Clearing: Do your homework before A Level results come out

An award-winning university admissions team is urging students collecting their A Level results on Thursday (18 August) to start researching courses that will be available through clearing in advance.

An increase in applications from prospective students looking to avoid fee increases in 2012 means that clearing options will be especially limited this year. York St John University, like many others in the UK, will have no places in clearing on popular courses such as teaching and physiotherapy.

Stacy Lloyd, Admissions Manager at York St John University, which was named Outstanding Student Admissions Team 2010 in Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards, said: “Any student who is unsure about whether they will get the grades for their chosen university degree should be starting to think about which courses and other universities they may be interested in attending. 

“We would always advise students not to jump at the first clearing place they are offered unless they have done their homework – but with fewer places available this year, it will be tempting to do so.  Definitely take the time to consider what is available that will suit your skills, expected A level grades, interests and where you will be happy studying for three years.”

York St John University’s admissions team has five tips for A Level students who are concerned that they might not achieve their grades

1. For example, if your first choice is teaching you might want to consider education studies
2. If you do not get the grades for a teaching degree then consider doing a first degree in a subject you would enjoy then you can do a post graduate teaching qualification
3. If you find a course you want to study, make sure you meet the minimum entry requirements before you contact the university
4. Make sure you have definitely not been accepted at your firm and insurance choices and then act early.
5. Make any phone calls yourself – admission teams want to hear from you, not your parents

 York St John’s own degree vacancies will be on the university website www.yorksj.ac.uk .  Their telephone clearing hotline 01904 876980 will be open from 8.30 am on Thursday 18 August.