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What to do in the morning

UCAS Track on results day

TSR Wiki > University > Applying to University > UCAS Track on results day

What happens to UCAS Track before Results Day?

Track will be 'frozen' from 27 July to 4 August (while the Scottish results are processed) and from 10 August 2011 until the morning of 18 August 2011. This means that applicants will not be able to change any details on their application. Track records will also not be updated to show any changes. So, if you need to clarify any information or make any changes, you will need to contact UCAS direct. UCAS forwards results it receives from the exam boards for the following qualifications to the universities over the weekend before Results Day. AAT NVQ Level 3 in Accounting AQA Baccalaureate British Horse Society - Horse Knowledge and Care Stage 3, Riding Stage 3, Preliminary Teacher's Certificate BTEC o National Award, Certificate and Diploma o HNC/HND o National Certificate and National Diploma in Early Years - Theory/Practical CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) o Special Papers (overseas applicants only, winter results only) o Advanced Level, Advanced Subsidiary o Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma o Higher 1, Higher 2 and Higher 3 Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CCEA) Diploma in Fashion Retail (ABC) Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) (ABC, Edexcel, WJEC) EDI Level 3 Certificates in Accounting and Accounting (IAS) Extended Project Free Standing Mathematics (AQA and OCR Level 3) GCE Advanced and Advanced Subsidiary (Single and Double Awards), 9 Unit Awards and Advanced Extension Award (this means A and AS levels) Higher Sports Leader Award ifs School of Finance Certificate and Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) International Baccalaureate (Diploma and Certificate) Irish Leaving Certificate Key Skills (Levels 2, 3 and 4) Music examinations grades 6-8 (ABRSM, LCM, Trinity) OCR o National Certificates, Diplomas and Extended Diplomas (all at National Qualifications Framework level 3 only) o iPRO Certificate and Diploma

o Mathematics STEP Papers I, II & III Speech and Drama - grades 6, 7 & 8 (ESB, LAMDA, LCM and Trinity Guildhall) SQA o Highers, Advanced Highers o Intermediate 2 o HNC/HND o Core Skills o Skills for Work Welsh Baccalaureat

If your qualifications aren't in this list then you are responsible for sending your results to your universities as soon as you receive them. Contact the universities directly or look on their website to see how to do this. If the results from the exam boards can't be reconciled with what's on your UCAS application it can cause delays in establishing whether or not you have met your offer/s and confirming your place, e.g. if the name on your exam entry and on your UCAS do not match exactly. Universities process the results and confirm their decision (i.e. confirmed place/unsuccessful) to UCAS electronically. In cases where the outcome is unclear (e.g. the offer has been missed, but not by much; or results are missing or can't be matched up) the university may not have been able to make a decision and so nothing will go to UCAS at this stage. If your Track still shows 'conditional' then it is the universities that you will need to contact first, not UCAS. The decisions made by the universities are received by UCAS and collated for uploading on to Track in time for Results Day. This is why Track is frozen in the few days beforehand. UCAS and the universities only receive AS and A level grades and AS and A level module grades. They do not receive any details of UMS marks.

When will Track open again?

UCAS Track is usually available from around 8am on Results Day, it's often a little (i.e. an hour or so) earlier but it may be later. There is no point in staying up and checking Track from one minute past midnight, hoping that something will happen; it won't. Instead, you would do much better to try and get some sleep, as you may need to be particularly on the ball if your results aren't what you hope for/expect. Once it is back up, if your status hasn't changed, it won't until midday at the earliest, so constantly refreshing the site is pointless and simply blocks things up for everyone else. If you haven't met your offer and Track hasn't updated then you will need to call the universities directly to see if they will still accept you. If you have made your offer but it still hasn't updated then relax and only call the university if it still hasn't updated on the Friday, to make sure that everything is ok.

What will Track show me?

Assuming that your universities have made a decision in your case, AND have sent this on to UCAS, Track can only show you if you have been accepted by your firm or insurance choice. Track will not show you your grades. If your Track shows no change, the main reasons for this will be: your firm and insurance universities haven't got around to your application yet or haven't yet told UCAS of their decision.

some of your results are missing and/or cannot be matched up with your UCAS application details. you have missed your offer/s and the universities concerned have not reached a decision (or they have but have not passed it on to UCAS yet)

In either case, you will need to be ready to contact the universities directly once you have your results to hand, if you have not met your offer. See also the Guide to results day and PQ's post here. Don't forget that if your offer is also conditional upon a GCSE grade, even if you have met all other requirements, your Track won't update for 18 August. Remember too that you need to send the GCSE result/s direct to the unis as soon as possible; UCAS won't do this for you.

What words will Track use?

On your choices page, the "decision" column will change. Since you have already chosen your firm and insurance, your Track choices page should reflect this. If one offer changes to Unconditional [UF or UI], this means you have gained a place there. o If this is your firm choice, your insurance might not have updated to "unconditional" as well. Since you will not be going to your insurance, because you have been accepted by your firm choice, this doesn't matter. o If this is your insurance, and your firm has updated to "unsuccessful", this means that you have missed your firm offer and they are unable to take you. However, you have a place at your insurance. o If this is your insurance, and your firm is still showing "conditional", either your firm has been slow in confirming your place or they are still deciding about you. In this case, you will need to get your results and contact the uni concerned as soon as possible. If both your firm and insurance have updated to Unsuccessful then you have missed your offers for both and have not been accepted at either. o This will mean you are entered into Clearing. Your Track page will be updated to show that you are eligible for Clearing and will show your Clearing number which you will need to give to any uni you contact about a Clearing Place. If a choice updates to UCC (Unconditional Changed Course), you have missed the required grades for your offer, but your university is offering you a place on a similar course with lower requirements. o You do not have to accept this alternative, but you have five days to do so, and may wish to contact the university direct to discuss it.

You may wish to read further information on what to do next, in A Level results day

Should I check Track before I collect my results?

Many school and college advisers are concerned that logging in early to Track is all very well if the news is good, but if the news is disappointing they would rather be on hand to support you through deciding what to do. In the end it's up to you. Don't let yourself be pressurised, by all your TSR mates who are logging in and posting the results, into doing the same if you would rather not. It may help to decide in advance what you want to do, bearing in mind the possible outcomes: The good news is that you find out early whether you have a confirmed place at your Firm, though this doesn't necessarily mean that you got your grades.

The slightly less good news is that you find out you got in to your Insurance, but not to your Firm, or that you have got in to your Firm but for a different course (you don't have to accept this alternative, though). The less good news is that you may find that nothing has changed or only your insurance offer has been updated (see above for possible reasons for this), which leaves you in 'no man's land' until you can get hold of your results and start ringing unis to find out why your place hasn't been confirmed/plead your case as appropriate. The really bad news is that you may find that you have been unsuccessful for both choices, so that you are now in Clearing. Again, you are in 'no man's land' until you can get hold of your actual results and see what's what.

It is also possible that you will find that your Track hasn't changed at all - this is not that unusual and does not necessarily mean bad news. The only thing you can do in this case is get hold of your results ASAP so that you can see whether you have met your offer/s.

RESULTS

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A guide on tackling just about anything
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on the day

Guide to A Level Results Day What to do on Results Day

So, you wake up bright and early on the morning of August 18th (the 4th if you're in Scotland). After you've had your breakfast, you set off out to collect your results. But hang on, you need to take a few things with you! Mobile phone (charged and topped up) Pen/pencil Writing paper/notepad Calculator (in case something goes wrong and your modules aren't added up) Results slips from AS (ditto, and also in case you need to phone a uni and plead you can say "but I got X on these modules") UCAS/uni letter (so you've got all your info including UCAS number handy, and also so you don't panic thinking "was my offer AAAA or AAAa") Contact details for your firm and insurance Copy of personal statement and your reference if you have it Contact details for your referee (and if you think it's likely you'll go into Clearing permission from your referee to pass on their details to universities) Cheque book, for bribing university admissions staff... Obviously not, you will however need it to pay for any re-marks you need doing and the sooner they are sent off the better.

I strongly advise buying a copy of The Telegraph before you get your results. The Telegraph is the official newspaper which will publish the vacancies available in Clearing this year (2011 entry), although other newspapers may publish smaller regional guides or run adverts for a specific university. The listings are also available online, but if you're entering Clearing it's actually more useful to browse through the newspaper version - you're more likely to notice similar or interesting courses that wont show up on the UCAS Course Search. Once you've opened your results, there are a few things that could happen. Try not to panic, no matter what happens to you.

You've made your firm offer!

Congratulations! Go and tell your friends. Phone your Auntie Mabel. Heck, even phone the BBC if you have to. But do not phone your first choice university unless they've asked you to confirm anything in advance. Leave the lines free for those who haven't met their offers and are panicking. UCAS Track may take a while to update, so don't be too concerned if it hasn't updated straight away. If it hasn't updated by Friday morning, phone the university to check everything is OK. The day Track shows your place is confirmed, UCAS will put your AS12 letter in the post. Read it carefully and follow the instructions. Some universities don't need you to do anything, but others do. The letter explains exactly what you are required to do. Either way, keep the letter safe, as you'll need it as proof for bank accounts and things like that. You can also read the TSR Freshers' Pack to check you haven't missed anything.

The Adjustment Period

If you have met and exceeded the requirements for your firm offer, you can consider whether to look around for a place at a different university, usually one with higher entry requirements. This is called 'Adjustment' and is optional. Exceeding your offer means that you must meet and exceed the conditions that are stated in your firm choice offer (i.e. you have not exceeded your offer if you got a higher grade in a subject which is not part of your offer). So, if your firm offer is ABB and you get AAB then you are eligible for adjustment, but you are not eligible if you get ABC or ABBB. Further examples of eligibility for adjustment can be found on the UCAS website. If you do want to consider the Adjustment route, you need to first register through Track. Anyone who meets their conditional firm offer will have the option to register for adjustment through Track and it is down to you and the universities you approach to decide whether or not you are eligible. You will have up to five days from Results day, or the date on which your CF became UF (i.e. your conditional offer became unconditional), whichever is later, in which to negotiate an alternative offer. This time includes weekends, and in any case cannot be extended beyond 31st August. So, if your CF doesn't become UF until 29 August, you only have 2 days to look for another place and have this confirmed by the uni. While you are in Adjustment, your original firm choice place will be held for you. UCAS will not publish listings of courses available through adjustment and you will need to call individual universities and look at their own websites to look for adjustment places. Explain clearly that you are looking for places through adjustment, not clearing. If a university offers you a place through adjustment and you accept it, they will update the offer in Track and you will lose your original firm offer. Therefore, make sure you've thought it through and decided this is what you want to do before accepting an adjustment offer! They will also send you another AS12 letter in the post to confirm the place. If you don't receive any offers through adjustment, or you registered for adjustment accidentally, then after the 5 days have elapsed you will automatically be confirmed at your original firm choice. More information about Adjustment can be found here.

You've missed your firm offer

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I hope you're not too disappointed. But never mind, there's still a chance they might accept you. First of all check UCAS Track. If Track says your place is 'Unconditional' then you're fine, relax, celebrate and leave the phone lines clear. If Track shows that you've been unsuccessful, you can't really do anything more. Most unis will not allow you to plead your case if they have already rejected you. With places so competitive, it's really only worth asking them to reconsider if you have new information to provide which the university will not be aware of, such as mitigating circumstances or if you just missed out on your grades by a few UMS marks. If you had any mitigating circumstances, then you should ideally get your school to notify the uni as soon as you read this, if you haven't already, or failing that call them up directly. Universities only receive module and overall grades, not UMS marks, so if you are only a couple of marks away from making your offer then it may be worth letting the university know to see if they will reconsider. If you missed your offer by some margin and are in clearing, then your time may be better spent talking to universities in clearing, rather than begging your firm/insurance choices to reconsider. If Track still shows your offer as conditional then you'll need to phone the university. The phone number for this may be listed on their website, or they might have sent it to you in advance; if you haven't got a special number then just phone their normal number. If they still haven't made a decision, ask them when they expect to decide and let them know about any information which may help your case, such as high module marks or missing out on your grades by just a few UMS marks. The universities are not supposed to keep people in limbo for too long, so if you think they are being unreasonable and causing you to miss out on places elsewhere then contact UCAS for advice.

If your firm offer accepts you with your missed grades

Congratulations! That's it. You'll just need to go home and await your AS12 letter in a few days.

You missed your firm offer, and they won't accept you with lower grades
Well, maybe it just wasn't meant to be. Don't be too sad because there are still plenty more options for going to uni somewhere else.

If you meet your insurance offer

This is pretty much like for the first bit, really. You don't need to do anything further now. Again, this may take a while to update on UCAS Track. You may like to phone your insurance uni to clarify that you're going there, but you don't really need to. At some point you will need to change your student loan using the Change of Circumstances (CO1) form which can be downloaded here, but this can wait a few days so just go home and wait for your confirmation letter. You can also read the TSR Freshers' Pack to check you haven't missed anything.

If you miss your insurance offer

Then again check UCAS Track to see if you've been accepted with lower grades. If your insurance still says your offer is Conditional then they haven't decided yet - phone them up like you did your firm choice. They may still accept you with the lower grades. If they accept you, then that's great! If they don't, then you'll enter Clearing.

You missed your firm or insurance offer but the uni

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has accepted you for a different course

This will show up on Track as UCC - ie 'unconditional changed course' - with the new course code. You have five days to decide whether to accept this alternative or not. You will receive a letter from UCAS (the AS12C) which sets out what your options are, though you can accept or decline this offer on Track even if you haven't yet received the AS12C. If you decline the changed course offer, you will either go to your insurance (if applicable and they have accepted you) or into Clearing. If both your firm and insurance choices offer you a UCC offer, you can then choose between them, or decline both and go into Clearing.

I want to defer my place!

If you don't already hold a deferred offer, once you have had your place confirmed you can contact the uni directly and ask if they can defer you. Have some reasons handy (eg. what are you going to do in your gap year?) and it should be OK. It's best to do this as soon as you know you want to defer, but theoretically you can do it right up until the start date. Your university may not agree to this, although most will. If the university won't agree, then you have the option of withdrawing from UCAS for this year and reapplying.

I don't want to go to university after all

There's lots of choice in Clearing, but maybe you just can't find the right course for you. Or maybe you want to have a gap year and resit a few units. Whatever the reason, you don't have to go to uni if you don't want to.

I'm already holding an offer for this year

You'll need to contact the uni and tell them that you don't want to go. You should also update your application in Track so that UCAS knows that you aren't going to uni this year. Remember if you do this you won't be able to use Clearing and will not end up at university anywhere.

I've got a deferred place for next year

Again, you must tell the uni. You cannot reapply through UCAS whilst holding a deferred place. Either fill in the AS12 slip to say that you won't be taking up your place, or contact UCAS by phone.

I don't currently hold an offer

If you missed your firm and insurance offers and they're not accepting you, then this will apply. You'll automatically be entered into Clearing, should you wish to do that. But if you don't want to go, then you don't have to do anything. Just don't apply anywhere through Clearing and you won't be going. If you want to officially withdraw from the UCAS scheme, you can do so. Simply use the withdraw button on UCAS Track.

A note about remarks

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If you think your results look a bit odd you may wish to send some units back for re-marking. There is a charge for this, although sometimes your school will pay; if your overall grade does change then the fees get refunded. However, remember your grades can go down as well as up! You should discuss whether to ask for a re-mark with your teacher first, as they may think that you did deserve the results you got. If you've missed your offer, you will need to tell the uni that you are having a re-mark when you phone them, and you will need to apply for a priority re-mark. If you only choose a standard re-mark, then it will take too long, as you need to meet the conditions of your offer (even if it is for a deferred place) by 31 August. Some unis may accept you if your re-mark results come back later than that, provided you told them in advance. Ask when you phone them if they are willing to hold your place for you while you wait for the re-mark, and if possible get them to confirm their deadline date in writing to you. If you wish to have re-marks of some of your units but have still been accepted at your university of choice then ask for a standard re-mark, not a priority re-mark. Leave this system free for those who really need it!

CLE RIN G
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If your firm and insurance fail, theres always clearing.

Guide to Clearing
TSR Wiki > University > Applying to University > Clearing > Guide to Clearing

Contents
[hide] 1 What you can do before Clearing begins to give yourself a head start 2 Clearing - You can do it! 3 How does Clearing work? o 3.1 Record of Prior Acceptance (also known as Direct Entry) 4 Clearing: What to do first 5 How do I enter Clearing? o 5.1 If you missed your firm and insurance offers and they both rejected you o 5.2 If you change your mind about your firm or insurance

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o 5.3 If you are not holding any offers o 5.4 If you have not applied through UCAS yet, or applied after 30 June 6 When does Clearing start? 7 How long does Clearing take? o 7.1 I'm going on holiday on Results Day/soon after 8 Do I have to wait until my Clearing number comes up on Track to apply? 9 How many universities can I apply to? 10 Where can I go to get advice? o 10.1 People nearby o 10.2 UCAS o 10.3 Learn Direct o 10.4 BBC o 10.5 TSR 11 Do unis accept lower grades through Clearing? 12 Can I use Clearing if I want a deferred offer? 13 So, I want to apply. What do I do now? o 13.1 What kind of things should I say? o 13.2 How soon shall I contact them? o 13.3 How do I contact them, and what happens? o 13.4 Do I have to visit the unis I'm thinking of going to? 14 If I go through Clearing, will I have to live in a tent? 15 Also See

What you can do before Clearing begins to give yourself a head start
If you know you will be in Clearing Have a look to see what courses were still on offer in Extra at the end of June. Remember though that not all courses that were in Extra will be in Clearing, and there will be some in Clearing that didn't feature in Extra at any stage: this is simply a guide. Check out the entry requirements (do not assume they will be lowered for Clearing, though in some cases they might be) and be realistic in terms of the grades you expect to achieve. Check out the uni websites for those courses to make sure that the course content is what you are looking for. Contact unis to state your interest before Results Day (especially if you're interested in Scottish unis but are waiting for A level results) Add courses you like to your list of courses to look out for when the Clearing lists are published on Results Day.

This way, when you ring up about a course you will have the advantage of knowing something about it and will sound like a much more attractive candidate than someone who had never even heard of the course until 15 minutes before ringing the uni. Also, the more informed you are, the less likely you will be to make a duff choice in the heat of the moment. You might also like to read about Clearing experiences in 2009 and 2010.

Clearing - You can do it!

So, you're entering the dreaded Clearing. You've probably heard many horror stories about it, and you're scared. But it doesn't have to be a mad scramble like the media makes out. You can take on

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Clearing and survive! Do remember to check Track for your eligibility for Clearing and to get your Clearing number. Do be flexible and consider alternatives to what you had originally planned Don't believe all the scare stories in the papers about there not being enough places to go round. There will be some people who will not get the places they wanted this year, as there always are, but there will be just as many others who will be successful in gaining a place and are happy with their choice. Don't just take the first offer that's made to you; do your research as you normally would, and definitely try to visit unis you are interested in before adding a clearing choice in Track. Don't assume that you *have* to go to uni come what may. If you aren't sure that you really want to do the courses offered to you, it's OK to decide not to go and leave it for another year.

How does Clearing work?

Your eligibility for Clearing will show up on your Track, where you will find your Clearing Number (unis will want this so that they can access your application) and the 'Add a Clearing Choice' button. The 'Add a Clearing Choice' button will only appear on Track once Track becomes fully functional (around 6pm or later on Results Day), it is possible to add Clearing choices before this by phoning up UCAS but only after you've been asked to do this by a uni. In Clearing, applicants contact unis direct to talk to them about the courses available and whether their application can be considered. You can contact as many unis as you like, and may receive informal offers from several. Each will provide you with a course code and institution code. When you have decided which offer you want to take up, you must enter the details on Track. You can only enter one choice, and you must have discussed your application with the university first. If you enter a choice without doing this you are likely to cause yourself significant delays and may even lose out on a course you were really interested in. Record of Prior Acceptance (also known as Direct Entry) It may be possible to get a place at a university independently of the main UCAS system. Not all unis will accept applications this way, so it is strongly advised that you send an application through UCAS rather than relying on this method. Be warned - if you use this method then you CANNOT change your mind and look elsewhere through Clearing; you are accepted at a single university and are committed to that university. If you change your mind you will have to take a gap year and reapply through UCAS. To do this, you would need to contact the university you wish to apply to and explain your circumstances. If they can accept you this way, they will give you a form called a Record of Prior Acceptance. They should also be able to advise you how to complete this and when you need to return it by. Once they have processed your form you will receive an AS12 Confirmation letter from UCAS.

Clearing: What to do first

You've already bought your copy of The Telegraph. You did that on your way to pick up your results, right? The Telegraph is the only newspaper that lists full details of all vacancies, so it's an essential buy. And it's rather good at killing spiders too. Other newspapers may have Clearing information in, but will only be smaller (probably regional) guides. The most up to date vacancy information is available on the UCAS website. Some unis will have lists on their own websites, and may even have webforms to fill in and request further details.

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Once you've got your copy of The Telegraph, you'll probably be daunted by how large it is. Well, that's a good thing. It shows just how many things are available. In 2010, 46,925 people got places through Clearing - that's a lot of people! A few Clearing facts: You can apply for any subject you like, as long as you're sufficiently interested in it to want to study it for 3 or more years. Most unis will have places in Clearing, so don't think it's just limited to the crap unis or all expolys. Just because a course is in Clearing does not mean that it's a really bad course. Just because you're in Clearing does not mean you're a bad person or have failed! A lot of people go in Clearing with really high grades. I personally did it with AAB. Some people who applied for popular courses will even have higher grades. Equally, if you have lower grades, it doesn't mean that you won't find anywhere.

How do I enter Clearing?

If you missed your firm and insurance offers and they both rejected you
If you missed both your firm and insurance offers and Track is showing that you were Unsuccessful, then you don't need to do anything. Your Clearing number will show on Track. Start phoning around universities with your Clearing number - admissions tutors will be able to see your full application and might ask you to apply. If they do offer you a place, and if you want to take up that place then add it as a Clearing Choice on Track (note: adding a choice on Track will only be available in the evening of Results Day, you can add a Clearing choice before then by ringing up UCAS). If you didn't have an insurance offer, then the above also applies to you if you missed your firm offer. However, if you didn't have an insurance place because you only originally applied to one university, you will need to pay an extra 10 since you will have paid the reduced fee of 11 with your original application. If you missed your firm and insurance offers but either one decides to take you with lower grades then you cannot enter Clearing without first arranging to be Released (see below). If you missed your firm and insurance offers but Track is still showing as Conditional then phone up your firm and/or insurance. If they tell you you're rejected and it isn't showing in Track, ask them how long it will be before they let UCAS know. Similarly if your firm or insurance say they're still deciding ask them when you will know - they aren't supposed to keep you in suspense because it stops you from applying elsewhere through Clearing. If they drag their feet over making a decision then contact UCAS. If you're waiting for a rejection to show on Track you can still phone Clearing universities but they won't be able to access your application until you are officially in Clearing.

If you change your mind about your firm or insurance

If you no longer wish to go to your firm and/or insurance but you met the offer (or they're accepting you with lower grades) then you'll have to phone the universities concerned and beg them to release you. They'll probably want reasons, and they might not do it straight away. So do this asap so you don't miss out on the best places. Ideally, if you knew that this applied to you before results day then you will already have done it. Once your release has been processed, your Clearing number will show on Track. Start phoning around universities - with your Clearing number - as admissions tutors will be able to see your full application and might ask you to apply. If they do offer you a place, and if you

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want to take up that place then add it as a Clearing Choice on Track .

If you are not holding any offers

If you are not holding any offers, but did apply through UCAS before 30 June, you will have been entered into Clearing automatically: your Clearing number will be on Track from mid-July. If you already have your exam results, you can contact universities and colleges about the possibility of a place as soon as your Clearing number and Add Clearing Choice button appear on your Track choices screen. If you are awaiting exam results, you should wait until you have these results before contacting universities and colleges. With your Clearing number admissions tutors will be able to see your full application and might ask you to apply. If they do offer you a place, and if you want to take up that place then add it as a Clearing Choice on Track. You may be in this position for a number of reasons: if you rejected all your offers; if you were unsuccessful in your applications; or if you changed your mind about the courses you applied to.

If you have not applied through UCAS yet, or applied after 30 June
If you apply through UCAS after 30 June then you'll only be going through Clearing. You need to complete a UCAS application as normal on the UCAS website including all of the usual things such as a personal statement and a reference. The only thing different is that you will not be able to choose 5 universities/courses to apply for. This will cost the usual 21 fee. Your Clearing number will show up on Track in mid-July or as soon as your application has been processed by UCAS if submitted later than this. If you already have your exam results, you can contact universities and colleges about the possibility of a place as soon as your Clearing number and Add Clearing Choice button appear on your Track choices screen. If you are awaiting exam results, you should wait until you have these results before contacting universities and colleges. With your Clearing number admissions tutors will be able to see your full application and might ask you to apply. If they do offer you a place, and if you want to take up that place then add it as a Clearing Choice on Track.

When does Clearing start?

Clearing starts in July, but full vacancies lists are only really available on A level results day, which is 18 August 2011. Scottish students receive their results earlier, so Scottish universities advertise vacancies from 4th August for anyone already holding their results. If you know before this that you will be in Clearing, you can start looking for information and trying to decide where you want to go and contacting universities - however avoid contacting universities during the week of results coming out unless they specifically mention that it is OK. Unis may publish vacancy information on their website as soon as they've got it. This may potentially be from the start of results week.

How long does Clearing take?

Clearing officially is open until 24 October, although you have to have submitted a completed application by 20 September. However, most people won't take anything like that long. It depends how quickly you can make your mind up where you want to go. If you're absolutely certain which uni and course is right for you, you can get it done in a few days. But if you can't decide, you may want to take a bit longer. Many people wish to visit several universities, and they may have special open days set up to help with your choice. Of course, if you entered Clearing by getting released from your firm or insurance choice then you will

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have to wait for the universities to process this. In this case, Clearing may take longer for you.

I'm going on holiday on Results Day/soon after

In short, don't do it. I went to Reading Festival which is a week later, and I was all sorted by then but some of my friends weren't. Clearing doesn't officially finish until 24 October, but last year most of the Clearing places were taken up in the first week, and it is expected that this year (2011) could be even busier, so ideally you should make yourself available for Results Day and at least a week afterwards. If you are on holiday, it will be hard to discuss things with the unis you're interested in. Be prepared for a huge phone bill! And how are you going to get your results in the first place?

Do I have to wait until my Clearing number comes up on Track to apply?

Yes - but that doesn't mean you can't approach universities informally. Most of Clearing happens over the phone - it's only the last step that requires a Clearing number/'Add a Clearing Choice' button on Track. If you had to be released by either your firm or insurance, you will need to wait for confirmation that this has been done.

How many universities can I apply to?

You can approach as many unis as you like over the phone or by email - but you can only add one Clearing Choice on Track. Don't add a Clearing choice on Track before a university asks you to apply to them - if you do they may well just reject you (and until they reject you you can't apply anywhere else). Find out as much as you can before deciding where you want to spend the next 3 years of your life. Don't just pick the first one that shows any interest in you, because there's so much choice you can end up somewhere you'll be happy.

Where can I go to get advice?

People nearby
The most important place to look for advice is from people that know you. Talk to your parents, your teachers, and even your friends if they're not too busy panicking about their own situation.

UCAS
Connect with UCAS online. You can get in touch with UCAS online. They have an interactive FAQ system which will help you find the right answer to your question. Simply visit the site and start typing the question into the search box. UCAS advisers are also available on their UCAS Twitter feed as well as on their Facebook page, where you can find the information you need. You can also check out the How to use Clearing online video on UCAStv or on the UCAS YouTube channel. Alternatively if you have any difficulty with your Clearing application, please contact UCAS on 0871 468 0 468, where experienced and knowledgeable advisers are on hand to help. They are running extended opening hours over the Clearing period which you can check here.

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If you're really stuck for ideas about alternative courses, you could try the Stamford Test which is available on the UCAS website. This can suggest which areas of study might suit you: even if you've already done this test before, it may remind you of other ideas which you'd previously overlooked.

Learn Direct
Learn Direct can offer careers advice, and advise you on a wide range of courses in the UK. They can help you decide if uni is right for you, and tell you about other courses or possibilities. You can visit their website, phone them for free on 0800 100900, or fill in their contact form.

BBC
The BBC has a lot of information on its website, such as this page. They also run an advice line, but currently the details for that are not available. You may hear adverts for their services on their radio stations, such as Radio 1.

TSR
Well, you've already found this page! But you can ask questions in the applications and UCAS forum or try the subject or university specific forum. Do think about where you're putting your question before posting it though: TSR gets very busy during the results period, and you'll receive a better response faster if you post in the right forum to begin with.

Do unis accept lower grades through Clearing?

Some will, but some won't. It depends on many factors, including the subjects you are offering, how many places are still available, or whether there are minimum subject requirements for a specific course. The only way you'll know for sure is by asking them or looking on their website. They may be willing to accept you with lower grades if you're enthusiastic about the course, or if you have relevant work experience etc, so make sure you really try to sell yourself when talking to the admissions tutor. This is why it helps to have a copy of your personal statement to hand. unistats.com gives you some idea of the average UCAS points held by students on entry to specific courses and unis. Remember that grades achieved for subjects like General Studies will be included in these calculations, even if they weren't accepted as part of the uni's offer for that course.

Can I use Clearing if I want a deferred offer?

Yes, you can, although the unis generally expect to deal with applications for entry for the current year. Just make sure you tell the uni as soon as you contact them that you want to defer your place, and don't be surprised if they say no. However, since you're taking a gap year anyway it might be better to reapply through UCAS in September. Then you'll have the choice of all unis and courses rather than just the limited selection in Clearing. You'll also have the advantage of knowing your grades when reapplying, so you can make informed choices.

So, I want to apply. What do I do now?

You shouldn't apply for a place in Clearing until a university asks you to (if you apply without being asked then in most cases you'll just get rejected). The first step in Clearing isn't applying - it's

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approaching universities by telephone and email, and before you start doing that you need to prepare. The most important thing is not to rush. It's probably a good idea to talk things through with as many people as possible before deciding. You might want to go to university in Outer Mongolia, but that's no good if you're relying on your parents to drive you and your stuff there. But remember that in the end it is your decision: so if you're really sure Outer Mongolia is the right choice for you, go for it!

What kind of things should I say?

This is where your pen and paper come in handy. Make some notes on why a particular course and university interest you. Have a look at your personal statement (if appropriate) and jot a few ideas down from there if you think it might help an admissions tutor accept you. If you're applying for a different course through Clearing then put together a new personal statement for that subject to help you. If you have any notable achievements, then mention them. Have you done anything more recently that wasn't on your PS? Did you get any particularly good results? If a certain part of their course interests you and you've done any extra reading on it, then say so. There isn't any one thing that you can say to be accepted. If there was, and I wrote it here, then everyone would say it and it wouldn't work anyway. The best thing to do is show your passion. They want to know about you personally, so try to sell yourself as best you can.

How soon shall I contact them?

Don't rush to contact them, as you want to make a good first impression. Yes, Clearing places do go quickly but a few minutes to prepare yourself will help you more than hinder you. If they're the type of university that will offer places to the first people to contact them rather than those who want to go there most, do you really want to go there anyway? Do phone as soon as you feel ready. But if you need to go home and have something to eat first then it will be fine. It's best to go home anyway, since someone else will probably pay the phone bill. Obviously, make sure you ask the bill payer's permission first.

How do I contact them, and what happens?

It is best to phone the university - and that means YOU phone them not your mum or your teacher. Keep your notes, your pen, and your UCAS personal ID handy. Eventually, you'll need your Clearing number too, but don't worry if you haven't got it just yet. They will be very busy, so be prepared to wait. And if you contact them any other way, then they might not get back to you for a while. At this stage, you might just get through to an adviser who will take a few details. Then after that, if your grades and experience match what they're looking for, you'll either get called back later by an admissions tutor or might have to call them back later. You'll have a chat which won't be that formal but remember you're trying to impress them rather than wanting to be their new best friend. If they make you a verbal offer, then ask them to follow it up with an email to confirm so that you have it in writing. Some universities will have a form on their website to contact them, and if so it's a similar process. You fill in the form, and will get a reply later. This may be by email, so check your emails (including junk mail) carefully. Remember with webforms and emails though that it's easier to ignore a full inbox than a ringing phone - if you want to be at the front of the queue then the phone is always a better bet. If you leave a mobile number, then try to keep your phone with you. Also remember that they may be leaving a voicemail, and comedy messages may not seem as funny to them.

Do I have to visit the unis I'm thinking of going to?

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You'll probably be invited to an open day. It's a good idea to go, as you can meet the tutors and other applicants, and can see the uni. If you don't like it, then it's better to know before you've decided to spend the next 3 years of your life there. Even if you have already visited the unis when you first filled in your UCAS form, that was quite a while ago so it's a good idea to refresh your memory. You don't have to go, but you should have a really good reason if you don't. If it's too far then are you sure you'll cope with being that far away from home, and will you be able to get there when you start (and go home for holidays)? If you can't afford it then they may be able to help with travel costs, or your school might be able to help. It's also possible that other people from your school will be going, so you may be able to share transport. If you're too busy, then is whatever you're doing really more important than securing your future?

If I go through Clearing, will I have to live in a tent?

Only if you really want to. You could try taking a campervan and only paying car parking fees rather than accommodation fees though, as that would be better. Or I've always wanted to live on a houseboat... But if you want more normal accommodation, you can have it. Some universities will guarantee accommodation for people who come through Clearing so it's worth asking about when you're talking to admissions staff. This can usually be found on their websites, or is the kind of thing that you should be asking at an Open Day. Any uni that cannot guarantee accommodation will still help you find somewhere to live. They'll provide lists of approved landlords, or details of private accommodation such as Unite as appropriate.

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CLE RIN G
A Q&A from the University of Salford

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Your questions answered

We know that you will have lots of questions during clearing so we've put together some questions and answers to help you.

Question - Who can use Clearing?

You will be able to use Clearing if: You have a current application in the UCAS scheme but are holding no offers You did not meet the conditions of your offers and your firm and insurance choices have rejected you You declined all your offers You applied after the 30 June

Question - When does Clearing run?

Clearing runs from mid-July until the end of September.

Question - Where are vacancies advertised?

Our vacancies will be published on our website from Tuesday 18th August, and will also appear on the UCAS website and in The Guardian and The Times newspapers.

Question - How does Clearing work?

If you are eligible for Clearing, you will have a Clearing Number on UCAS Track, although you will not be able to add a Clearing choice until 6pm on 18 August. This is to allow you time to research available courses of interest. Ring our Clearing Line on 0161 295 4545 to see whether the course you are interested in is still available. If it is, you will be transferred to an admissions tutor who will discuss the course and your qualifications before deciding whether to make you an offer. You must speak to an institution before selecting a clearing choice.

Question - What do I need to do if I am holding a place at The University of Salford and I have met the conditions of my offer?
You do not need to do anything. If you applied via UCAS you may wish to check your UCAS record using the UCAS track progress system.

Question - What do I need to do if I am holding a place at The University of Salford and I have not met the conditions of my offer?

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It may be that we are still able to accept you. If you applied online you may wish to check UCAS Track. Alternatively, ring us on 0161 295 4545 to check if we have been able to confirm your place. Please be aware the lines will be busy and we may be unable to answer your call immediately.

Question - How do I obtain a place in Clearing if I haven't already applied through UCAS?
Contact our Clearing Line on 0161 295 4545. Our advisors will identify whether the course you are interested in is still available. If the course is available you will be transferred to an admissions tutor who will discuss the course and your qualifications before deciding whether to make you an offer. Once we have confirmed we can offer you a place, we will send you an application form and fee assessment form by email. You will need to complete both forms and return them to the admissions office.

Question - What happens when I am offered a place and wish to accept?

If you are eligible for Clearing you will be able to select the 'add Clearing choice' button on UCAS Track and enter the details of the course you have been offered. Follow the instructions provided on Track. Applicants who do not have access to Track should contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468.

Question - The course I would like to apply for has no vacancies

If there are no vacancies on the course you are interested in please look on our Course Finder for other available course and check out the entry requirments.

Question - I applied to The University of Salford and was not offered a place, but I have actually achieved higher grades than predicted.
If you have met and exceeded the conditions of your offer you may apply for Adjustment. Please call Joanna Haran on 0161 295 6249.

Question - I am holding a place at another university but wish to apply to The University of Salford through Clearing what should I do?
We can't make you an offer while you are holding a place at another university, unless you are entering Adjustment. If you wish to be released into Clearing, you should first speak to the university or college that is holding a place for you.

Question - Will I still be able to get a place in accommodation if I apply through Clearing?
We guarantee accommodation places to all new full-time undergraduate students who are studying for their first degree. However, you must have submitted your application for accommodation by 31 August.

Question - I have not applied to any institution or UCAS for 2011 entry and have received a verbal offer through clearing, what do I do now?

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Call us on 0161 295 4545 so we can discuss your qualifications. If we then make you a verbal offer please download and complete the two forms below. Download RPA form Download Fee assessment form Once completed they need to be emailed to ug-admissions@salford.ac.uk or posted to University of Salford Humphrey Booth House Salford Greater Manchester M5 4WT

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