1. Clearing 2008 start date - 14 August 2008
2. Clearing 2008 end date - 20 Sept. 2008

Note: The Independent newspaper has exclusive access to the UCAS database, in print and online.

Don't panic

National Exam Results Telephone Helpline - 0808 100 8000
The team of around 40 advisers, in Scotland and England, are specially trained to give information and advice on all post-exams options. They have access to an online database, developed by UCAS and DfES, which provides up-to-the-minute information about course availablity.
Remember, calls are free, confidential and the information and advice is impartial.



Opening hours
Tuesday 5 August - Saturday 23 August	10am - 6pm (helpline closes at 12 noon on 23 August)
Tuesday 5 August	8am - 8pm (Scotland)
Thursday 14 and Friday 15 August	8am - 8pm (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)



ucas helpline - 0871 468 0 468
If you need help applying through Clearing or have a query about your application, you can contact the ucas Customer Service Unit at the above number.



Opening hours
Monday 11 - Wednesday 13 August	8.30am - 6pm
Thursday 14 and Friday 15 August	8am - 8pm
Saturday 16 August	9am - 5pm
Sunday 17 August	10am - 5pm
Monday 18 - Friday 22 August	8.30am - 6pm
Saturday 23 August	10am - 2pm
Sunday 24 August	Closed
Monday 25 August (Bank Holiday)	10am - 2pm
Tuesday 26 August onwards	Normal opening hours (8.30am - 6pm)

Choosing a university

Read - Author : Karen McCandless

University Clearing Question and Answers - Ref : UCAS Facts

What is Clearing?
Clearing is a way of allocating University places once final results are known. It's the name given to the system of late admissions organised by UCAS, the centralised admissions service, and vacancy information is available on their website (www.ucas.com) from August until late September. Many national newspapers, together with Teletext, also advertise vacancies.

Who is eligible to go through Clearing?

You are eligible for Clearing if you have applied in the current application year and if:


• you have not withdrawn your application;
  
• you hold no offers; or
  
• your offers have not been confirmed because you have not met the conditions (eg you have not achieved the required grades); or
  
• you have declined your offers or not responded by the due date; or
  
• your offers have not been confirmed, and you have declined any alternative offers from the same university; or
  
• you have applied after 30 June (12 June for Route B art and design courses). If we received your application after these dates, we will not have sent it to any universities and colleges.

What courses go through Clearing?

The range of courses available through Clearing is extremely varied. Very popular and competitive courses do not always go through Clearing but you may still find a place. If your original plans have changed it's well worth checking out the opportunities available. Don't forget that lots of new courses will have come on stream since you first applied and many of these will have vacancies because they couldn't be advertised in time.

What's the best way of dealing with Clearing?

Do some forward planning and have a Plan B up your sleeve in case you don't get the grades you need. Speak to your careers teachers, surf the web, pick up prospectuses on courses you might be interested in. The best advice is not to panic! in time.

Can I check on my application?

Yes, UCAS will give you a PIN number and you can use it to check the status of your application through the website to find out if you've been accepted or not. If no decision has been made, ring the University and check. If you make (or better) the grades offered by your first choice University and they have already made you an offer, then they are legally obliged to accept you. If you get lower, or different, grades it's at the University's discretion so it's worth checking.

What should I do when I call?

Have your UCAS number to hand and if you've already applied to the University you're phoning, make it clear to them. Let them know whether you're a current applicant wanting an update (ie to find out if you've been accepted or not) or a new applicant calling for the first time. It helps if you know what your status is on your first and insurance offers - have you been released yet? The more information you have at your finger-tips the quicker and easier your call will be.

What if I feel pressured?

Clearing can be stressful and you will be under pressure to make decisions rapidly. You do need to act rapidly but check out the places you're interested in first. If you meet their criteria, ask if they'll guarantee your place in writing. You should check that they can provide you with an offer in writing and how long they'll hold it for you. You can speak to a number of universities; until your Clearing Entry Form number is given to an institution you are free to keep looking. Once it has been sent or given by you to your chosen institution, you'll only see it again if you're rejected so do make sure their offer is a firm one. If it's sent back to you, you can start again with other institutions.

How do I get my Clearing Entry Form (CEF)?

Once you're eligible for Clearing, your CEF and instructions are sent to you automatically.

What if I don't get it?

If you haven't received your CEF, phone UCAS to check or check the Online Applicant Enquiry section on their website (available from 11am on A level results day, Thursday 16 August). If your CEF doesn't arrive in time to meet the deadline set by your chosen university, let them know. The University can extend the deadline, but the key is to keep in touch and keep the University informed of your decision. If you decide to go elsewhere, ring and let the one you haven't chosen know so that the place can go to someone else.

Is the CEF the final stage of the process?

Yes - once the institution who has made you the offer on Clearing has received your CEF and has returned it to UCAS it means that you have been officially offered a place and UCAS will expect you to take up that place.

What if I hadn't applied for University but I've changed my mind?

If you hadn't applied at all but your plans have changed, you can find a place through Clearing. You'll still need to find a vacancy though and will need to generate a Clearing form by submitting a UCAS form. Don't delay discussions with the universities you're interested in whilst you're waiting for the form to come through though!

Can you apply for different subjects in Clearing?

Yes, and this can be really valuable if you've changed your mind since your original application or your grades are different to what you had expected. Think about your Plan B in advance of the day itself though and look at what other choices may be available to you - you'll be surprised!

What else should I be checking?

It's useful to check on the accommodation situation and whether or not the University you've chosen can guarantee this. If they can, ask where it is likely to be - on campus or privately owned accommodation. You should also ask about Open Days and try and visit - you don't want to be somewhere for 3 or 4 years without checking it out first! It's useful too to check out the starting date for the year as this can vary from institution to institution.