Results day- for many people this is a morning filled with what ifs, but I was confident I’d be getting into my first choice University and moving there the following week.
Little did I know this wouldn’t be the case, dropping two A-level grades meant both my firm and insurance choice on UCAS made me unsuccessful as they both had the same entry requirements (not a smart move).
On the morning of results day, UCAS will only publish if you’re successful and gained a place at your firm or insurance choice, so getting to college or 6th form as early as possible to collect your results is the first step in the clearing process. Staying at college or 6th form until you have found and confirmed a place at university or at least until you’re happy with the outcome is the best idea. Staff deal with students and clearing every year and will be the best people to talk to about your options.
Secondly, don’t panic! 1000s of people (including myself), go through the clearing process every year, and there are plenty of places available on many courses and Universities all over the country.
I would then recommend looking online at the UCAS clearing site for a list of courses that are available through clearing, then at individual university webpages to look at those courses and the modules in detail. Although places are on a first-come-first-served basis during clearing, it’s important not to rush into a decision and call the university you’ve seen straight away. Have a look at a few course options, the modules on the course and how it’s assessed to ensure you’re picking the right course for you, whether that’s a different course at the original university you chose on UCAS, or a completely different uni…just don’t rush!
Finally, once you have chosen a few options give the first one a call and talk to the clearing operator about your options, and if you’re eligible for that course by meeting the entry requirements you could be given an offer straight away. They may then connect you to an academic from the course area you’re choosing, to discuss the particular course in detail, so have a few questions ready to show them your enthusiasm, it goes a long way! Once the verbal offer has been given, you’ll get an email from UCAS which will require you to accept this offer on Track, and once that is done, you’ll be enjoying welcome week in no time at all!
3 years on I have just graduated from Sheffield Hallam with a 2:1 in Environmental Science BSc (Hons), and will be starting my PGCE in Secondary Geography here in September. I can say with absolute certainty that my time at SHU has given me opportunities I would not have got elsewhere, and I am looking forward to spending another year studying here.
I will be one of the students taking calls over the clearing period, a job I really enjoy as I get to see the clearing process from a different perspective and a role you may be interested in after your first year of study!
Our clearing hotline is 0330 024 6390 and will be open from 7am on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th.
