Don’t worry, be happy – and take advantage of Clearing
By: Communications
At the end of an unprecedented and stressful 18 months, students will have an opportunity to select the university and the course they want to study via Clearing.
Changes to the way in which A-level results have been awarded may make this year more challenging with more students predicted to get higher grades, which will lead to increased competition for a university place, compared to previous years.
With all the changes students have had to face, the message from Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Admissions at UEA, Professor Richard Harvey, is ‘don’t worry, be happy’ – and to do some preparation ahead of Clearing on Tuesday (10 August) so you can take advantage when results are released.
Many opportunities this year
Prof Richard Harvey said: “Clearing is an opportunity for students. If you have an offer and you make the grade, congratulations! But it’s worth keeping a close eye on your university — are you offered guaranteed accommodation, is it in a safe area?
“Take time to visit the campus and if you are not comfortable, change your decision — there are plenty of excellent universities in the UK for you to choose from. If you have not got an offer yet, then Clearing and Confirmation offers many opportunities this year — the caution of university offering means many good universities will be in Clearing.”
Shortlist on ‘speed dial’ for applicants
“Things will move quickly as universities scramble to fill their places, so have a ‘shortlist’ of places that you will consider now. Even better, contact them now for a visit, so that when Clearing opens on Tuesday (10 August) you have your shortlist on ‘speed dial’.”
Make sure you’ll be happy there
Prof Harvey added: “One problem we see every year is students who are fixated on going to particular universities because of parental or school pressure. Please try to resist as, in covid times, it’s much more important to choose a university that is safe and will make you happy.
“This has been an incredibly stressful time for many students leading up to exam results day. Please don’t feel pressured into making a snap decision – the simple fact is that syllabuses aren’t dramatically different across the country. What is different is the educational ethos, social mix of students, university location and facilities. That is why choosing a university is a bit like buying a house; you have to go and visit and when you walk in the door, you’ll know it’s for you.
“Students are intelligent, they know what they want and, while it is a big decision, they are prepared to step back and take a holistic view about what the university is about.”
Top Tips
Prof Harvey’s top tips for students…
Be prepared – most universities will have information about courses available in Clearing and adjustment online many weeks before results time in August, so it is worth having a look in advance of results day so you have a plan of who you want to contact in Clearing.
Access your email – UCAS and universities will likely contact you by email, so ensure you have access to the email account you entered on your UCAS form.
Call early – once you have your results, phone the universities you’re interested in – places are limited so talk to the universities you’re interested in as soon as possible. Most Clearing lines will open at 8.30am on Tuesday 10 August. There are often other ways to contact universities too including live chat, social media and via email.
Have all your details with you – universities will often need to know your UCAS personal ID and details of your results.
Keep calm – don’t pick a course or university you don’t know anything about; do as much research as possible.
Visit – most universities will hold open events around Clearing, which will give you the chance to visit the campus, meet current students and find out more about life at the particular institution.
Accommodation – don’t forget to ask if this is guaranteed or what accommodation options are available.
UEA has produced a handy guide to Clearing for students, setting out how it works and how students can use Clearing to make the choice that’s right for them.
The UEA Call Centre - 0300 300 7994 - is open from 8.30am on the day, Tuesday 10 August, and is full of friendly, professional people to help guide students through the process.
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