Clearing: FUQs (Frequently Unasked Questions)
Is Clearing the last chance to go to university?
Not at all. And it shouldn’t be treated as such. Unless you find the right course at the right institution, why not take a year out and reapply for the courses and places you do like?
Once I’ve accepted an offer of a place through Clearing, can I change my mind?
Only if you haven’t parted with that wondrous Clearing Passport. That’s why you shouldn’t send copies to institutions until you are completely sure you have found what you want. Although even if you have, you could probably come up with some excuse why you can’t take up the place, but in that case, if you take another somewhere else in the same year, you may find someone official finds out and it’s just about possible to imagine them trying to mess with your funding.
Is there an official overview of the Clearing process anywhere?
Yes. For the official view on the process, take a look at the UCAS website.
Is there a guide to filling in the Clearing Passport?
Not as such but you might find some help here.
Okay, but what do these abbreviations mean? (i.e. on the exam results)
W = Winter exam
A = GCE A level
AS = GCE AS level
VA = Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education
VAS = Vocational Certificate of Education: Three Unit Award
VDA = VCE Double Award
AH = Advanced Highers
H = Highers
INT2 = Intermediate level 2
I = Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher)
And what is Clearing again?
It’s a system whereby a candidate without a place at university can be matched with a university without enough students to fill its vacancies. Clearing is a pimp.
Last updated on: 26 November 2008