NEW research has shown what university officers will be looking for in the university clearing process.

Clearing is a process which universities use to fill any unfilled spaces on courses.

The latest annual survey of university admissions officers, commissioned by ACS International Schools, highlights the top ten qualities universities will be looking for from applicants during the clearing process.

Some of the qualities include “positive attitude towards study”, “passion for the chosen course” and having “an inquiring mind”.

Jeremy Lewis, of at ACS, said “Given that many clearing applicants will have received grades that did not automatically propel them to their first choice university, the list may well seem daunting at first glance. But it is the nature of the clearing process that students need to be able to present themselves well over the telephone.For most, the work will already have been done for their initial personal statements. Have it to hand, and think how to articulate its content and demonstrate the required qualities.”