges hold open days throughout the summer so you can find out if it’s the right place for you. Local Universities in Tyne and Wear have Clearing Open Days on the Saturday after the results are published and tutors will be available to speak with applicants individually. Remember that vacancies can be filled right until the courses start, so never give up in your attempts to gain a place on a course that interests you. • Keep a note of your Clearing number and your original UCAS application number handy. You will need to quote these during Clearing. • If you haven’t applied for a place at university or college, but your grades were better than expected, you could still apply for course vacancies in Clearing. • Clearing is not an option if you have withdrawn from the UCAS scheme, if your conditional offer has been confirmed or you decide not to take your confirmed offer. • If you have accepted your firm offer, but are having second thoughts, speak to your university or college admissions staff. You won’t normally be able to withdraw and then go through Clearing (if you have exceptional circumstances, you should contact UCAS to ask for advice).
Ring the UCAS helpline on 08701 122 211. You can also visit the UCAS website at www.ucas.com.
You can also visit www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onelife
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