How to Succeed in the Clearing Process

So, results day hasn’t gone to plan. You didn’t quite get the grades for your first or second choice university, and now you’re wondering what to do next. Don’t panic!

UCAS Clearing gives students a second chance to secure a university place if they haven’t been accepted by their original choices. Thousands of students successfully find great university places through Clearing every year. If you approach the process strategically, you could still end up on a fantastic course at a great university.

Here’s everything you need to know about navigating Clearing and increasing your chances of success.

What is Clearing?

Clearing is a UCAS system designed to match students who don’t have a confirmed university place with courses that still have vacancies. You’ll be eligible for Clearing if:

✅ You didn’t meet the conditions of your firm or insurance choice.
✅ You didn’t receive any offers when you applied.
✅ You declined all your offers or changed your mind about your chosen universities.
✅ You applied after 30 June (any applications submitted after this date automatically enter Clearing).

Universities may lower their grade requirements for Clearing applicants, meaning you might still get onto a course with fewer UCAS points than originally advertised. However, places are limited, especially for competitive courses, so it’s essential to act quickly.

Top Tips for Winning the Clearing Race

Prepare for Clearing Before Results Day

If you’re worried about your results, start researching potential alternative courses and universities before results day.

✔️ Look for similar subjects – for example, if you applied for Business Studies, consider Business Management, Marketing, or Business Information Systems.
✔️ Check university websites for historical Clearing trends – some universities consistently have spaces available in certain subjects.
✔️ Make a list of universities with courses you’d be happy to study so you can move quickly if needed.

💡 Pro Tip: Some universities offer Clearing priority lists, allowing you to pre-register interest before results day. Sign up if possible!

Get Your Results as Early as Possible

On results day, collect your grades early so you can begin contacting universities as soon as Clearing opens. The best courses get snapped up quickly, so being among the first to apply increases your chances of success.

✔️ Log in to UCAS Hub early to check your application status.
✔️ If you’ve been rejected by your choices, Clearing automatically becomes available to you.

If you’re very close to the required grades for your firm choice, it’s also worth calling them to see if they might still accept you before you move on to Clearing.

Search for Courses on UCAS and University Websites

Once you know you’re in Clearing, act fast:

✔️ Use the UCAS Clearing search tool to find available courses. This updates regularly, so keep checking back.
✔️ Go directly to university websites, as some institutions advertise Clearing spaces before UCAS updates.
✔️ Consider a wider range of locations—don’t limit yourself unnecessarily.
✔️Check new grade requirements—universities may be more flexible depending on course availability.

Call Universities Immediately

Unlike your original UCAS application, Clearing is first-come, first-served. If you see a course you’re interested in:

📞 Call the university admissions team ASAP.
🔎 Have your UCAS ID, exam results, and any relevant information ready.
💬 Be prepared to answer questions about why you’re interested in the course.
📝 Take notes on what the university says, including deadlines for accepting offers.

You don’t have to accept an offer immediately, but places fill up fast, so if you’re interested, act quickly.

Visit the University (If Possible)

Before accepting an offer, try to visit the university—many institutions offer Clearing open days.

✔️ Check out the campus, accommodation, and student support services.
✔️ Talk to current students to get a feel for university life.
✔️ Make sure you feel comfortable—you’ll be spending several years there!

If visiting isn’t possible, explore virtual tours or speak to student ambassadors online.

Stay Calm and Don’t Settle for the Wrong Choice

It’s easy to feel rushed and pressured in Clearing, but remember:

❌ Don’t accept an offer just because it’s available.
✔️ Make sure the course and university are a good fit for you.
✔️ If you’re unsure, take time to consider your options—you don’t have to rush into a decision on results day.

If you don’t find a suitable place, other options include:
🔹Taking a gap year and reapplying next year with improved grades.
🔹Considering alternative qualifications (such as a foundation year or degree apprenticeships).
🔹Exploring universities abroad, as some international institutions accept UK students through Clearing-style processes.

Final Thoughts: You Can Still End Up Somewhere Amazing!

Clearing might not have been part of your original plan, but it’s an incredible opportunity to find a university that’s right for you. Many students go through Clearing and end up loving their university experience.

✔️ Stay positive and proactive—there are plenty of great courses out there.
✔️Act fast, but make a considered decision—Clearing is competitive, but your happiness matters.
✔️Remember, it’s not a failure—it’s just another route to university.

🎓 Good luck! Your perfect university place could still be out there waiting for you. 😊