Clearing: a general guide

Related story: choosing your uni/college

Urgh, its here again. Results day. That mixed moment of torment and excitement when you find out where you'll be spending the next three or four years of your life. So you've opened that envelope, what happens next? StudentUK explains.

Quick navigation: Making the grade | Clearing | How to apply | Further help |

Scenario one: making the grade Going firm: got the grades for your Firm (F) choice? Simple. You're in. You'll be sent a letter of confirmation. Just make sure you return the reply slip to the relevant university or college. If you don't, you could lose your place.

Well-insured: dropped a grade or two? Check to see if you've done enough to get your Insurance (I) place. If you have, you'll receive a confirmation letter. Be sure to return the reply slip.

Talk to the hand: don't want your F or I choice? Here's the bad news. You have to take it or drop out of this year's scheme altogether. You can't even enter Clearing. It's tough, but those are the rules.

Not exactly: even if you don't have the exact grades you could still be offered a place by your F or I choice. Ring the relevant admissions department, but be prepared to be patient.

Changing places: you may still be offered a place at your F or I choice of university/college, but on a different course. You don't have to accept this offer. UCAS will send you a letter outlining your options. Decide from there.

Blow out: what happens if you stuff up your grades and don't get any sort of offer? Don't panic. You're eligible for Clearing. Here's what you do.

Scenario two: Clearing What is Clearing? It is a nationwide system whereby students who haven't already secured an offer of a place at a university or college can find courses.

When does it happen? Times vary, but here are some approximate dates: 30 June onwards: for students who have their results but don't have an offer of a place. This excludes students awaiting the publication of A level, AS Level or Highers, Advanced Highers or CSYS. 13 August onwards: applicants holding Scottish Qualifications who do not have an offer of a place or missed their F and I choices. 14 August onwards: for A level and AS Level applicants who don't have an offer of a place or have missed their F and I choices.

How do I look for Clearing courses? Lists of vacancies will be published. Times and places vary: 14 August - 20 September: UCAS website An interactive service that is updated daily throughout Clearing. 13 August: Scotland only. In the Independent and Independent on Sunday. 14 - 23 August: nationwide in the Independent and Independent on Sunday. 14 August: regional listings in the Daily Mirror (You'll also be able to find university contact details in Student UK's "Pick Your Campus" Guide.) Phone the relevant admissions departments to discuss the Clearing places you're interested in.

How do I apply? If you've missed your F and I choices, you'll automatically be sent a Clearing Entry Form (CEF) with instructions. Be patient - you don't need to contact UCAS to get one and you don't need one to start searching for your Clearing course. But universities and colleges will not be able to confirm agreements to admit you until they have receive: your Clearing applicant number (printed on the CEF) the original CEF.

Remember: your CEF can only be considered by one university at a time. They will require the original. Be sure you're prepared to take a place at an institution before submitting your CEF. Getting it returned will delay further applications. Take advice from your school/careers advisor before making any firm decisions.

Further help

UCAS Helpline: 01242 227788 Open from 14 August to 7 September. (You'll need your UCAS application number ready)

UCAS on-line applicant enquiry service: Found on the UCAS website. Anyone who has made an application through UCAS can check out their details and see how it's going on here. It'll also save you time as it takes you direct to your personal application. To go there, click here.

BBC Onelife: results Hotline: 0808 100 8000 offering advice, instant updates, latest course vacancies.