Clearing

After the announcement of A-level results, UCAS runs a process called the Clearing Vacancy Information Service (simply known as 'Clearing') to match applicants without places with courses that still have places available.

You are eligible for Clearing if:

• you have not withdrawn from the UCAS scheme

AND one of the following:

• you are not holding any offers
• you declined your offers
• your offers have not been confirmed because you have not met the conditions
• you applied too late for your application to be considered before Clearing (after the end of June)

Applying through Clearing

If you are eligible for clearing, UCAS will automatically send you a Clearing Entry Form (CEF) and an instruction leaflet.

The first thing you'll need to do is to decide which course you want to apply for - this does not have to be the same course that you applied for on your original form. Courses with vacancies are published on the UCAS web site and also in the national media (The Independent, The Independent on Sunday and The Mirror). Make a note of the courses you are interested in, find out if the content of the course meets your needs, and check that you meet the entry requirements.

You will then need to contact the institution directly, either by phone, e-mail or in person. Make sure that you do this yourself - the admissions officer will want to speak to you in person- not your parents or your teacher! You'll need to keep your Clearing Entry Form handy as you may be asked for your CEF number and your UCAS application number.

... that last year, over 60,000 students found places through Clearing?

Getting an Offer

If the college or university is happy that you meet their requirements, then they will ask you to send in your Clearing Entry Form. If you are absolutely sure that you'd accept a place on that course if it were offered to you, then fill in your CEF and post it to the institution - or better still, take it to them in person. This will give you an opportunity to visit the campus, check out the academic and social facilities, look around the Department and discuss any questions you may have with the staff. However, if you're not convinced that this is the right course for you do not send in your CEF, politely explain the situation and carry on contacting other institutions.

After the college or university has considered your CEF, they will either make you an offer or they will return the form back to you. If you decide to accept their offer, contact them immediately to let them know. They will then inform UCAS, who will write to you to confirm your place. You will then be fully committed to taking up that place and you will not be permitted to seek a place elsewhere. If you decline the offer, then the institution will return your CEF to you so that you may apply for courses elsewhere.