Top 10 Tips For Applying Through Clearing

It's A-level results day on Thursday 18th August 2016 - this can be a stressful time for even the most chilled students, especially if you've just missed out on the grades you were hoping for. Don’t panic! London South Bank University have your back with these top 10 tips for applying for university courses through Clearing.

1. Make sure you're at home on A-level results day

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Thursday 18th August 2016 is when you'll receive your A-level results. Did you get the results you were hoping for? Well done! Do you need to go through Clearing? Head home, put your focus-hat on and start planning your next steps!

2. Make sure your personal statement is up-to-date

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Have you achieved something WOW-worthy in the past few weeks? The path you pictured yourself taking before may have changed a little, so why not give your personal statement a bit of a polish? Make sure your desire to continue learning shines through, too.

3. Bookmark your favourites so you don't forget them

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Results day will probably feel a little hectic already, so plan ahead by bookmarking your fave universities, like our very own London South Bank University, and any specific courses that catch your eye.

4. Have an 'important details' list ready

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There are lots of details to remember throughout the Clearing process. Get them all on one sheet of paper to save yourself the frantic panic of looking for them mid-conversation. Here are a few to include:

* your own contact details
* your login details for UCAS Track
* your Clearing number from UCAS Track
* your A-level, AS-level and GCSE results, including module marks
* your personal statement
* a list of favourite universities, specific courses and Clearing contact details
* questions you would like to ask the course tutor (see number 9)

5. The early bird catches the… university course

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Set your alarm for an early start on A-level results day. Courses during Clearing get snapped up fast and, If you're going through Clearing, a university is less likely to believe you have untapped potential if you're half-asleep at 3pm and can’t remember your name or UCAS number..! ;-)

6. Find a quiet spot to work from

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It sounds like a minor detail, but imagine being mid-discussion about a course you're interested in, only to be interrupted by a dodgy wi-fi connection, crackling signal or the intermittent truck horns from the main road outside. Find somewhere quiet with a table, phone charger and plenty of healthy snacks with water. After all, a calm, composed voice will make a far better impression over the phone.

7. Go to UCAS Search for Clearing 2016 listings

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Visit UCAS search, tick the 'Clearing 2016' box and get comfortable with how the page works as soon as possible. On Results Day, this is where all the Clearing courses will be stored and kept up-to-date.

8. Make the Clearing call yourself

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Clearing is a difficult time for most students - it can even be quite upsetting for some! However, asking mum to make Clearing calls for you doesn't look great to your potential tutors. Take a deep breath, believe in yourself and have a chat about the course and what you’re looking for. Take notes, too (and anything else that mum might do). You can give LSBU a call for free on 0800 923 8888.

9. Plan your questions (and prepare to be asked some)

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Avoid asking questions where the answer has already been listed on the university's website; grab these answers during your research (see number 3). After all, this isn't just a chance for tutors to work out if you're right for their course, but whether the course and university is right for you.

10. Keep calm and breathe

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You've got this. Nerves are perfectly normal, but we need to avoid rushed, rash decisions for the sake of getting into any old university. Embody the almighty sloth, keep a cool head and you'll make the right decision for you.

If you've received your A-level exam results and don't yet hold a university offer, you can use Clearing to apply directly to LSBU for a full-time undergraduate place. Give us a call for free on 0800 923 8888, email us via [e-mail] or visit our website's Clearing pages here: fal.cn/ESoI.