A-level grades are important to get into a chosen university course, but even if grades are not high enough to access the first or insurance choices, there is still the option of going through Clearing. Eligibility for Clearing will be clearly shown on the Track system when logged in following the results being released.
What is Clearing After A-Level Results?
Clearing is basically a large list of all the various universities and colleges which have courses left vacant. If the exams did not go well or you are unsure as to whether grades have been achieved, it is well worth taking the time to look at courses available in advance. This will save time later and it is much easier to make a decision without all the emotions attached to result's day.
It is also worth thinking about contacting universities and colleges before the results come out to get a better idea of the courses, what will be expected and to express interest. Taking time to check out websites and read up on course information will help to get ahead of the game and come across more positively when speaking to admissions.
Where to Find Clearing Information
One of the best things to do on the way to collecting your A-level results is to nip in to the newsagents and pick up a copy of the Independent. Although other papers will have information on courses, only the Independent has the full list. Having all the courses in your hands will save much time trying to get online and sifting through masses of information. There will also likely be courses in the newspaper that might be missed when going through Internet searches.
Once back at home then more information may be picked up through Internet access, making it easier to focus on key courses, rather than having to start from square one. Clearing courses are available from a whole range of universities and colleges and it may well be that you find a course even more suited through this process.
UCAS Clearing – How to Access Clearing After A-Level Results
UCAS recommend several simple steps aimed to help make accessing university courses through Clearing simpler, to include the following:
- Talk to careers advisor at school about which courses may be suitable.
- Check Clearing course vacancies on UCAS website.
- Contact universities/colleges with courses which seem interesting.
- Give admissions Clearing Number (on Tracks welcome page).
- After being offered informal offers, think about which one to accept.
- Once accepted a provisional offer, click "add clearing choice," enter course details.
As highlighted above, even if the A-level results were not what was expected, there is still the possibility of finding a suitable university course through Clearing. There are also helplines available and it is important to talk about the different options available with careers advisers and gain valuable support to help in what is often a very stressful time for many students.
Source:
UCAS Website
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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