With clearing now in full swing, many of you are busily searching for places at university for the next academic year. As with other clearing sessions from the past few years, there’ve been–and still are– some great courses available, as a result of which students’ angst at missing their grades has quickly been turned into the elation of getting a place on a fantastic course at a top-rate university.
As many of you have discovered, however, the clearing process does throw up some questions about how to navigate your way through it and what to do once you’ve accepted a place. So, whether you’re currently eye deep in university websites and prospectuses, or whether you’re just about to embark on the clearing journey, we thought we’d answer some more of your questions about how clearing works and how you can make the most of it?
How quickly should I respond to an offer I have been made through clearing?
The exact answer to this question depends on the university you’re applying to–most universities will be able to give you some guidance if you call them–but the shortest and best answer is “not that long at all.” With some places giving you as little as twenty-four hours once the offer has been made, you need to make sure you don’t leave them hanging on, otherwise they’ll withdraw it. This is why (as we talked about on last week’s blog) it’s so important to do your homework on the place and the course before you put your application in through clearing!
Can I go through clearing if I have an offer that I got the grades for but would now rather do a course I’ve found in the clearing listings instead?
The answer to this one is “yes,” though the mechanics of how you do it have become a little more confused in recent years following the introduction of UCAS Adjustment, the initiative that was set up for students in this situation. The advantage of using the Adjustment system is that you won’t lose your place from your original offer, whereas with clearing you have to be released by your firm offer first. The downside of Adjustment is that there’s no formal list of courses that are covered by it; you just have to contact the university about the course you’re interested in. They may well let you apply for a course that’s listed as available through clearing, but you’ll need to check with them directly.
Can I visit the university I’m interesting in applying to through clearing?
Not only can you do this, but we’d heartily recommend it. Many universities put on open days throughout the clearing period. And even if it turns out you’ve missed the ones held at the university you’ve got your eye on there’s nothing to stop you turning up and having a look around the campus–you won’t get a guided tour of your department if you do this, but you’ll at least get an idea for the feel of the place.
What do I need to do once I’ve accepted an offer?
Aside from having a little celebration, the most important practical step is to pay close attention to the information your university sends you about what you need to do. Probably the most pressing priority will be arranging your accommodation; your university will send you some advice on what they’ve got available and when to apply. The department you’ll be studying in may also send you a pre-course reading list to get stuck into.