Top tips for Clearing 2023

With A-level results day fast approaching it's an anxious time for students. Here a university admissions director gives advice and tips on how to handle Clearing

Students across the UK are waiting in anticipation to find out how they performed in their exams - and while we hope you get the grades and the university place you were hoping for - the reality for some will be a little different.

If your results aren't quite what you expected you may feel like your plans have been thrown off track, but don't panic. The Clearing process can help you secure a place on another course.

Clearing helps students find a university or college place and covers lots of scenarios - from different grades than expected (both lower and higher) to students changing their minds about where, or what, they want to study.

'Universities will have friendly and helpful advisers on hand so there's no need to worry about picking up the phone,' explains Amy Smith, associate director of admissions and student recruitment at Nottingham Trent University. 'Just do some preparation, take some deep breaths, and take your time.'

Amy offers some useful tips for a smooth Clearing application:

• Take time to do proper research by looking at courses online before making any calls. There is no harm in having a plan ready now.
• Clearing applications are usually made over the phone, but check university and college websites ahead of results day to find out how to apply. If you are applying online, take your time, make sure you complete all the fields and double check the information is correct before submitting.
• Before you make any calls, have all the essentials on hand - your results, including GCSEs and any other Level 2 qualifications, courses of interest, and a pen and paper.
• It must be the student that contacts universities during the Clearing process, so it might help to have someone focused and supportive on hand to help prepare for calls.
• During the call, speak clearly and listen to what the adviser is saying, note down any important information.
• Your offer will be followed up with an email, read it carefully and check all the course details before you accept.

Gemma Small went to NTU to study media production via the Clearing process. She's now part of the institutions Graduate Development Programme.

'My main advice for Clearing is not to panic,' says Gemma. 'Try and keep a level head, so you can do some effective research and decide what you'll do next. There will be a place for you somewhere and ending up somewhere unexpected does not mean your university experience has been ruined - it may well have been improved.'

Find out more

• Discover what to do on A-level results day.
• Read up on 10 things to do before starting university.
• Return to The Topic for more news, insights and opinions.