Oxford Brookes University gets ready for a busy clearing period as results day approaches
Oxford Brookes University is getting ready for a busy clearing period as results day approaches.
Clearing was traditionally used by students that hadn’t got the grades to go to their chosen university but now, Oxford Brookes is seeing increasing numbers of prospective students applying later in the admissions cycle. More and more people are choosing to visit campuses and apply to university after they’ve taken their exams. This prompted the University to put on an open day on 6 August for the first time to provide an extra opportunity to visit before exam results are published on 18 August.
Helen Hall, Director of UK Admissions at Oxford Brookes University said; “We’re seeing the number of applicants starting their university entry process during the clearing period increase year on year. Students like a little longer to decide which university or course suits them best so we work really hard with all our applicants to make sure we’re giving them as much information as possible while they’re thinking things over. I think Covid also made it harder for prospective students to make informed decisions about what and where they want to study."
Oxford Brookes clearing is open now - 0345 350 3699. On results day lines are open from 08:00 - 18:00 and people can also apply through Facebook & Instagram Messenger.
Accommodation can be a worry for students applying through clearing but planners at Oxford Brookes have been working hard to ensure good capacity for students joining as a result of the clearing process.
Oxford Brookes University’s Top Ten Tips for clearing are:
1. Don’t panic. Whether you have had your heart set on going to university all year, or have only recently decided that you want to go, there’ll be a wide range of courses for you to consider.
2. Have a plan ready before results day. Research courses, universities and visit campuses wherever possible. Many will set up facility or campus tours with student ambassadors or have open days you can attend before results day. Search to see which universities and courses are offering places via clearing at UCAS clearing launch.
3. Prioritise. While you’re researching, have a think about what things are really important to you and list them in order of priority. For example, do you need to consider how far the campus is from your home, how easy it would be for friends and family to visit, or how much money you will need to live in that location? These factors will vary depending on the university you are looking at, so having a priority list will help you focus your search.
4. Make enquiries with the university. Specifically, if you’re going to be moving away from home, find out what the university can offer you around accommodation. You may also want to ask the university about social activities, study support or flexibility within your course – whatever is important to you. At Oxford Brookes University, you can talk with academics and students who are ready to answer any questions from clearing applicants about studying here. Clearing is a great opportunity to find all the information you need quickly, from one place.
5. Be prepared to be flexible. Have a list of several choices to apply for when you start the clearing process. This will help you to move through the process efficiently when you approach universities to see if they have places available.
6. Make a list of where you want to apply on results day so you are fully prepared. It will speed things up if you have your UCAS application number and course code to hand. Make a copy for family members, who can make applications on your behalf.
7. Check UCAS Track. If you’ve already applied for university this year, after receiving your results, check the status of your applications on UCAS Track. If you don’t get the grades or points you need, it doesn’t necessarily mean the university will reject your application. Clearing will be your route to securing new offers if you find you haven’t been accepted, or if you’re deciding to apply to university for the first time.
8. Before you call the university’s clearing line, have a pen and paper to hand, your contact phone number and email address and a list of all of your GCSE and A-Level subjects and grades. You may also be able to get in touch through social media or via a university’s website.
9. Be aware that clearing is first-come, first-served. You can make enquiries with as many universities as you like but if you are made an offer you will be given a deadline to make a decision.
10. Make your decision quickly to secure your place.
As many of the students coming to University will have experienced disruption to their education and missed out on many of the social experiences that help build confidence to make the move to independent living in a new setting, Oxford Brookes has designed a programme of support to help students transition successfully into higher education.