Wondering what it’s like as a parent or supporter for your prospective student to go through Clearing? We sat down with Karen, whose daughter recently came to York through Clearing, to get the inside scoop and some tips on how best to approach Clearing.
Karen’s Clearing experience
Hi, I’m Karen. My daughter recently went through Clearing and I’m here to tell you all about it so you know what to expect.
How we decided to go through Clearing
Originally my daughter had applied (and received offers) for Marine Biology at Swansea and Plymouth. However, she had a change of heart just before her A Levels. She wanted to go to a University closer to home (we’re from Nottinghamshire) and study a broader subject. I reassured her that this was fine! Change happens, and I’d heard that Clearing was a good option.
She then focused on doing her best in her exams, and when they were finished she visited her Head of Year who helped her to prepare for the Clearing process.
Preparing for Clearing
During June and July 2023 we went to visit the University of Lincoln, Sheffield and York. We even managed to attend an Open Day at the University of York. Everyone at York was so friendly and helpful which my daughter found really reassuring.
Following these visits, and lots of research into the courses available using the UCAS and the university websites, my daughter decided that on Results Day she would try for York first, then Sheffield and Lincoln if she didn’t meet her expected grades. This time she’d be applying to study Environmental Science. By that point we could see on the university websites that there were places available on the courses through Clearing which her Head of Year said was a good sign.
Results Day
On Results Day we felt prepared! We went to her school together and both had the Uni of York, Sheffield and Lincoln Clearing phone numbers ready. We were at school early and ready for action! My daughter was excited and nervous but she had a clear plan which helped to calm her nerves. She was ecstatic when she got the results she needed for the University of York and her Head of Year stayed with us as she phoned York. Hers and was the first phone call they received at 8.03am.
The University gave her a verbal offer over the phone and then she had to wait until the afternoon to receive an email confirming in writing. Then she was straight into applying for accommodation!
Top tips for Clearing:
Try to remain calm and positive. There are so many options available through Clearing. If there are Clearing places available on a course in July, there will likely still be places available on Results Day.
Help your child to navigate through the process, but trust them to make the right choices for themselves.
Be there to support your child and help to prepare them for Clearing by having ideas of other universities and courses in case things don’t work out as expected. Use the UCAS website.
Get a member of school staff on side and talk to them about the Clearing process. Will someone be available if you need support on Results Day?
When you get your offer apply for accommodation as soon as possible. This was the most stressful part of the process for us. Be aware that the choice might be limited. Don’t worry if your room doesn’t have an ensuite or if it’s self-catered when you wanted catered. Everyone in your halls will be in the same boat.
My daughter has loved her first year at the University of York and really enjoyed living at Halifax College.
I hope this helps! Good luck.
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