A-level students across the country are eagerly awaiting their exam results. While for many it will be a time for celebration, others won’t make their grades. However, help is at hand through the university clearing process.

 

THERE will no doubt be tears, both of happiness and sadness, among the thousands of students receiving their A-level results next Thursday.

But if you’re one of those who didn’t quite get the grades you expected, you might still have a shot at university if you want it.

The university clearing process starts in mid-July and runs until September. For most people it is used after exam results are published on August 16.

Clearing was set up to help people without a university or college place find suitable vacancies on higher education courses.

It is open to students who have not received any offers; have declined all offers or not responded by the due date; or have not achieved the required grades.

It is also available to those who have declined a change in course, a changed date of entry and to those who did not submit their application form to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by June 30.

Students who submit an application after June 30 but before September 20 will automatically be entered into clearing.

Newport’s university will have dozens of people on hand to take call on August 16. They will give advice to those still searching for a place on one of its courses.

Deputy vice chancellor Graham Rogers says it is never too early to show interest.

He said: “We are already getting people asking what places are available.

“It’s worth picking up the phone and looking at other universities so you’re prepared in advance, should you go into clearing.”

“It isn’t a scary process, it’s something that people work through and we will support people wherever we can.”

Mr Rogers believes Newport has lots to offer prospective students, including a wide variety of courses, a close-knit campus community, state-of-the art city centre campus and good transport links.

He advises pupils to think long and hard before making up their mind on where to go.

He said: “ Don’t make a snap decision, have a look at the programme, have a look at the course, where you’re going to be staying, so you’re happy with that. It’s important to do those things and not just jump at the first opportunity.”

The deputy vice chancellor is also keen to reiterate that, despite plans to merge his institution with the University of Glamorgan, students who enrol on courses under the University of Wales, Newport, will be able to continue the programme and graduate under the Newport banner.

Any changes in the future, he says, will only be positive – building on the strengths the institution already has.

Newport university hosts a clearing open day between 10am and 12pm on August 20 at its Caerleon Campus, where prospective students can meet course tutors.

Phone numbers for different courses will be posted at newport.ac.uk/clearing closer to August 16 but people can get in touch now by calling the university information centre on 01633 432432.

Admissions staff will host a web chat at twitter.com/newportuni tomorrow and UCAS will be giving advice on Twitter on A-level results day using the hashtag #ucasclearing.

 

‘It can be the making of you’

THE clearing process doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom and can be a positive experience for many.

One such person is Liam McAlinden, 18, who ended up at Newport university after failing to get the required grades for his first and reserve choices at the University of Kent and Nottingham Trent.

After hours of research and many phone calls to universities across the country, the social studies student from London was offered a place at Newport’s university – somewhere he admits he had never even considered applying to before.

He said: “I spoke to one of the staff and she was absolutely fantastic, she reassured me everything would be fine. She made me realise it’s not the end of the world. If anything it could be the making of you and often brings out the best in people.

“You spend forever on the phone on hold to universities but at the end of the day you come out with some great positive advice.”

“It was a blessing in disguise.”

 

FACTFILE: Top tips

THE University of Wales, Newport’s top tips for clearing:

1. Don’t panic – think carefully about what you want to do.

2. Contact your original choices – you may still be accepted even if you narrowly missed the grades.

3. Look at courses – get an upto- date list of courses and look at ones similar to your original choice. They may have different names but could be surprisingly similar.

4. Call the clearing hotline – admissions tutors want to speak to you, they will do their best to help you 5. Be enthusiastic – show interest in the course and university offering you a place.

6. Talk it over – discuss your choice with family, teachers and careers advisors.

7. Be flexible – you may have to consider a course with a slightly different content to your original choice.

8. Consider other options – taking a year out, re-sits or getting a job

9. Be positive – you are not alone. According to UCAS last year more than 38,000 people gained a place through clearing

10. Look around – visit the university, meet the tutors and students.