Guide to Clearing 2018: Everything you need to know

Every year, tens of thousands of graduates achieve a university place during Clearing despite missing their offer or because their results are better than expected.

Here’s your guide to Clearing and making sure you achieve the right university place for you.

What is Clearing and who is it for?

Clearing is the opportunity to gain a university place for 2018 entry for people who don’t hold an offer or have changed their mind about where they want to study.

There are lots of reasons for choosing a University place during Clearing. The most common ones are:

· Missing out on required grades

· Changing mind on institution

· Applying for the first time

· Achieved higher grades than expected

When am I actually in Clearing?

Your UCAS status will tell you what position you are in and whether you are now in Clearing.

If you are, stay calm, the world is at your feet. You still have a choice of thousands of vacancies – and our friendly experts at University of Sunderland will be more than happy to talk to you about what they can offer as well as offer support and advice.

I have just missed out on my first choice, is it worth calling to see if my place is still available?

Yes, it’s definitely worth contacting your first choice university to discuss your options. It’s also worth keeping an open mind: get on the phone, social media or the website of your chosen university and discover the opportunities open to you.

So, I need to consider the options open to me?

Yes, decisions need to be made. Do you want to study the same subject at a different university? Or are you considering a change in subject and sticking to your chosen university?

At the University of Sunderland, you can contact us in several different ways and we will let you know what alternative options are available.

We don’t want you to jump in without thinking through and knowing exactly what your options are – the course has to be right for you

Where can I get advice?

Universities will have teams of admissions officers on the end of the phone and online. They are used to the ups and downs of exam results day, so don’t be afraid to communicate with them.

The University of Sunderland Clearing hotline - 0191 515 3000 – opens on 16 August, but you don’t need to wait until then for help and advice, you can contact us on that number at any time.

Remember to try and keep a pen and paper handy to jot down information you may not remember.

Stay cool and keep a clear head

Once you’ve decided what you want to do and where you want to go you need to get a verbal offer from a university. Then you can log in to UCAS Track, click on “Add Clearing Choice” and add course details. Places do go fast and UCAS make live updates online.

If I receive multiple offers via Clearing, can I put them all into UCAS Track?

You can only add one Clearing choice at a time to Track.

If the university doesn't confirm your place, you can then add another.

I’ve actually ended up with better grades than I was predicted, what now?

Well done! Your place will be confirmed by your first choice university. Check if you are eligible for any scholarships - for instance Sunderland offer a £2,000 Excellence Scholarship for students achieving ABB or higher.

Does going through Clearing affect getting my student loan?

Once you have secured a place through Clearing, you need to turn your attention to your student loan application.

If you have already applied for funding but changed your course or university, you need to update your details as soon as possible.

If you have made your first application through Clearing and have not applied for finance yet, you need to apply now to give yourself the best chance possible of receiving your first loan in time for starting your course.

There is a possibility that you will not receive your loan in time for the start of the year.

What support is the University of Sunderland offering?

If you’d like to discuss starting university in September 2018 or already have an offer, why not pop in and chat to the team at our Clearing event on Thursday 16 August in the Gateway at City Campus (SR1 3SD) from 3pm – 6.30pm, and you can chat to an academic about your course; find out about any scholarships that you can apply for, and have a look around the campus you will be studying at. We'll also have someone on hand to give you information about accommodation.

What If I can’t make that date?

No problem, you can register for the University of Sunderland’s main University Open Day on Saturday, 18 August.

Can I apply now?

Yes, you should be able to get into the Clearing application system for most universities – here’s the link to Sunderland.

Can I sort this out over the phone and is there a hotline number?

Yes, universities will have teams of people staffing the phones throughout Clearing. To talk to the University of Sunderland ring our dedicated Clearing hotline 0191 515 3000. The hotline is open between 7am and 7pm on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 August; 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday 18 August; 10am to 2pm on Sunday 19 August; and 9am to 5pm from Monday 20 August onwards.

I’m still not sure what exact course I should apply for

There’s plenty to choose from. Take a look at the list of options here at the University of Sunderland.

I haven’t applied to University at all – is Clearing for me?