A Quick Guide to Clearing 2018 for Students and Parents

Students drinking coffee at Underground, Stirling Students' Union.

With exam results day looming, we’ve created this quick guide to Clearing 2018 – including FAQs – for students and parents.

If you didn’t get the exam results you were hoping for – or if you did better than you thought you would – Clearing and Adjustment gives you the opportunity to secure a place at the University of Stirling.

(Psst… if you already know what you’re looking for, head on over to our UCAS Clearing 2018 pages!)

What is Clearing for university?

Clearing is part of the UCAS application process for undergraduates. It’s a way of matching students without a university place to universities who have course places to fill. Once your exam results are available, you can see if you’re eligible for Clearing by checking UCAS Track. This also is where you’ll find your Clearing number.

It’s worth noting that Clearing is about acting fast and picking up the phone to us (quick ref: our Clearing line is (+44) 01786 466166) as soon as you get your exam results.

You can use Clearing to find a place at university if:

  • you didn’t receive any offers
  • declined offers you did receive
  • didn’t meet the criteria for conditional offers
  • you applied after 30 June

Wondering what to do next? Let us explain.

When can I apply for UCAS Clearing?

Clearing opens on 5 July 2018, and remains open until 23 October 2018.

What is the Clearing process for university?

So how does Clearing work? Answer: it’s super easy.

  1. Phone our Clearing line: (+44) 01786 466166
  2. Talk to someone in our specialist Admissions team
  3. We may make you an offer dependent on your grades, circumstances and course choices
  4. If we make you an offer, you don’t have to accept straight away – you have time to consider (we’ll give you a deadline)
  5. If you decide to accept our offer, we’ll give you details to enter on UCAS Track using the ‘Add a Clearing Choice’ button
  6. You can only enter one Clearing choice – and it must match up with what you discuss with us over the phone

What is the deadline for UCAS Clearing 2018?

Whilst Clearing 2018 remains open until October, there are limited places available at the University of Stirling – so you need to act fast. Get prepared well in advance if you’re thinking of applying to Stirling through Clearing.

Can you go through Clearing if you already have an offer?

No, you must be released from your offers by the universities you’ve already applied to before going through Clearing. You can certainly ask us the question, though – if you contact us and we make you a verbal offer over the phone, you can then request to be released from other universities’ offers.

If you meet and exceed the conditions of your CF choice, you could used UCAS Adjustment to find a place on a University of Stirling course which requires higher grades.

What is Adjustment in UCAS?

UCAS Adjustment is for students who have done better than they expected in their exam results. If you’ve met and exceeded conditions for your firm choice, you could potentially adjust to a course at the University of Stirling. Everyone’s situation is different, though, so the best thing to do is get in touch with us to discuss your options.

Why should I choose Stirling?

We may be slightly biased, but we think Stirling’s a great place to live and study in. We’re less than an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, with great bus and train links – so you’ll never be too far from home. Lloyd’s Bank recently named Stirling as the most affordable city in the UK (2017).

Stirling Castle on a sunny day from King's Park side. The sky is blue and the trees are verdant.
Stirling Castle – one of many local landmarks

At the University of Stirling, we like to think that we offer a student experience that is second to none. Our campus welcomes people from all walks of life. It’s a place where ability, not background, is valued. Not only that, but our teaching, courses and environment are consistently ranked amongst the best in Scotland.

We’re a university with a pioneering spirit and a passion for breaking new ground – creating impact in everything we do. Come and join us.

Why should I study in Scotland?

If you’re planning to study in Scotland, you’re making a great choice. With its rich history, absorbing culture and breathtaking scenery, there’s plenty to love about our wee country and its people.

Stirling’s situated right at the heart of central Scotland, so we’re ideally located for trips into Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Highlands and the Western Isles. Though you won’t have to travel far for your next adventure – there’s plenty to do in and around the city itself.

A group of students at Calton Hill in Edinburgh. Perhaps they're discussing Clearing 2018.
We’re less than an hour from Scotland’s capital.

What’s more – Lloyd’s Bank recently named Stirling as the UK’s most affordable city for the fifth consecutive year.

Still need convincing? Check out these blogs:

What next?

If you’ve stuck with us until the end, thanks for reading! Take the next step and call us right now on (+44) 01786 466166, or register your interest for Clearing 2018 at the University of Stirling.

Theme by the University of Stirling