What To Say When You Call

Nearly every university provides a specific telephone number dedicated to Clearing. This information can be found on the Ucas website or through this external link. It is vital that you reach out to the institutions which pique your interest, as many candidates already have an idea of where they would like to attend. Alternatively, you can scour for available vacancies by either location or subject through the same website.

Before making the call, ensure you have all necessary information at hand. You will need your Ucas Clearing entry number along with all details concerning your qualifications, not solely limited to A-levels, but GCSEs as well. They will require your full name, address, including your postal code, as well as a phone number where they can reach you.

While inquiring about the availability of courses, refrain from sudden affirmative answers. This decision will play a significant role in determining the course of your life and should not be lightly taken. Brush up on the course content, learn about the university, and analyze if the course suits you. Time is of the essence, but do not let that alter the course of decisions made in haste.

During the phone call, expect the person on the other end to go over your results and areas that pique your interest. Realize that competition for a place in the desired course will be intense, and prepare a list of questions to inquire about the university, course material, course length, support provided, assessment criteria, and so forth.

Sell yourself by demonstrating your passion for your desired field of study and understanding of the institution’s knowledge and curriculum. Seek opportunities to educate yourself about the course available. The university may provide a link to the course’s website or send an information packet – be sure to ask about opportunities to learn more.

Plan for a campus visit, as it promises insight into the environment you would be living in for the coming years. Plan ahead of time for accommodations, and inquire about the options available to you in the future. Seek input on bursaries, of which many do not know, and can prove immensely beneficial. It is necessary to learn about tuition fees and related course costs, as these variables can and do differ between types of courses.

To put the numbers into perspective, the Manchester Metropolitan University enrolled 34,000 students, of whom 1,000 came through Clearing last year, while the usual application process accepted an approximate of 9,000 students. Nationally, between 30,000 to 40,000 students are accepted through Clearing.