Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Clementine Wade, an education consultant and content creator, offers practical advice for students preparing for clearing. She recommends that students map out all the potential results they might receive and plan alternatives accordingly. For instance, depending on the grades achieved and places available, a student might consider studying physics at Sussex if they achieve AAA, at Aberystwyth with BBC, or at Nottingham Trent with CCD.
Students completing BTecs, T-levels, or other qualifications can determine how many UCAS points their results translate to by using the tariff calculator available on the UCAS website. UCAS also provides a search tool where students can filter course options by year of study, type of course, and crucially, courses with clearing vacancies. This search tool remains the official and most current list of available spots during clearing.
For those uncertain about their initial course choice and considering a change, Wade stresses the importance of discussing options with trusted advisers, such as family members or teachers. She advises reflecting on the reasons behind the original choice and what is prompting the reconsideration. Wade notes that many students who enter clearing are first-time university applicants.
One such example is Haadi Nasir, a student at the University of Manchester. Initially planning to take a gap year after his A-levels and not applying to university, he changed his mind after his family and friends encouraged him, following his excellent grades. On results day, aided by his A-level teachers, Nasir completed a UCAS form, applied to six universities via clearing, and ultimately selected the University of Manchester to study politics and modern history. He highlights that clearing allows applicants to apply to more universities than the standard UCAS application limit of five, which helped to reduce his stress. Nasir advises those undecided about university to submit a UCAS application “just in case” to alleviate the pressure on results day, a strategy Wade supports. She adds that having a referee in place early is important since the UCAS application requires a teacher’s reference before submission.
Nasir reflects that better preparation for clearing would have been helpful and suggests making notes about each university’s location, accommodation options, and costs. He also emphasizes the need to confirm eligibility for courses before applying, pointing out that some universities, like his, require specific A-level subjects.
On results day, UCAS updates its system at 8:00 am, allowing students to see their acceptance status for their firm choice, sometimes before knowing their actual grades. However, Wade advises students to resist the urge to check UCAS immediately. She recommends waiting until results are in hand to make clear, calm decisions rather than experiencing prolonged anxiety. Jamie Bradford, head of future students at Leicester De Montfort University, agrees, highlighting that discussions about clearing are more productive once students have their results. He notes that before selecting a clearing choice on UCAS, students must contact the university or college with their clearing number and personal ID for verification.
Bradford observes that many students focus solely on securing an offer without engaging in meaningful discussions about the course or university environment. He stresses that since university is a significant commitment of three or more years, students should inquire about course details, campus life, and accommodation availability. He advises students to prioritize their needs and goals, emphasizing that the right fit between student and course matters more than simply obtaining an offer.
Wade encourages students to carefully review their alternatives, discuss offers and student finance options with universities, and then take time to consult with someone they trust before making a final decision. She also underscores the importance of having the confidence to contact universities directly. “I know it feels scary, but you are the client, you do get to ask these questions,” she says. Wade explains that students don’t have to ask outright if they can get on a particular course; they can simply inquire about what courses might be available. She reassures that universities need these students and are ready to help. Some institutions, including Leicester De Montfort, even offer clearing support via WhatsApp in addition to phone calls
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.