A-level results: top tips for securing a university place through clearing

Law student Dominika Cudak found her place at university using clearing. Photograph: University of Northumbria

If you are hoping to start at university in September, the mere mention of the word ‘clearing’ might fill you with foreboding. It is the system by which universities fill places they still have on their courses, and it can be a great way of getting yourself into university if you still have no offers. Though the system might at first seem daunting, you can survive it – plenty do. Here are handy hints courtesy of the University of East London:

• Don’t panic – you are not alone and there are still plenty of choices for you.
• Be ready to visit the university you get into in clearing: most universities have an open day just after clearing.
• You don’t have to stick with your original course choice if you’ve changed your mind or you’ve done better in a different A-level subject.
• Find out the clearing hotline numbers for the universities you’re interested in. Make a list of them, and have your results and UCAS number handy when you make your phone calls.
• Make sure you’re available (i.e. not working or away on holiday) so you can get your results and make those calls.
• Don’t be afraid to call. During clearing universities have lots of staff on hand who are there especially to take your call. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to secure a place as it’s competitive.
• Make notes and ask questions. You could be speaking to a few different people, so it’s good to jot points down, names of people you’ve spoken to and ask questions, no matter how silly you think they might be.