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Clearing - if you haven't got an HE place
Clearing is the UCAS service that helps people without a university or college place to find suitable vacancies on higher education courses. Some people decide at the last minute that they would like to do a higher education course, but most clearing applicants have been unsuccessful in earlier applications.
Before rushing into clearing you may want to consider all your options and take some time to research the courses you're interested in. You may want to reassess your plans; you could think about taking a gap year, finding work or perhaps taking more qualifications.
How does Clearing work?
If you don't meet the requirements of your firm or insurance offers and are rejected you will automatically be sent details about clearing. You will receive your Clearing Passport and notes on the system direct from UCAS - you don't need to request them.
You will need your Clearing Passport before you can confirm any offers of places. However you don't have to wait for your form to begin making initial contacts with institutions that have vacancies. You can also find your Clearing number by using UCAS Track.
How do I find out about vacancies?
This is the information on Clearing for 2008.
Vacancy information is published by UCAS from 14 August 2008 (5 August for Scottish vacancies).
You can get vacancy information from the UCAS website (see link here). They offer an interactive course vacancy service from 14 August 2008 to 12 September 2008.
Newspapers:
The Independent - prints details of vacancies on 5 August (Scottish vacancies) and then from 14 August 2008 until 4 September 2008.
I've found a course. What do I do?
You need to contact the university or college by phone or email. You may have a mini interview over the phone. So you need to prepare and be ready to talk about yourself and why you're interested in that particular course.
Don't be afraid to ring up about courses that really interest you, even if they are not advertising any vacancies. They may have vacancies about to come on line.
Once you have the offer of a place, you will need to send your Clearing Passport, so that it can be confirmed. If possible, you might want to take your Clearing Passport in person. Not only can you be sure that it will arrive but you will also be able to have a look at the institution and get a feel for the place where you could be spending the next few years.
You can only send your Clearing Passport to one place at a time. So, it's a good idea to keep as much control of it as you can. Remember you have to produce the original to gain a confirmed place in higher education.
Need help?
Staff from your school or college will be around at results time.
Your local Connexions Centre is open throughout the summer; your personal adviser will be able to help you consider your options and plan your way through Clearing. Contact details are listed here under "Contact Connexions"
You could also try these sources of help and advice:
UCAS Helpline - 0871 468 0 468
National Exam Results Helpline - 0808 100 8000
BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and BBC Switch - are broadcasting special programmes. There is also information on the Surgery Advice website - see link here
BBC Radio 2 - are broadcasting programmes for students and parents.
