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Record numbers of applicants get set for university news

18 August 2010

UCAS is currently processing approximately 3.8 million exam results, from across the UK, in advance of A level results day on Thursday 19 August.

UCAS figures released earlier in July show that in total there are 660,953 applicants to start full-time undergraduate courses this autumn, an increase of around 11%.

Mary Curnock Cook, UCAS Chief Executive said: 'Although the headlines focus on the numbers, the story is really about individuals who are anxiously awaiting their results. If you're in that position, the most important thing is to go into Thursday with your eyes open - what you decide to do now will affect the next few years of your life.

'Our advice is to take the time over the next couple of days to fully understand the terms of any offers. Be flexible and realistic, and take the time to look at all the options available to you if you don't get the result you're hoping for: reapplying, Clearing, part time study, apprenticeships or using a bridging year to enhance your application in the next cycle. That way you are less likely to feel pressured into making rushed decisions on results day.'

Clearing for applicants begins on Thursday 19 August when vacancies will be advertised on ucas.com and in The Independent for students to apply. Expert advisers from UCAS will be on hand to answer questions on 0871 468 0 468 from 07.00 on results day or via digital channels at www.ucas.com/contact. 47,673 students found a place through Clearing last year.

Some advice for students.

  • Read through the information at ucas.com/clearing to find out how Clearing works.
  • Look on Track at ucas.com to check the status of your application and to get your Clearing number if you become eligible
  • Make sure that you're available to speak to universities and colleges - treat your Clearing application like a job application - deal with it yourself. Don't leave it to your parents or friends to sort out.
  • Vacancies will be listed at ucas.com and also in The Independent on 19 August. Make sure that the content of the course meets your needs, and check the entry requirements.
  • Start contacting the universities and colleges about the courses that interest you as soon as you can. A university or college that is interested in you will ask for details such as your Clearing number and your Personal ID. You will probably also be asked questions about your exam results.
  • If you are accepted onto a course, the university or college will contact us and the offer will be displayed on Track.
  • If you need help applying through Clearing or have a query about your application, you can contact the UCAS helpline on 0871 468 0 468 - 08.00 - 19:00 or visit online at www.ucas.com/contact
  • For expert, independent advice on applying for university or college, taking time out or choosing to enter employment speak to a specially trained advisor on the Exam Results Helpline - just call 0808 100 8000. Lines open on Thursday 19 August from 08:00 - 20:00.
 

ENDS

UCAS is a charity and is the world's leading shared admissions service for higher education. We manage applications for full-time undergraduate courses, together with applications through GTTR (Graduate Teacher Training Registry), CUKAS (Conservatoires UK Admissions Service) and UKPASS (UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service). Since its inception in 1993, UCAS has processed around 30 million applications and placed over 5 million students on higher education courses.

Services include:

  • An informative website (www.ucas.com) enabling students and parents to access a wealth of information designed to help their application to higher education run smoothly.
  • A state-of-the-art contact centre (0871 468 0468) providing a point of contact for students, schools and higher education institutions.
  • An online application system.
  • A simple, straightforward tracking service enabling students and schools advisers to access up-to-date information about their applications at the click of a button.
  • Over 50 higher education events each year providing 250,000 students with face-to-face advice on the UCAS process. Internationally, we participated in events in over 12 countries and also provided training and professional development throughout Europe and beyond.
  • www.yougofurther.co.uk is UCAS' student networking site. It allows future and present applicants to interact with each other and provides further advice on higher education.
 

Media contacts

Follow headlines from UCAS over confirmation and clearing on our temporary Twitter feed: www.twitter.com/ucasclearing

Darren Barker, Corporate Communications Executive, 01242 545723
Lisa Davies, Corporate Communications Officer, 01242 544619
Charlotte Knowles, Corporate Communications Manager, 01242 544987

Email: communications@ucas.ac.uk
Out of hours: 07768 740461

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