UCAS Clearing: 5 Top Tips from a Uni Recruitment Staffer

University of Stirling staffer Gemma Connell working during UCAS Clearing. She is holding up a sign that says "here to help".
Post written by UofStirling Digital Team |

So you’ve read our Guide to Clearing, maybe you’ve even visited our Clearing 2022 pages and registered your interest.

But what actually happens when you pick up the phone and speak to University Admissions staff? UofStirling’s own Gemma Connell – student recruitment, admissions and UCAS Clearing expert – gives her top tips to help you secure a Clearing place at Stirling.

Don’t panic!

First things first. DO NOT panic. Keep a level head and write down exactly what you’re going to do when you get those exam results through. Next, get on our website and check out the University of Stirling Clearing pages – this is where we publish all the information we have available for Clearing, including course lists. If it helps, talk about your action plan before Results Day with your parent, teacher or a friend.

Ask us questions

Once the Clearing process starts and you start talking to universities, things can happen really quickly. Make sure that you fully understand everything that’s being said to you – if you don’t, ask us lots of questions. There are no silly questions and our specialist staff are here to help you.

You’ll be committing to studying (and living) here for a number of years, so you should ask any burning questions about the University of Stirling, clubs and facilities, accommodation or life in Stirling, before you sign on the dotted line.

The University of Stirling campus in spring time, which is a few months before UCAS Clearing.
You may end up spending 4 years here – so ask all the questions!

Be prepared for UCAS Clearing

Make sure you have all relevant information to hand before you phone us or contact us on Live Chat. You’ll need:

  • UCAS personal ID Number
  • Exam results
  • UCAS Personal Statement

Having all this ready will make things run smoothly for both you and us. We may ask you questions about your personal statement or what motivates you for a particular course, so try and think about this before you call.

Speak to us as soon as possible

Things can happen quickly during the UCAS Clearing process. It’s important to get in touch with us as early as you can – our Clearing and Exam Helpline will be open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, with extended hours around Scottish and A-Level Results Days:

  • Tuesday 9 August: 8am to 7pm
  • Wednesday 10 August: 9am to 6pm
  • Thursday 18 August: 8am to 7pm
  • Friday 19 August: 9am to 6pm
  • Saturday 20 August: 9am to 4pm
Gemma Connell of the University of Stirling working during UCAS Clearing. She is wearing a headset and operating a computer, whilst answering Clearing calls.
Gemma and the team will be available to take your calls.

Keep calm

This one speaks for itself. Keep calm, and have an open mind – you may not get the course of your dreams depending on your exam results, but there may be another course out there for you. The best thing to do is start talking to us through our Exam Helpline ((+44) 01786 466166) or contact us via live chat so we can help you and talk through your options.

What now?

We strongly recommend that you register your interest for our Clearing 2022 service. That way, you’ll be the first to know about any Clearing developments. Regardless of your exam results, we may be able to offer you a place at the University of Stirling.

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