Thinking about Clearing?
Here's our step-by-step guide for how to apply to uni through UCAS Clearing 
What is UCAS Clearing?
Clearing is the way that universities and colleges fill any places that they still have left on their courses.
You can use Clearing if:
➟ you’re applying after 5th July
➟ you didn’t receive any offers or you didn’t want to accept them
➟ you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers (you didn’t achieve the correct exam results)
➟ You did better than expected and want to ‘trade up’ to another course or another university
📣Have you got a specific question about clearing? Head over to our ‘UCAS Clearing FAQs’ to see if your question has been answered!
How to use UCAS Clearing:
1. Start searching!
Using UCAS’s search tool, you can start to have a look around at what other options are available.
2. Consider different options 🤔
You don’t have to stick with your original choices, if you’re in clearing you can pick any of the courses that are open! There might even be joint-honours choices available which will allow you to study two subjects at once.
You don’t have to stick with your original choices, if you’re in clearing you can pick any of the courses that are open! There might even be joint-honours choices available which will allow you to study two subjects at once.
It’s worth talking to someone like your tutor at school/college or your parents/guardians about what your options are and what you might be good at.
👉Check out our ’10 alternative subjects to studying Medicine or Dentistry’ for some inspiration 👈
3. Contact Universities
This is crucial: BEFORE you add a Clearing Choice into UCAS Track, CONTACT the university!! (You’ll need your Clearing Number, grades & personal statement to hand.)
Ask if they’d accept you (or if they’d reconsider you if you’ve already been rejected) and GET A VERBAL OFFER OVER THE PHONE.
Use our University Virtual Tours list to explore the uni online to make sure it’s where you can see yourself.
👋Worried about making THAT phone call? Calm your nerves and read our blog ‘How to talk to admissions tutors during clearing’👋
4. Add your Choice to Track ✅
Once you’ve got a verbal offer that you’re happy with and the university has agreed, add in the details to UCAS Track BY THE DEADLINE THAT THEY’VE SET YOU. Note: You can only add ONE choice at a time!
5. Wait for confirmation ⏱️
All that’s left to do is to wait for the uni to confirm your place – they should give you an idea of how long this will take when you call them but it could take up to 5 days on UCAS and even longer for the letter to arrive so hold on!!
📣Results season can be a stressful time for students. Read our ‘Looking After Yourself During Results Season’ blog for tips and advice📣
So, there you go! Now you know how to apply to uni through UCAS clearing! Good luck! If you need any more support or information, head to our A Level Results Day page!
Before you leave, take 5 mins and reflect on what you’ve learnt from this
- What surprised you? What was expected?
- Do you feel you have a better understanding of how to tackle clearing?
- Do you know what you need to do to prepare?
Make a note of these reflections to help you on your journey towards your future.