A levels: 5 top tips to guide you through Clearing

The big day has arrived for thousands of Welsh A-level students!

While many are celebrating their success - not everyone will have had the results they were expecting.

This can be a daunting, anxious and uncertain time.

What happens if you don’t quite get the grades you were hoping for and find yourself in Clearing? What if you haven’t applied for university yet but have decided that you would like to apply for a place through Clearing?

Sarah Watkins, UK Recruitment Manager at the University of South Wales, gives us some top tips:

Firstly, don’t panic!

There are lots of options available to you and many universities still have places available through Clearing. Take a deep breath, explore all of your options and make the right decision for you.

Get advice

Deciding on a university is a big decision, so don’t make that decision on your own. Speak to your tutors and parents and get their advice and support.

Ask questions

When you call the university, make sure you ask lots of questions and get all of the information that you need. It’s helpful to think of some key questions before you make the phone call. You can also come along to one of our Clearing Open Days at the University of South Wales on Saturday 20 August and Thursday 25 August. This is a great opportunity to chat with course tutors, explore our university campuses and find a course that is right for you

Be open minded

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen course, universities may offer you an alternative course or may suggest another route into Higher Education such as a HND or Foundation Year. So be willing to explore different options and ways of getting onto your chosen career path.

And finally, don’t panic!

Lots of students go through the clearing process every year and secure a university place that is just right for them. So be proactive on results day and find a course that suits you.