Top tips for Clearing: Guest blog by Jade Dunstan, Admissions Officer
Posted on: 15 August, 2018
In this latest guest blog, we speak with Jade Dunstan, UCEM Admissions Officer, about some top tips 
she has for students entering Clearing. Jade manages the team that responds to our telephone and email enquiries, so you may find that it’s Jade answering your enquiry!
For those of you that may not know, Clearing is part of the UCAS application process. It allows universities to fill any vacancies they may have on their programmes following the release of exam results. It’s great because it means that, even if your exam results aren’t exactly what you wanted, you don’t have to miss out!
I’ve been working at UCEM for three years so have got plenty of experience in helping students through Clearing. I thought it would be helpful to put together some advice for you if you are currently going through the Clearing process:
- Firstly, don’t panic. I know everyone says this but it’s true. If you haven’t got the grades you were after, then take some time to sit back and really think through what you want. You don’t want to make a snap decision. Our team will make sure that we take you step-by-step through everything so that you fully understand and can make an informed decision about what you really want to do next.
- It’s really useful for us if you have your UCAS ID and Clearing number to hand when you call us. We’re not allowed to confirm an offer (even though we’d really like to!) unless we have these details. You can find them in the ‘Your Choices’ section of UCAS Track.
- Ask questions! Our job is to help you make the right decision for yourself so please don’t be afraid to ask anything you’d like, even if you think it’s silly. Guaranteed we’ve heard it before. We’d rather that you ended the conversation feeling informed than wishing you’d asked more.
- It’s also helpful if you have all of your grades written down before you ring us. You should be able to tell us all of your qualifications that are recognised in the UCAS tariff. This could include BTECS and A Levels.
- Know that you’re not alone in going through this process. Thousands of people go through it each year. Try to think positively – this could be the start of a brilliant education and career! Studying with UCEM means that you can gain paid work alongside your degree. Have you thought about that before?
- Again, don’t panic. You really do have time, I promise. We can take applications up until 3 September.
If you would like to talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable Admissions Team members, we’re available from 8am – 6pm BST Monday-Friday to help you. We’re also free to chat on Saturday (18 September) from 8am – 4pm BST. You can call us on 0800 019 9697 or email enquiries@ucem.ac.uk. If you have any further UCAS related questions then check out their website.
We look forward to speaking to you soon. Good luck!
