News and Events

Clear Heads Make the Best of Clearing

13 August 2007

Being prepared and proactive are the keys to impressing admissions tutors and securing a place at University.

Please note the is an archive page. For the latest situation regarding places at BU, please visit our homepage during the UK clearing period.

When students throughout the UK receive their exam results on Thursday August 16 2007, they will face a flood of emotions – from elation at having ‘made the grade’ and assuring their place at University to disappointment at having ‘missed out’, sometimes by only a slight margin.

Jon Mildenhall who manages the Clearing operation at Bournemouth University, would like to reassure students that a calm approach to receiving exam results is the best way forward and that even disappointing results can turn into something positive if the recipient remains hopeful of attending university.

“It is vital for a student to stay calm when they get their results,” says Mildenhall. “It is all too easy to assume that everyone will react rationally when they ‘open the envelope’ but the reality of their achievements can result in a very emotional outburst, whether the outcome is positive or negative.

“Even for those who get the necessary grades and secure their place at University, there is such a rush of adrenaline that they need to keep things in perspective to ensure that everything falls into place before they start their course in the Autumn,” Mildenhall continues. “For the students that miss the mark and aren’t automatically eligible to attend their first or second choice of University, they must enter a system known as ‘Clearing’ which ultimately helps to match students seeking a place in higher education with universities in search of students to fill places.”

For those facing the prospect of Clearing, Mildenhall offers some sound advice:

“Being prepared and proactive are the keys to impressing admissions tutors and securing a place at University,” he emphasises. “Students interested in going to University through the Clearing system should check national newspapers and related web sites for listings of course vacancies and find the names of the courses which interest them most.

“If a student is eligible for Clearing (ie. they have not met the conditions of either their first or insurance choice) they will be sent a Clearing Passport by UCAS. In the meantime, telephoning a University with their UCAS number is a positive initiative until the form arrives. Also make sure results are at the ready, as admissions tutors will ask for this information.

“Admissions tutors will also want to talk to the student personally, and not their teacher, adviser or parents. Clearing, like job interviews, is a two-way process, so take the opportunity to ask questions about the course: - what is involved? - what teaching methods are used? - how many students are on the course? and any other important questions - that's why Universities have so many staff ready to take calls at this time of year.”

We will have fully-trained staff on hand to give advice about course vacancies, accommodation and other information from 8.30am on Thursday, August 16 on (01202) 524111. Use the link below for more information.