Clearing

Below is some information from The Independent newspaper about clearing, if you haven't got the grades you need, this may help

Nearly 1 in 10 students gain university places through Clearing.

Visit UCAS Track to determine if you have been offered a place or UCAS Clearing to check vacancies.

Before you (and not your parents / family) phone UCAS on 0871 468 0 468, make sure:

• That you have phoned Admissions of the universities you wanted to go to, they may be able to offer you a place on the course, or on a similar / alternative course.
  
• That you have researched the course / university on websites first.
  
• That you have considered where you want to go geographically.
  
• That you know what questions you want to ask.
  
• That you are sure that if you accept the place it is right for you.

Don’t panic and accept the first thing you are offered. You want to lessen the risk of dropping out of your university / course. Universities are also looking to select late applicants that will stay on their courses.

10 Tips For Using Clearing

• Get back in exam mode: swot up on alternative courses.
  
• If you didn’t nominate an intermediary on your UCAS application form, be around to make calls yourself.
  
• Before phoning anyone, visit Track on the UCAS website to make sure you need to enter Clearing – you may still get your place.
  
• If not, don't panic - other courses may accept your grades.
  
• The most up-to-date course information will be on university websites.
  
• Try to make important calls yourself. Before committing to a three-year course you need to be certain it’s the right one.
  
• Avoid jumping at the first offer. Universities are as keen to fill places as you are to find one, so ask for time to consider.
  
• Have all your paperwork to hand whenever you ring anyone.
  
• Mull over all the options – you could resit, or take a year out.
  
• Remember you’re not alone. Clearing places nearly 40,000 people a year.

Deciding on a course – questions to consider

• How many modules are compulsory or optional?
  
• Do the modules interest you?
  
• Visit www.unistats.com to compare a number of university courses of interest.
  
• Do you prefer coursework or exams?
  
• When are the exams?
  
• Do you prefer independent study or more contact time with lecturers / tutors?
  
• Do you prefer large lecture groups or smaller seminar groups?
  
• Do you prefer group work or independent project work?

Deciding on a university – questions to consider

• Do you want to stay at home or live away?
  
• Visit www.push.co.uk and look at the university chooser to compare options.
  
• Do you want to be at a campus or non-campus university?
  
• Do you want to be in a city or country location?
  
• Do you want to go to a large or small university?

Contact Connexions Trafford for further advice and guidance, you can telephone them on 0161 911 8601