Everything you need for Clearing

It’s natural to feel anxious about the UCAS Clearing process. However, as long as you understand how Clearing works and what you will need during the process, applying for Clearing should be simple!

Understand the terminology

Before you get started with Clearing, it is a good idea to make sure you understand some key terms you might hear. Here is a list of common phrases you are likely to hear during the Clearing process:

• Choice - A course you apply for.
• Clearing call/ hotline - A call with a university you’d like to apply for through Clearing.
• Clearing deadline - The date when Clearing closes.
• Clearing number / ID - This is a number that will be on your UCAS hub welcome page. Remember, it is different from your UCAS personal ID.
• Clearing Plus - A personalised UCAS service which matches students to universities that have particular courses available in Clearing.
• Conditional offer - An offer to a course under conditions (typically your grades).
• Course Code - The number in the UCAS system given to each course.
• Deferral - If you’d like to start the course the following academic year.
• Firm choice - An offer you accept as your first choice.
• Hub - UCAS Hub lets you track your application.
• Informal offer - An offer by a university likely given verbally on a Clearing call. Once you have added the course as your Clearing choice, the university will then accept it making the offer formal.
• Insurance choice - An offer you accept as your second choice. Note you can not add more than one Clearing choice at a time. Insurance choices are only available for your original application.
• Point of entry - The year your course will start.
• UCAS number/ personal ID - A number personal to you given by UCAS.
• UCAS Self release - Allows a student who holds a university place to decline it and release themselves into Clearing.
• Unconditional offer - An offer onto a course with no conditions.
• Unsuccessful - The outcome if your university application is declined.

What you will need on the day

Making sure you have everything you need for Clearing will help reduce any anxieties you may have. Although Clearing starts on the 5th of July, most students enter Clearing on A-Level Results Day (21st of August, 2025). To secure your spot quickly and stress-free on the day, make sure to have the following prepared.

Taking the time to research the different universities available before making your final decision on a Clearing course is vital if you’re going to find the perfect place for you.

Do I need a personal statement for Clearing?

You don’t need to write a specific Clearing personal statement. When you make your Clearing application, it will contain your original personal statement for the university.

You can submit a new personal statement if you want to. To do this, you will need to contact the university directly and ask them if you can submit a new one. Only do this if you feel that it will help your application, have changed your subject or you want to tell the new university different information.

What info do I need for Clearing?

You will need to have a few things at the ready for when you apply through Clearing. You will need:

• Your Clearing number
• Your GCSE and A-Level results
• Your UCAS ID number
• Your personal statement
• Questions you may have about the course
• Relevant portfolios
• Date of birth, name and email address
• Work experience details (if you have any)

Be ready to take notes

Clearing can be a whirlwind, with you having to remember a ton of information whilst more is being thrown at you. Having organised notes will make Clearing a lot easier.

Make sure you have a pen and a pad, tablet, laptop or phone to jot down any important information you may need. Note down any research you’ve done, important contact details and your personal information, for example, your UCAS number. You can record the calls to universities too if you like, but we advise telling the person on the other end of the line you’re recording so you don’t forget any important information!

It’s a good idea to have your notes organised. This way if you’re on a Clearing call with a university you can easily navigate to the answers. Rummaging through pieces of paper during your call probably won’t leave a great impression. Also, if they tell you any important dates or information in the call, you will want to be able to jot it down quickly.

Keep your phone charged and connected to good internet

Before you add your Clearing choice on UCAS, you’ll need to obtain an informal offer from the university you’re applying for. To do this, you’ll have to call the university and enquire about the Clearing course you’re interested in. Clearing calls will typically involve the university asking you a few questions, so there's no saying how long a call could last. Also, you may want to phone up a few universities on Results Day. The last thing you want is your phone running out when you’re trying to secure yourself a Clearing spot.

You’ll also need either your phone or laptop for the Clearing process. To apply for Clearing you’ll need to have access to your UCAS account. Here you can search through the Clearing vacancies and add your Clearing choice. Don’t forget to make sure you have a good internet connection on the day.

Find a quiet and calm place to make the calls. This can either be at home, in your bedroom, or in a dedicated space at school. If you do want to do it at school or college, organise it with a teacher beforehand so that you’re not disturbed!

A list of the courses your interested in

If you are uncertain about whether you need Clearing, it’s still good to be prepared. Check which courses/universities have Clearing spots available before Results Day, and compile a list of courses you like the sound of, along with any contact details. That way, if you do need Clearing, you won’t waste any time searching through the UCAS Course Finder for a Clearing space - you'll be ready!

It’s also key to remember that Clearing spots can go quickly, so the more you prepare beforehand the better chance you will have of securing your spot for September.

Choosing which university you would like to study at is not always an easy task. Taking the time to research the different universities available before making your final decision on a Clearing course is vital if you’re going to find the perfect place for you. You don’t have to call unis the moment you receive your results, take the time to process your grades and figure out where you want to study!

Questions for the university

During your Clearing call with a university, you’ll likely be asked a few questions about why you’d like to study the course. Whilst you want to focus on showing your enthusiasm in your answers, it's also a good idea to have some questions for them prepared. Not only does asking questions show your genuine interest, but it’s also a great way of getting to know the course/university better. You want to ensure this is a place you want to study!

Remember, you don’t have to stick to the first university that offers you a place! Instead, speak with a few universities, ask lots of questions and do some digging. Then, you’ll be confident that the offer you accept is the right one for you.

A great place to start when thinking of questions for the university is the course itself. Delve into the course information on the uni website and think of some related questions. You could ask about the seminar-to-lecture ratio, or the different opportunities available to students when studying. Here are a few suggestions of questions you could ask during your Clearing call:

• Are there opportunities on the course to complete a work placement?
• Is the course mainly coursework or are there a lot of exams?
• Are there any Open Days?
• What accommodation is available?
• Are bursaries or scholarships available?
• Has there been any changes to the course recently?

Making sure you have everything you will need for Clearing prepared will help eliminate any anxieties you may have.

How long does Clearing take?

How long Clearing takes will depend on the university you’re applying to and when you enter Clearing. Once you have added the Clearing course you like to your UCAS Hub, this will then be down to the university and how long they take to respond to you.

Universities typically confirm your place within 24-72 hours. Some have been known to take longer, it will generally depend on how busy the university is at that time.

You could ask this question on the phone too if you’re likely to feel anxious over the process.

Clearing App

To make your life a little easier, download our Clearing app. Here you can search for Clearing courses, connect with universities in seconds and call them directly! On a busy Clearing day like Results Day, having a handy one-stop app could be all you need to secure yourself a spot at university!