Understanding Clearing - A parent's guide to University Admissions
Understanding Clearing - A parent's guide to University Admissions
If your young person has applied for university, you have probably heard of Clearing - but do you know what it means? Simply put, clearing is a process that helps students secure a university place after results day if their initial plans don’t go as planned.
Waiting for exam results can be an emotional rollercoaster, filled with excitement and nerves for both students and their families. But don’t worry, according UCAS 50,000 students (and often their parents or carers) go through it every year to find a new path in their student journey.
This guide will help you understand what Clearing is, how it works, and how you can best support your dependant through this important time.
What Is Clearing?
Clearing is a part of the university application process that allows students who are not currently holding any offers to find a place on a university course with available spaces. It is managed by UCAS and helps students who:
- Didn’t get the grades they needed for their firm choice university,
- Missed the application deadline, or
- Changed their mind after receiving their results.
It opens doors to new opportunities, allowing students to find and apply for courses, often after A-level or other exam results are released.
How does Clearing work?
- Results Day: Students receive their exam results, usually in mid-August.
- Checking Clearing Status: If a student hasn’t secured a university place, their UCAS Track account will show that they’re “in Clearing.”
- Researching Options: Students and parents/carers can browse university courses that still have available spaces.
- Contacting Universities: Students can call universities directly to discuss course availability and suitability.
- Accepting an Offer: If a university offers a place, students can accept it through UCAS Track, confirming their new course.
What can you do to help?
- Stay calm and supportive. It’s normal to feel worried, but your calm approach will help your young one stay focused and feeling positive.
- Help research options. Explore together which courses and universities still have available spaces. Many websites offer Clearing lists updated daily.
- Prepare for calls. Help your young person draft questions to ask universities, such as about course content, campus facilities, or support services.
- Encourage quick action. Clearing places can fill fast, so it’s important to act quickly once they find courses they are interested in.
No! Clearing is for any student who doesn’t have a confirmed place, whether they missed deadlines, changed plans, or didn’t meet their offer conditions.
Not at all. Many students find great courses through Clearing, sometimes even better suited to their interests.
Students can still apply for or update their student finance application during Clearing. It’s important to do this promptly to avoid funding delays. Accommodation Deadline for BNU students starting their course in September is normally in the end of August, so it can still be arranged during clearing.
You and your prospective student can research universities and courses that they find interesting ahead of results day and make a list of options.
Final thoughts
Clearing is a valuable safety net that helps students find the right university place, even if the initial plans don’t go as expected. As a parent or carer, your support and understanding can make a huge difference in helping your dependant navigate this process with confidence. Together you can turn a challenging moment into an exciting step forward in their student journey.
If you want to learn more, visit UCAS Clearing or speak to your young person’s school or university admissions team.
