Don’t despair if you didn’t get the A-Level results you were hoping for
More than 32,000 students across Northern Ireland have received their A-level and AS-level results today (Thuesday, August 14) with a record number securing their first-choice university place.
Unfortunately, not everyone will have the same news, but that doesn’t mean your university dream is over. Clearing could be your second chance.
Clearing is the UCAS system that matches applicants without an offer to universities that still have spaces available. These places often have lower grade requirements as universities want to fill the courses, so even if you didn’t meet the original entry requirements, you might still be accepted.
It can feel daunting if you didn’t get the grades you hoped for, but thousands of students every year use clearing to get into university and start an exciting new chapter.
Read on to find out more.
When is Clearing open and who can use it?
Clearing runs on UCAS from July 5 to October 21 and is open to anyone who:
- Didn’t get the grades for their firm or insurance choice
- Didn’t receive any offers
- Applied after June 30
- Changed their mind about their course or university
How to find a university place through Clearing
- Check UCAS Track – Log in to see your Clearing status.
- Search vacancies – Use the UCAS search tool for available courses. You can personalise this to you, choosing specific fields
- Contact universities directly – Some may give you an informal offer before you add them in UCAS
- Add your choice – once you have an offer you want to accept, add it through UCAS Track
If you already heart set on the university or location you want, check their website for Clearing options and call them directly.
Top tips for Clearing
- Act quickly – popular courses fill up fast
- Stay flexible – consider joint degrees or similar courses
- Be prepared – have your grades, UCAS ID and personal statement ready.
- Don’t panic – a grade on paper doesn’t define you. Success comes from what you do next and how hard you work once you get onto a course.
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