Thursday 14th August 2014 is D-Day as far as A-level students are concerned. 55,000 students are predicted to go through clearing this year. Only one in three will gain the place they wanted, so speed is vital as competition is high to secure the best remaining places. Anxious parents on standby can arm themselves with advice and top tips from universitycompare.com founder Owen O’Neill to help guide their children through the process:
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What is Clearing?
Clearing is when students do not receive the grades they were predicted in their AS/A Levels or BTECs. Even if students didn’t get the grades for their conditional offers, Clearing gives them the opportunity to get a spot on another course that is available.
Why is my child in Clearing?
Students enter clearing because they didn’t get the grades they were predicted. Students can also be in Clearing if they declined their offers from universities, didn’t receive any offers from their universities or decided to change their choices completely. Students have the chance to apply via Clearing until 20th September.
What do I need to know?
1. Plan ahead
Research other options in advance of Thursday and make a hit-list together with your child of alternative courses and universities. Some universities may also display their vacancies early so keep your eyes peeled a few days before results day.
2. Organisation is key
Keep university clearing hotline numbers at the ready or download universitycompare.com’s iPhone App and dial straight from a smartphone. Universities will be bombarded with phone calls from 9am.
3. Don’t call on behalf of your children
Talking directly to Course leaders allows your child to express their passion for the course and their desire to study at that university. Have two phone lines available - one for outgoing calls and one for incoming calls – if your child is talking to one university and another calls back, you can take a message.
4. Foundation Degree
There are other options if their chosen university rejects them for the degree course they want to study. A foundation degree would allow them to secure the good grades required and then upgrade to the full degree at the end of their second year.
5. It isn’t all about grades
It may be that the course is under-subscribed, so it might still possible to negotiate a place. A strong portfolio of work and any relevant experience can really impress, as can arranging an interview face to face.
6. Written Confirmation
Always ask for written confirmation of a verbal offer in the form of a letter or email. This inevitably rules out any confusion about whether the place was officially offered etc.
7. Regularly check UCAS
Bear in mind that offers from universities typically last for a maximum of 48 hours, before they offer the place to someone else, so ensure that you have checked your UCAS.
8. Adjustment
It isn’t always about not making the right grades. Last year there was a new installment in Clearing, which is Adjustment. Adjustment is the opposite of Clearing. If your child achieves higher grades than expected they are able to change their university choices and apply for a course with higher grade requirements.
For more information, visit: www.universitycompare.com
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