Clearing can be a challenging and stressful time for families and support networks, as well as applicants. Here are some useful tips to help you prepare, so you can provide the right advice and support, and ensure the best possible choice is made.
What is Clearing?
Clearing is part of the UCAS application process and helps students who have not yet secured a university place to find and apply for a course. Applying through Clearing can be a good option for students who:
- have missed out on their firm or insurance university choices
- have done better than expected in their results
- have changed their mind about the course they’d like to study or the university they’d like to go to
- have not yet applied to university for this September
Clearing begins on 5 July 2024 and continues until the end of August, or until all courses are full. As soon as the student has received all of their results, they can apply for a course through Clearing.
If they are studying alternative qualifications like the Access to HE Diploma, BTEC, International Baccalaureate, or T Levels, they don’t need to wait until A Level results day – they can apply as soon as they have their results.
The University of Westminster works with selected representatives overseas. These are listed on our country pages alongside information about entry requirements and qualification equivalencies.
How to help them prepare for Clearing
Results day can be hectic. If Clearing is a likely option for the student, encourage them to make a list of the courses and universities they are considering in advance. Having these details ready, including the universities’ contact numbers, will make it easier for them to work through their list of choices when the Clearing lines open.
They should have the following things to hand when they call:
- Their UCAS number
- Results of all their academic qualifications, including GCSEs
- English language qualifications (for international students)
The student may need to speak to an academic as part of the Clearing process, so make sure they are prepared for any questions they may be asked (or any questions they might want to ask).
What to do when the student gets their results
If the student already has all of their results, they can apply now.
On A Level results day (15 August), the first thing to do when they have their results is to call our Clearing hotline. They’ll first speak to our Clearing team, and then if necessary, an academic on their course. Most course offers during Clearing are made over the phone.
If the phone lines are busy, you can hold their place in the queue, but we can’t discuss their application with you, so we’ll need to speak to them as soon as we answer.
Staff will also be available to talk to students about accommodation and any other student support service they may need following an offer.
Find out more about the University of Westminster
If you don't know much about the University of Westminster, now is the perfect time to get to know us better.
You can:
- Find out how we support students in getting career-ready on our Employability pages
- Read about our wide range of student support services, from personal tutors to health and wellbeing services
- Find out more about our student accommodation and take a virtual tour of our halls. Or get in touch with our student accommodation team at [email protected], or call us on 0207 911 5000 ext 65817 and 66127