It's natural to be feeling anxious about getting your exam results. But making sure you're prepared is just one way to take some of the stress and guesswork out of Results Day. Read our blog on exactly what you need for Clearing. 

Clearing can be unpredictable, but it's also a real lifeline for lots of students, and a chance to find your perfect university. 

So, make sure you get the most out of Clearing by being fully prepared, whatever the outcome of your grades.

In this blog, you will find:

• What do you need for Clearing? 
• What documents do you need for Clearing? 
• Do you need a personal statement for Clearing?

Who can apply through Clearing? 

You're eligible to apply through Clearing if you: 

• didn't meet the conditions of your firm or insurance choice 
• didn’t get any offers when you first applied 
• applied to university after 30 June
• changed your mind about the course you wanted to do or the university you wanted to go to 

What do you need for Clearing?

1. A notepad and pen 

Make sure you have a notepad and pen ready for Clearing. From researching universities, storing contact details and noting down important pieces of information, somewhere to keep your notes is essential.

You may want to use a word document on your laptop, tablet or computer, or the notes section on your phone - ideally, you want something that's easy to access during a call.

Keep your notes simple and organised. If you're preparing notes in advance of Results Day; you may even have time to colour code them.

Clearing can be a whirlwind so the easier you make it for yourself, the better. 

2. A list of Clearing courses you're interested in

Use the UCAS Course Finder to check which universities still have spaces available on their courses.

If you spot a course you're interested in that still has vacancies, make a note of it alongside the university's contact details and any key bits of information you can use to showcase your interest in the course during the call.

You may notice that researching universities is a common theme across most pieces of Clearing advice online. That's because university is still a huge decision, and it deserves a good deal of consideration.

3. A fully charged phone and a good internet connection

You can apply through Clearing via online chat or on the phone. If you're using your mobile, make sure it has plenty of battery life and you have a strong internet connection if you're also using it to check Clearing courses online.

Taking other devices off WiFi - such as PlayStations, tablets or other mobile phones - can lighten the load on your internet bandwidth.

4. Questions to ask during your Clearing call

Wherever you choose to study, you will be an asset to that university. You have so much to offer, and it's important to remember that on Results Day if you're applying through Clearing.

Don't commit to the first university that offers you a space. Instead, ask lots of questions and do some digging.

Find somewhere that's right for you.

Asking insightful questions also shows you have a genuine interest in the course, which will appeal to the Admissions team.

So prepare questions beforehand, such as: 

• How is the course taught, and what is the seminar-to-lecture ratio?  
• Are there any Open Days when you can visit the university?   
• Are work placements, internships or other careers support offered? 
• Are bursaries or scholarships available?   
• What support is available to students who are struggling?   
• What accommodation is available?

If you're an international student, you may want to ask about the specific support available to international students. And if English is not your first language, you should be mindful that our advisers will want to chat to you about your academic qualifications and English proficiency.

What documents do you need for UCAS Clearing?

The documents you need to prepare for Clearing are:

• your UCAS number
• your personal Clearing number
• your A Level, AS, GCSE and/or equivalent results

Have all the important information you need close by, so you can find it quickly. 

If you're an international student, you’ll only have a UCAS number if you originally applied to study in the UK through UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. If you have a unique Clearing ID, they’ll ask for this, too. But you’ll only receive a Clearing ID if you applied through UCAS but are not holding any university offers.

The ID numbers help our admissions staff look up your details, but don’t worry if you don’t have these – our advisers will still be able to guide you through the application process.

Do you need a personal statement for Clearing?

Many Admissions teams recommend you have your personal statement to hand for Clearing. 

Though it's not essential to the Clearing process, it's a great resource to rely on during your call with a Clearing Adviser.

It can help you talk through what makes you want to go to university, and why you're passionate about the subject you want to study.

If you have time, why not practise what you want to say on the call? This can really help if you're feeling nervous.

For more information, read our guide on what to say during Clearing.

Why not explore our dedicated Clearing blogs, full of helpful advice and tips for each stage of the Clearing process?  If you're an international student, we've written an essential guide to Clearing just for you.