Clearing Guide 2007
Clearing Guide 2007
Read all of this a few times, with a cup of tea (nothing stronger, you’ll need a clear head), before hitting the phones – so you know what you need to do. Deep breath.
OK. The worst has happened: you’ve opened the envelope and the demons have leaped out, pulling your hair and shrieking that you haven’t got the grades you need. Those little capital letters between A and G have ruined your life. Around you, other people are celebrating. Everything is collapsing.
Right, let’s stop there. First of all, it’s fine to be upset, there’s no shame in it. Walk away, find a room, have a cry or scream, stamp your feet and let all the misery hit you for bit. We’ll wait here.
Done? Good, now let’s get you a place at uni.
First: check the status of your firm and insurance offers on UCAS track – you may still have got in, so find out for sure! Missed your first choice but got into your second? Great! Go, and have fun. Haven’t got into either? Don’t worry, read on.
Remember you’re not alone, some 30,000 students get places through clearing, and there are some great courses out there.
What to do
You’ll need: your Clearing Passport (UCAS will send you one); a trusty friend, partner or calm relative; a pen and some paper; a phone (with plenty of credit); an internet connection; your careers guru or favourite tutor; a mug or two of tea; a crafty pack of biscuits; access to transport and plenty of patience. You’ll also need all your UCAS paperwork and codes. Remember also to put any holidays on hold over the next few days while you visit places and have forms to complete.
Official lists of courses available will be listed online on the UCAS site and individual university/ department websites from 16 August. The Independent, the Independent on Sunday, the Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday will also publish frequent clearing listings during this period. UCAS will man a helpline (0870 1122211) to sort out any immediate worries.
Listings will either be alphabetical by uni or course titles. If something grabs you, then try and get in touch with them. Why not try those unis you originally rejected? Either have a look at the places offering similar courses to those you applied for, or if that doesn’t appeal, have a look at something fresh that had always appealed as a plan B.
Once you like the look of a course, just ring the uni and speak to the relevant admissions tutors who will ask you a few questions about your grades. Tell them your module results or about any special circumstances. Sound enthusiastic and make a convincing pitch for the place. Write down beforehand why you will be suitable for the course and any questions you want to ask.
Calmly now
However, don’t leap at the first offer you get…and don’t suddenly be flattered by a college offering you a course you never would have considered before. Now is not the time to renew your hatred of the subjects you discarded at GCSE level years ago. Just like in the sales where it’s best to only buy the items you wanted at full price, ask yourself if you would have considered the clearing course or uni originally.
Most unis will have an open day soon after clearing starts and you really should be prepared to go and have a look around, especially if you have never seen the places. Just like earlier in the year, look at the course content, teaching, assessment, possible bursaries, eventual destinations, facilities, costs, accommodation, the area… You’ll be living there for at least 3 years, so you have to know you’ll like it!
A uni that wants to make you an offer will ask you to send them your completed Clearing Passport. Only do this if you’re happy to go there! Once you’ve found a place you’re happy with, send them your Clearing Passport and await confirmation of a place. All should now be well.
However if nothing takes your fancy, then hold off – and why not consider a gap year? There are so many worthy options you can consider for a year out while you reassess possible uni courses: you can earn vital money; gain invaluable work experience; retake an awkward module or two; or travel and enjoy a brief break from the academic grind. What’s another year?! Just check with unis what their retake policy is – most will value a candidate a year older, wiser and less likely to go mad when freed from school and parents!
Top Tips:
• Don’t panic!
• Don’t run away or open a bottle of something unwise to forget about it all.
• Have all your UCAS codes and paperwork at hand.
• You need a phone, internet access, pen, paper and patience.
• Have a copy of clearing vacancies accessible.
• Talk to your Head of 6th/ Careers Adviser/ family/ friends.
• Don’t just take any course offered.
• Be flexible but go with your heart and vitally…
• Visit any potential course or uni.
Clearing Offer Checklist:
• Course content.
• Facilities.
• Costs.
• Bursaries.
• Destinations.
• Accommodation.
• Assessment methods.
• Area.
Alternatives:
• Take a gap year [see our Gap section] and reapply for 2008. You could improve a module or two but check that your chosen unis allow this.
• Ask for any weak module to be remarked. After all, examiners are human, and do make mistakes.
• If you have flunked A Levels or Highers completely, consider if employment is a better option than uni initially. There is no rush to go to uni. Money, experience, sponsorship or lucky breaks may count for more.
Essential websites
www.ucas.com - everything you need to know about clearing
www.woodyswebwatch.com - home of the etc. careers guru
www.bbc.co.uk/radio1 - head to the One Life section
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