Advice for helping a student through Clearing

Mission accomplished, and congratulations – it’s time to celebrate! Their university place will be confirmed online via UCAS, and a confirmation letter will be sent in the post. Keep hold of that letter – it explains what to do next.

If they meet and exceed the conditions of their first choice, they can explore their options through UCAS Clearing. They could stick with their firm choice, or they may want to consider a different course, or even a different university. Enquiring with other universities during Clearing is a no-risk option – their original offer will remain in place until they confirm an alternative choice.

It’s an exciting opportunity, but a big decision – encourage them to think clearly and practically. What’s the accommodation situation at their new option? Have they visited the university before?

Try not to panic – set the tone with enthusiasm, a calm head, and a clear plan of action.

In the case of a near-miss, we recommend contacting the University – they could still be accepted or offered an alternative course. If they’re set on that particular course, other possibilities include re-marking, re-sitting, or even re-applying next academic year.

Failing that, they could find new opportunities through Clearing. It's a contingency, not a consolation, so be positive about it – help them to understand that the power of choice is still in their hands. For more information and guidance around Clearing, visit UCAS’ Clearing page or NTU's guide to the process.

UCAS run their Clearing scheme every year, matching students to university places across the UK. As well as missed grades, it’s also useful when:

• they’ve applied to universities, but haven’t received any offers
• they’ve declined all of their offers
• they haven’t yet applied for a course
• they’ve missed the UCAS deadline date.

A gap year, related work experience, or just a change of heart – they will need to inform the university’s admissions office. Make sure that they’re 100% certain about their choice. Ideally, it's a decision that should be made before results day, and not in the heat of the moment.

Students can apply to university through Clearing if:

• they haven’t got a place at their firm and insurance choices
• they've changed their mind about what or where they want to study
• they didn't apply to university before receiving their results and are now assessing their options
• they've done even better than expected and want to explore new opportunities.

If they've already been accepted on a course but want to find a different course or university better suited to their interests, they can do so through Clearing. Just make sure that they don’t decline their original place before they have another offer lined up.

If they hold an unconditional firm (status UF) place and request to be released, this offer – and their insurance choice – will be withdrawn and they will then enter Clearing.

Entry requirements are often lowered during Clearing, however, if your student still doesn't meet those requirements, some subjects offer Foundation year courses to help bring them up to speed, or they could look for an access course outside of NTU, which may help them reach the requirements the following year.

Not at all! Students who go to university through Clearing have the exact same experience as everyone else. Our team will look at the student's suitability to their preferred course choice, and can suggest alternatives if they don't meet the requirements, but there's no obligation to accept that offer.

Applying for an NTU course typically takes around 10 minutes, with a little extra time needed if you are required to submit supporting documents.

To make a Clearing application, your student can call our Clearing line on +44 (0)115 848 6000 where our team of advisers can discuss their options with them. See our Clearing phone line opening hours.