Amazing Grades How Sweet the Sound – Understanding the Adjustment Process

1. Know what Clearing is and how it can help you

It used to be that if you got good grades, you went through a process called Adjustment. Now you will go through Clearing. This is an option to find alternative courses you can apply for if you have achieved the results you need. It is a great way to see what your options are and will allow you to reconsider your course choices and university choices should you want to.

It is a voluntary process you can undertake and is known for being incredibly competitive, as other candidates will also be checking out the available options. However, it is not a process that leaves you without a course, as you keep your current offer until you accept a new one. The best advice is to log in to the system as soon as you can from results day so that you have the most extensive range of course options to consider.

2. Have the Clearing Opening Date in Your Diary

As Clearing is so popular, you must have the date in your diary! Clearing opens on A-Level results day each year and closes on the 21^st October. If you are studying a course other than A-Levels and have your results before A-Level results day, then it is worth noting that Clearing starts on the 5^th July. 

As with the whole application process, Clearing is time-sensitive, so it is essential to be aware of the constraints on you when entering this process. Once you have rejected your firm offer, by clicking the “Decline your Place’ button. You will then be put into Clearing in your UCAS account. 

3. Get In Touch With Universities That Interest You

The earlier you can log in to Clearing the better, as you will be competing with a lot of other people for your desired place. It is wise to have some idea of the courses, subjects and universities you want to look at before you get in touch with placements. Doing this prep work will allow you to streamline and get in touch with the right universities from the start.

When you are ready to contact universities, you will need to call the admissions office and explain that you are taking part in the Clearing process due to higher than expected A-level results. They will take a look at your results and the course entry requirements before confirming if there are any vacancies for the courses you are interested in. If you are not sure whether you want to undertake the course they offer, then do not agree to a placement; wait until you are absolutely sure that you have found the right course.

4. Accept Your New Offer and Prepare for University!

When you find a course you want and are given an offer by the admissions office over the phone then you can verbally accept it. The admissions team will be able to answer any questions that you may have before you agree to the placement. Hence, it is essential to ask everything you want to know.

Once you are sure, you can accept your place on the UCAS account Clearing section. Remember that Clearing only allows you to have one offer, so you must be absolutely sure before accepting an offer.

After you accept your offer, your application screen will be updated on the UCAS website, and you should also receive your official confirmation offer letter or email. Then, it is time to celebrate and prepare to head off to university!

Your time at university should be the best days of your life, so it is vital to take the time to find the right course to fit your academic goals. If you want more hints and tips on the journey to university, then check out our website where you will find a wealth of information and resources.

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