What is Clearing?
Clearing is part of the UCAS application process helping students who have not yet secured a university place to find and apply for a course.
You can apply through Clearing if:
You haven’t met the conditions of your offers from your firm or insurance choice university.
You have changed your mind from your original choice of course or university.
You haven’t yet applied to university but would like to start a course this September.
You have done better in your exams than expected and want to secure a place on a different course or at a different university through Clearing and Adjustment.
How do I apply through Clearing?
After Results Day if you decide to go into Clearing, you’ll need to speak to different universities over the phone to try and secure a place. You can call the Westminster Clearing helplines from 8 August 2024 (provided you have all your results). If you’re interested in our Clearing process, register your interest here.
Here are our top tips:
1. Research, research, research!
It’s really important to research the course and the universities you want to apply to before giving them a call. Why not make some bullet points on why you want to study the course ahead of your call? For example, you could make some notes about what in particular has sparked your interest, such as a particular module or what a recent graduate has gone on to do.
Having some notes in front of you will help you appear more confident, show you’ve done your research and will help to make a good first impression.
Speaking to others about their experience is also really important. You can also use the ‘chat with our current students’ function linked here to find out what it’s like to study at Westminster.
2. Have your details ready
Before you pick up the phone to call a Clearing helpline, make you have the following things ready:
Your UCAS ID and Clearing number (which you can find in UCAS Hub).
A full list of your qualifications, including GCSEs.
Your personal statement, so you can refer to this during your call.
A pen and paper ready to write down any notes.
3. Bring passion and purpose into why you’re choosing a particular course
Next, you’ll be asked about the course you’d like to apply for. This is your chance to really sell yourself to the clearing advisor. They’re looking to hear about why you are interested in a particular course and why you’d be a good fit. You may also be put through to speak to one of the academics from the course. Whatever the reason is, make sure you’re being authentic towards yourself! Choose a course that genuinely interests you.
4. Write down a list of questions in advance
Making sure you have a list of questions is really important, especially if you are feeling nervous on the day. For example, you could ask if the university still has any accommodation available, what sports teams and societies the university has or what students who have graduated from the course go on to do. Whilst it’s not essential to ask questions, this is a great opportunity to ensure the course you’re applying for is the right choice for you.
Psychology student Jamila says…
“Before placing my call to the Clearing hotline, my sister and I sat down and made a list of questions I had. We went through pros and cons of different unis and different courses, and what paths I would be interested in. I called up the hotline after that. I was nervous, but it was easier once I thought about it through the lens that I had nothing to lose but everything to gain. It felt more hopeful and less scary that way.”
5. Look up clearing hotline numbers ahead of results day
Make a list of universities’ clearing hotline numbers in advance so you are ready to call them on results day.
Being prepared for Clearing is key. To avoid any additional stress or panic, it’s a good idea to have already made a note of any clearing hotline numbers you want to call in advance. Having all of this information on hand will really help you on the day.
For more advice on Clearing, check out our Clearing webpage for further information.
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