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Key UCAS advice to applicants ahead of Confirmation and Clearing

15 August 2011

As UCAS processes exam results from across the UK ahead of A-Level results day, there is more information than ever available to applicants about their options.

UCAS received 673,570 applicants by July 18 this year (an increase of 1.3 percent on 2010).

Mary Curnock Cook, UCAS Chief Executive, said: "History tells us that the majority of applicants whose places are dependent on their A-Level results are likely to be successful.

"But, like last year, universities and colleges are managing admissions against a capped number of places so some applicants with 'near misses' may need to think again.

"Our advice is to familiarise yourself with the Clearing process, which is fully explained on the UCAS website.

"We expect that there will be plenty of vacancies in Clearing again this year but you do need to act quickly to secure a new offer.

"Remember that choosing your course is a life-changing decision so do get advice from your teachers or your family before rushing into a new selection.

"UCAS Connect, our one-stop-shop for advice and information, is now available as a free mobile app for Android, Apple and Nokia phones. Looking at our Twitter and Facebook pages you'll find guidance on how to make the best of Clearing, written in plain English.

"Take time over the coming days to look at all the options. If you decide to reapply, remember that new fee arrangements come into play in 2012. Sites like www.moneysavingexpert.com and www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk offer comprehensive advice about the new fee and repayment arrangements.

"If you decide to look at other options to develop your career, you can call the Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000."

Some advice for students

  • Read through the information at ucas.com/clearing to find out how Clearing works.
  • Look on Track at www.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 Telegraph on 18 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 - 07.00 - 19:00 or visit online at www.ucas.com/contact
  • UCAS Connect brings you the digital side of UCAS. It's the place for all online advice and tips about applying to university. Talk to us, ask questions on our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. You can download the free mobile phone app from Apple's App Store, Android Market and Nokia's Ovi store.
  • 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 from 08:00 - 20:00.

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).

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 contact centre (0871 468 0468) staffed by trained experts providing information and advice 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.

Media contacts
UCAS Press Office: 01242 545469
James Woodward, Press Officer
Email: j.woodward@ucas.ac.uk
James Durant, Press Officer
Email: j.durant@ucas.ac.uk

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