The Pro Vice Chancellor Students at the University of Worcester has given his top tips for those using the annual Clearing service ahead of A-level results day next week.
Dr Tim Jones
Clearing is the process of matching students with university places following the release of A-level results and gives students the opportunity to change their minds on what and where to study, or to apply from scratch if they haven’t already.
Dr Tim Jones’ top tips for Clearing are:
1: Get prepared: do some research in advance on the courses and institutions that interest you. Get advice from teachers or family. If you can, speak with an academic member of staff from the course you want to study.
2: Don’t panic: don’t be afraid to tell people about any reasons your results might not be as you expected. Universities have friendly staff who want to help. But they will want to speak to you, not your parents etc.
3: Ask questions: What does the University do to help students settle in and make friends? Does the university guarantee accommodation to all clearing students? What support do they have for disabled students?
4: Pay a visit: Once you have an offer, try to visit the university you are interested in during Clearing - most universities offer Clearing visit days.
5: Be open to new ideas: Have an open mind about courses and other options. What about a foundation degree, degree apprenticeship, work experience or an extra A-level/BTEC?
6: Stay Calm and carry on: Don’t get down about being rejected from your first option. Get advice and plan for the future.
There are also lots more tips and advice from students who have previously gone through Clearing on the University’s website at www.worcester.ac.uk/clearing
The University of Worcester has additional places available to well-qualified applicants through Clearing this year.
The Clearing hotline – 01905 855111 – is open now for those who already have their results, and will be open from 8am on Thursday, August 18, as thousands of young people collect their A-level results.
There are also a limited number of places still available in university accommodation for those wanting to take up the opportunity to live on campus.
Anyone wanting to visit the University of Worcester can take advantage of the Clearing Visit Days at the St John’s Campus on Friday 19th August and Saturday 20th August. Visit the website to book your place.