UCAS: Clearing

Tamsin Dyer

Tamsin Dyer

Senior Writer at Medic Mind

Whenever anyone mentions clearing it sounds scary. But don’t sweat it, it isn’t as bad as it sounds! In this article we aim to address some common questions about clearing.

What is clearing?

Clearing is the term used for when you have missed the grades you needed to qualify for your accepted offer at university. Hopefully you have met your second choice of accepted offers, however, if you didn’t or you no longer want to go to that university to do that course then you will enter clearing. In clearing you contact universities directly to apply for space places on their courses.

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What do you mean ‘miss your grades’?

If you get an offer to study medicine, after doing the UCAT/BMAT and having an interview, the university will usually specify that you need to get certain grades in your A-level – e.g. A*AA. On results day, if your grades are AAA, you unfortunately have ‘missed your grades’. You should still call up the universities, as they may have a space open for you. Alternatively, you could secure your back-up university. 

Can I find medicine in clearing?

Unfortunately, medicine is normally not available through clearing or adjustment (we will explain this in a second). But you will be able to find bioscience degrees and foundation degrees, which will allow you to re-apply for medicine either the following year or once you are a graduate.

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    Can I find medicine in adjustment?

    On very rare occasions, and it is important that we emphasise this is a very rare occurrence, there may be a space available in adjustment for medicine. Adjustment is where you overachieve your predicted grades, and therefore have the ability to apply to courses that you wouldn’t have been able to before.

    Should I be in the UK for results day?

    We recommend being in the country for results day. You may be called for an interview though clearing or adjustment. However, if you did achieve fantastic grades and have no offers, it might be more practical to take a gap year and apply in the next application cycle. 

    In summary, clearing is definitely not something to worry about, and often presents fantastic opportunities, and it definitely doesn’t mean your dream of studying medicine is over!

    Frequently Asked Question

    →What is UCAS Clearing?

    UCAS Clearing is a service offered by UCAS to help students who have not secured a place at university or college find available course vacancies. It is open from mid-July to late-September each year.

    →Who can apply through UCAS Clearing?

    UCAS Clearing is primarily for students who have not received any offers from their chosen universities or colleges, or have not met the entry requirements for their chosen courses. However, it is also open to students who have declined their offers, or have not applied for any courses yet.

    →How do I apply through UCAS Clearing?

    To apply through UCAS Clearing, you need to register for the service on the UCAS website. You can then search for available course vacancies and contact the universities or colleges directly to discuss your options.

    →Can I apply for any course through UCAS Clearing?

    You can apply for any course that still has vacancies available through UCAS Clearing. However, it’s important to remember that some courses may be more competitive than others, and you may need to meet specific entry requirements.

    →When does UCAS Clearing start?

    UCAS Clearing typically opens in mid-July, following the release of A-level results. However, the exact dates can vary each year, so it’s important to check UCAS website for the latest information.

    →What if I change my mind about my course or university after I've accepted an offer through UCAS Clearing?

    If you change your mind about your course or university after accepting an offer through UCAS Clearing, you will need to contact the university or college directly to discuss your options. They may be able to advise you on whether it’s possible to change your course or transfer to a different institution.

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