Top Tips for Clearing
August 16 is A-level results day. Many students will receive the grades they were expecting but tens of thousands who did worse, or significantly better, than predicted will enter the Clearing process.
Clearing gives “a second bite of the cherry” to those wishing to progress to Higher Education, according to Beverley Woodhams, Head of Central Recruitment at the University of Greenwich.
Beverley, who has helped thousands of people across Kent onto degree choices, says: “My most important piece of advice when grades come back lower than expected is not to panic – this is not the end of your university dream. Twenty-five per cent of all university places in the UK are filled through Clearing and, overall, there are more places on courses than there are students seeking them.
“Clearing gives you ‘a second bite of the cherry’ to find the right place for you. However, it is important to avoid the temptation to immediately start ringing round universities. After all, you didn’t rush your initial application. Instead, take your time to do as much research as you can and be clear what questions you want answered before you pick up the phone.”
Below, Beverley lists the most important things to remember and her top tips for making the journey through clearing as stress free as possible:
· Clearing is a well-trodden route to Higher Education. Approximately 35,000 students found a place to study through Clearing last year so you’re in good company.
· Just missed your required UCAS points/entry grades? Contact your first choice university or college and ask if they will still accept you, if necessary do the same for your insurance choice.
· Do your research thoroughly; any decisions you make now will affect the rest of your life. Examine The Independent newspaper, as well as UCAS and university websites to find out which courses have vacancies.
· Before you call the university or college prepare a list of questions to ask. Enquire if you can speak to an Academic about the programme you are applying to.
· Visit the university or college Open Day (most will hold at least one during this time of year) to see the facilities, accommodation, resources and the surrounding environment.
· Talk to real students and ask Academics further information about the course. If possible, don’t go visiting alone, you cannot be expected to remember everything. It’s good to have someone as a sounding board and you’ll feel less anxious with company.
· You will be studying your chosen subject for between two and four years at undergraduate level, contact as many universities as you can to make sure you’ve made the right choice.
· Only make that final decision when you are really certain of your choice. If you are already in UCAS, hold on to your Clearing Passport until you are sure where you are going. Your Passport confirms your commitment to a university or college and is a valuable document.
· Finally, ensure you have received the correct information; start dates, times, campus. The following items may be required for registration; your exam certificates (including GCSEs if requested), a small number of passport-sized photos and any relevant tuition fee information received from your Local Authority.
For further information, call the University of Greenwich’s 100-strong team of admissions tutors, students and advisers on the Clearing Centre hotline free on 0800 005 006 or alternatively visit www.gre.ac.uk
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