How to prepare for Clearing
You don’t need to wait until results day to start thinking about Clearing.
Preparing now means you’ll feel more confident and ready to act. This helps if your grades end up lower than your firm or insurance offers, or your grades turn out much higher than expected, and you think you might want to swap your first choice university for another.
Sign up for NTU Priority so we can help you get prepared and even skip the queue on results day.
Quick overview of how to prepare for Clearing
- Explore courses
- Check entry requirements
- Make a shortlist
- Get your details ready
- Get to know what happens on results day
- Sign up for NTU Priority
What should you do before results day?
Start simple. Focus on getting ready – not getting everything perfect. Follow our step-by-step guide to prepare for Clearing:
1. Explore your course options
Look at courses you’re interested in and keep an open mind.
Once Clearing opens in July, you’ll be able to check the UCAS website for universities with available places. Many courses will appear from July onwards, but some won’t be added until the morning of results day – so it’s worth keeping an eye on updates.
- Search for subjects you enjoy – consider similar or related courses
- Think about what matters most to you about your course
- Keep a list of courses and universities you're interested in.
2. Check entry requirements
Check the typical grades needed for your chosen courses. These can occasionally change during Clearing, depending on availability and demand.
This helps you:
- understand your options
- feel more prepared
- avoid last-minute stress.
3. Make a shortlist
- make decisions faster
- feel more in control
- avoid panic searching.
4. Get your details ready
- Your UCAS ID (if you have one). You'll need a UCAS account to be able to add your Clearing choice
- You likely won't have your A-level / BTEC / equivalent level three qualification results yet, but make sure you've got your GCSE grades / equivalent level 2 qualifications ready
- Your personal details, including home address, contact phone number and email.
5. Get to know what happens on results day
- Log in to UCAS Hub to check your UCAS status
- Get your exam results from your school or college
- Contact universities if you need to find a place through Clearing
- Discuss your options – our advisers will review your grades, qualifications and experience, and then confirm whether they’re able to make you an offer
- You may receive an offer which you can add in UCAS Hub as your Clearing choice. Once it’s confirmed, your place is secure!
6. Get ahead with NTU Priority
- skip to the front of the call queue
- get a list of the courses available in Clearing before anyone else
- enter our prize draw.
Frequently asked questions
What if you didn't get the grades you expected?
It’s okay – thousands of students use Clearing every year, and you still have plenty of options.
Clearing gives you the chance to find a course that’s right for you, allowing you to:
- explore alternative courses you’ll enjoy
- look at similar subjects with different entry requirements
- speak to our advisers for clear, friendly guidance.
No – preparing early helps you feel more in control.
You’ll have more time to explore your options and make confident decisions.
Yes, you can apply early if you already have your results and you haven't applied through UCAS this year.
If you’re waiting for results, you’ll need to apply on results day – but you can prepare now.
We’re here to help at every stage.
- Call us on +44 (0)115 848 6000 for clear advice before results day
- Our advisers will offer friendly support when you apply
See our guidance on how to plan for results day and how to compare universities for Clearing.
