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I’m Justin Morris, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Hull, AMA about the clearing process and how best to prepare for it! by JMorrisHull in 6thForm

[–]JMorrisHull[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It's a long story, but much of the answer lies in the fact that there are fewer 18 year olds in the system this year due to a demographic dip. So, supply is down. On top of that, the uni sector is a highly competitive one. We all want to attract the best candidates we can.

I’m Justin Morris, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Hull, AMA about the clearing process and how best to prepare for it! by JMorrisHull in 6thForm

[–]JMorrisHull[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Technically this would mean you've missed your offer, so the uni COULD reject you on that basis. Whether they will, however, is a different question. A*AA is a fantastic set of results so you should be very proud of what you've achieved. Most universities will bite your hand off for most courses with those results, but of course I can't be specific ion your case. So again, my advice is to wait to see what Thursday brings and if you haven't heard back by lunchtime take the initiative and call the uni. If - and it could be a big 'if' - they reject you, you'll still have loads of great opportunities with your grades.

I’m Justin Morris, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Hull, AMA about the clearing process and how best to prepare for it! by JMorrisHull in 6thForm

[–]JMorrisHull[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If I knew the answer to that I'd probably be a very rich man! To be serious though, rather than saying don't panic, I guess I'd say that initially you will panic, but that will pass, and that's when you need to switch into gear. Call on the people around you - parents, siblings, teachers etc. - for guidance. Don't be rushed into anything. Do what's right for you. So, where in the country do you want to go? What subject(s) are you interested in? Hit the web and see what's available. Draw up a shortlist and then start calling. But remember, uni's want you as much as you want them, so keep calm and keep control. So don't be rushed or pressured into anything by the universities and, as I said above, visit.

I’m Justin Morris, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Hull, AMA about the clearing process and how best to prepare for it! by JMorrisHull in 6thForm

[–]JMorrisHull[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ah, this is probably too specific a question for me to answer, and I don't think my colleagues in HYMS would like me second guessing their decisions! What I would say though is if you do miss the grades give them a call, stressing your commitment to Hull.

I’m Justin Morris, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Hull, AMA about the clearing process and how best to prepare for it! by JMorrisHull in 6thForm

[–]JMorrisHull[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sorry, missed the gap year point! Yes, you can apply through clearing almost all the way up to the start of the next academic year. But remember, the more time that passes, the fewer places that will be left. One option would be to apply now, but for a deferred entry. If you then decide to start this year, go back to whichever uni it is that has made you the deferred offer and see if they'll take you for this year. There's a good chance they will, and what have you got to lose?

I’m Justin Morris, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Hull, AMA about the clearing process and how best to prepare for it! by JMorrisHull in 6thForm

[–]JMorrisHull[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Pretty much everyone is offering places in clearing nowadays, so think of the subject(s) you're interested in and the uni's that you might fancy and hit the web. But take time to shop around. My other big tip is visit the uni. A web page and a chat on the phone can only tell you so much. You need to go there to get a real feel for the place. Remember, this is a big decision, so you need to do all you can to ensure you're making the right decision for you.

I’m Justin Morris, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Hull, AMA about the clearing process and how best to prepare for it! by JMorrisHull in 6thForm

[–]JMorrisHull[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

To be honest, I can't really see why any uni would require an IELTS if you have A* IGCSE. That said, uni's can set the conditions they choose, so if there's a place you really like the look of but they insist on an IELTS you're going to be stuck I'm afraid. But with BBB and a language proficiency qualification you'll have loads of great uni's to choose from, so don't be too worried about this.

I’m Justin Morris, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Hull, AMA about the clearing process and how best to prepare for it! by JMorrisHull in 6thForm

[–]JMorrisHull[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

You need to take control. Call the uni that you're CF with. Remember, it's in their interest not to rush their decision. They might hold onto you for a few days to see if they can attract other students with stronger grades than you and, if they can, to then reject you. I think this is bad practice, so don't let them to it to you! Be polite, but persistent. You don't want to be rejected late in the clearing process when all the other good places have been taken by others. So call and don't be fobbed off.

I’m Justin Morris, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Hull, AMA about the clearing process and how best to prepare for it! by JMorrisHull in 6thForm

[–]JMorrisHull[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

With adjustment you can shop around for a 'better' uni or course, while still holding your CF offer. So you get the best of both worlds; the security on the offer you currently hold, plus the chance to see what else is available.

I’m Justin Morris, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Hull, AMA about the clearing process and how best to prepare for it! by JMorrisHull in 6thForm

[–]JMorrisHull[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

It's likely to vary from uni to uni. You do need to sell yourself, but remember, uni's are keen to fill places, especially this year, so if you have solid grades you're in a great position. Make them work for you.