10 Things You Might Not Know About Clearing

Clearing used to be seen as a last resort; a final panic option for a place at uni. No longer! There are loads of reasons why you might still be looking for a place, and plenty of choice out there if you know where to look. Here's everything you need to know about choosing a course through Clearing.

1. Clearing isn't about failing your exams

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You might have only just decided that you want to go to uni at all! Maybe you decided not to accept your offers, or didn't get any offers when you first applied. Or your exam results might not have gone as expected after all.

During Clearing, universities and colleges across the UK advertise places available for students who still want to study.

2. It really isn't just you

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Over 35,000 people every year find the right course for them through Clearing.

3. It's a great way to consider your options

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It's not about last-minute taking what you can get, it's a chance to think again about what and where you want to study. You can browse universities and courses and decide what's right for you.

4. You don't always have to wait until results day

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If you've got results already, but haven't received any offers, Clearing is open from July.

If you have a conditional offer and didn't get the results you were expecting, you can use Clearing from results day. Check vacancies with UCAS online or contact universities directly to see if you can get an informal offer over the phone.

Some unis let you register for Clearing before you get your results (this can be handy if you think you might not take an offer up, or you think your exams didn't go to plan).

5. Universities can contact you

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Eligible students can sign up for the UCAS Direct Contact Clearing service. If you sign up, 5 universities can contact you directly from 5 July to mid-September 2017 to let you know that they have spaces on a course suitable for you.

6. Available courses are published online and off

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Official vacancy lists appear on the UCAS website and in the Telegraph. Universities also list their Clearing places on their own websites - think about where you'd like to study and keep an eye on their Clearing pages.

7. You can check for places more than once

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Lists are constantly updated - a course that is full one day might have spaces the next. Unis are prepared for a lot of calls at this time of year, and won't mind you getting in touch more than once.

8. You can accept informal offers over the phone

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When you call universities, give them your Clearing number and UCAS personal ID so they can view your application online. Ask if they'd accept you (if it's a new course) or reconsider you (if you've applied before), and try to get an informal offer over the phone.

9. You don't have to accept an offer

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You can get a few offers during Clearing, and then decide which university or course is right for you - you don't have to say yes to the first offer you get.

Don't panic! You'll spend at least three years at uni, so don't rush into a decision. Make sure it's the right course for you, and a university you would be happy at.

10. You can find out about Clearing places available at Oxford Brookes on our website!

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