Sometimes, things do not always go as planned. This is where the UCAS clearing process comes into play! When exam results are published, many universities will have vacancies on their courses, and these slots are opened for students to apply to through clearing. This is particularly useful for those students who didn’t quite make the grades required for the courses they applied to. Through the clearing process, given students may apply to similar courses at alternative universities or different courses at the same university.

The process is not limited to those who do not make the grades. It can also be used by those who have changed their mind regarding their course or university, or those who do not have any offers from their selected universities. Before entering the clearing process, it is also worth noting that even if you do not get the required grades, you may not need clearing. If you have missed the grades slightly, for example, you received AAB instead of AAA; you should contact the university and see if they will still accept you, and you may be pleasantly surprised! The most important thing is to head over to UCAS on results day to see what options are available to you, and yoy may enter the clearing process if you haven’t received any offers from your chosen universities.

The figures on UCAS show that in 2020 numbers exceeding 70,000 students were accepted to university through the clearing process, and an overall 13.6% of all accepted students got their place through clearing!

Here are some key dates regarding the clearing process:

30th June: If your application is submitted following this date, it will default into the clearing process.

4th July: This is the final date before which you may add an extra choice in your application.

5th July: From this date onwards, clearing vacancies will be displayed in the UCAS search tool, and eligible applicants will automatically see the clearing numbers in their applications. You will also be able to decline any offers you have from this point.

9th August: UCAS lines will open, and you can speak to advisers from 08:30.

From 09:00, students will be able to access their applications; from 10:00, students will be able to add their clearing choices.

28th September: This is the last date for undergraduate applications for 2022 through UCAS.

18th October: This is the deadline to add any clearing choices and for universities or colleges to make their decisions.

When entering the clearing process, it is essential to note that vacancies on popular courses will be taken up very quickly. This is common for courses at higher-ranked universities too. Although this doesn’t mean that you will not secure your place, it is crucial that you act fast once you receive your results! Universities you apply to through clearing will also have access to your applications and personal statement, so it is best that you spend some time before results day going over this as you may be asked questions regarding what you wrote. More information is available through the UCAS website https://www.ucas.com/clearing-launch