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Clearing advice: How to call Ucas on A Level results day

When it comes to actually making the phone call, for goodness sake “don’t panic!”  - Alamy
When it comes to actually making the phone call, for goodness sake “don’t panic!” - Alamy

It’s almost A-level Results Day. The big ‘R’. If you're reading this on the day itself, it probably won't come as much of a shock. Well done, or commiserations, whichever applies.

But if, for whatever reason, you find yourself in the position of needing to hop on the phone to Ucas Clearing call centres – because you’ve missed your grades, or because you’ve changed your mind – then rest assured that it is all going to be OK. Repeat: it is all going to be OK.

Clearing guide
Clearing guide

First up, Clearing is not for losers, just so you know. Do not feel like one when you make the phone call – think positively, and brightly, because things always work out in the end.

There will be a course for you, if you want to go to university that much. But this phone call is one of the most important ones you will make. Indeed, there might be more than one phone call, so you need to be prepared.

There are a few things you can do to get ahead; whether you know that you're going to be in Clearing - or even if you don't. 

The first is to create a shortlist, says Nick Hull, head of admissions at the University of Southampton. “You can’t possibly phone every university on the day you get your results, so you need a top five or a top ten to focus your search for a place,” he says.

When it comes to actually making the phone call, for goodness sake “don’t panic!” Hull says. “Every year, plenty of students make a success out of their Clearing choices.”

ucas - Credit: Jay Williams
Credit: Jay Williams

When considering options for Clearing, Hull suggests you think back to how you made your original choices. “For some this might be because it was the highest ranked place for your course, and for others it might have been a more emotional response to having visited the university. Whatever the reason, you will probably be wanting a similar experience.”

“Don’t worry if you feel emotional or nervous,” says Lynsey Hopkins, head of admissions at the University of Sheffield. “The people you speak to will be used to dealing with students in your stressful situation, and will understand.” 

Russell Roberts, head of academic services at the University of Derby, echoes Hopkins' advice.  “Take a deep breath and try not to worry. Clearing can be stressful but universities will do their best to put you at ease.”

When it comes to making the actual phone call, be calm and confident, Roberts adds. “Show your passion and make sure to let the call handler know of any relevant work experience, along with your qualifications.”

Crucially,  “remember that Clearing is not a bad thing," Roberts says. "It can have an incredibly positive outcome and open up a world of possibilities. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Below, we’ve distilled some of the best advice we’ve been given over the years into one manageable list.

Good luck. Think like Bruce Bogtrotter. Chocolate cake not essential, but advised.

Some things to remember

  • Keep everything you need close to hand when making the phone call – your UCAS Track number; a handy list of your grades, including your GCSEs; your personal statement; and the university’s UCAS number, plus also its clearing code.

  • Make notes as you go along. Sounds obvious but keep every ounce of information on a piece of paper – names, email addresses, numbers, codes etc. You’ll likely need them later on.

  • Be positive. The person in the admissions office might not be able to see you, but they’ll be able to detect your mood in your tone. Don’t be all Les Mis about it – weeping won’t help you.

  • For goodness sake make the phone call yourself. You wouldn’t ask your parents, really, would you? Well, don’t. They're not the ones going to university.

  • Don’t feel as if you have to accept a place immediately, but make sure you stick to the deadlines you’re given. No one likes a slow coach.

  • Remember that this is a two-way street: the university needs to like you, but you also need to like the university.

  • Ask every question you have. Don’t hold back, or be worried that you’re asking stupid questions because you’re not. It’s your degree so you should be in possession of all the answers.

  • It should go without saying, but, for the avoidance of doubt, don’t lie about your results. Universities can - and likely will - easily check up on you, so don’t make life harder for yourself by telling porkies.

  • Don’t settle. If you can’t find the right course, at the right university, and you’re not 100 per cent about your choice, think again. £9,250 a year is a lot of money to spend on something that you’re not going to enjoy. Don’t feel pressured to go to university right now if the course isn’t a perfect match.

Useful links

University Rankings | By subject
University Rankings | By subject