Record UCAS Acceptances and How to Navigate Clearing on Results Day

Students across the UK are celebrating their A-level and other Level 3 results, with UCAS reporting a record-breaking year for university admissions. The central organization for university applications announced that a record number of students have been accepted into their first-choice universities across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. With 28.3% of all grades marked at A* or A—a slight increase from last year—the success stories are plentiful, but the process of securing a spot isn’t over for everyone.

The Student Experience: From Celebration to Clearing

In Devon and Cornwall, students shared their reactions, from overwhelming joy to nervous uncertainty. Exeter College student Ben was pleased with his A*, A, and A grades, which met his expectations. Meanwhile, Charlotte Lancaster from Launceston College was “not necessarily expecting” her four A*s after a long two-year journey.

However, the story of Megan from Launceston College highlights a common path for students on results day. After achieving an impressive A* and two A’s, she “burst out crying” with relief. While her first-choice university had accepted her, she had since decided to apply for a different course, and her excellent grades gave her the confidence to seek a new path. This is a perfect example of why the UCAS “Clearing” process is so vital.

Understanding the UCAS Clearing Process

Clearing is an integral part of the UCAS application cycle, designed to help students who may not have met their original university offers, have done better than expected, or have simply changed their minds, like Megan. It’s a system that helps match students to university places that still have openings.

As Richard Davies, Vice Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, said, “Students who’ve changed their minds or got better results or worse results than they expected, please give us a ring… there’s lots of opportunity out there.” The process is designed to be a lifeline, not a last resort.

Tips for Navigating UCAS Clearing

If you find yourself in clearing, here are some key steps to ensure a smooth process:

• Be Prepared: Have your UCAS number and your results ready before you start calling universities.
• Do Your Research: Look at the courses you’re interested in on the UCAS website. Don’t limit yourself to your original subject; you might find a new passion.
• Stay Calm: Take a moment to be proud of your accomplishments. The clearing process can feel stressful, but there are dedicated teams at universities ready to help you find the right fit.

The record-high acceptance rates from UCAS signal a successful year for many students, but the clearing process is a reminder that the path to higher education is diverse and full of options.