Tens of thousands of sixth form pupils across the UK are today finding out how they did in the first exams held since the coronavirus pandemic.
With results day upon us, some students may be feeling disappointed having not received the A level results they were hoping for.
A number of universities are renowned for having strict entry requirements for their courses, which all depend on the grades you get in your A level exams. If you didn't meet the requirements for the university you were hoping for, try not to worry too much, there are other options.
READ MORE: How the Royal Family did in their A levels - including Princes William and Harry, Kate and Meghan
UCAS allows students to go through a process known as Clearing which helps students in a wide variety of positions secure a place at university. Students can use the clearing process to see what courses or universities might be available to them if they need a plan B.
We've broken down everything you need to know about UCAS Clearing now that you have your final exam results.
How does Clearing work?
Clearing matches potential students to university places that are not yet filled. Any applicant who has made a UCAS Undergraduate application and doesn't have any offers, or any they want to accept, can go through Clearing.
Clearing only runs for a limited amount of time from July 5 to October 19 and you could be eligible if you meet the following:
- You're making an application after June 30
- You have either not received any offers or have only received ones you don't want to accept
- You failed to meet the conditions of your offers
- You've paid the multiple choice application fee £26.50
- You've declined your place offer
You'll know you're in Clearing if your application status says 'You are in Clearing' or 'Clearing has started'.
How to use Clearing
If you're eligible, you can add a Clearing choice on results day. You can do so from 3pm.
Making use of Clearing is relatively simple, UCAS provides its own search tool which can help you find any available courses you would be interested in. Once you've found a place you're interested in, call the university to confirm that you meet the entry requirements and there are still places available.
The university may ask you for your Clearing number (you can find this in your application), and your Personal ID, so they can look you up. Your Clearing number will show under ‘Application status’ in your application.
If they offer you a place and you want to accept it, then you can add the Clearing choice in your UCAS application via the 'Add Clearing choice' button. Make sure you fill in the details of your selected course by the date the university/college provided on the phone.
This counts as you definitely accepting the offer, so if they confirm, it'll show as an acceptance on your 'Choices' page in your application. You may only add one Clearing choice at a time.
Furthermore, if you only applied for one choice in your original application, you'll need to pay an additional £4.50 to go through the Clearing process.
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