Make clearing work for you

If you think you might have to go through clearing this year, read on. A potential shortfall in university places means you need to be more clued up than ever before hitting the phone to try and secure a place.

I always confidently thought I would be able to get a place through clearing, if not my chosen place, but now I'm not so sure

What's the story?

Recent reports of a shortfall in university places have alarmed school-leavers. The economic crisis has caused a massive surge in university applications, putting pressure on admissions. "We have seen a huge increase in university applications both here and nationally and we anticipate an increase in clearing applications, too," says Dr Kate Bradley, admissions tutor at the University of Kent.

Unsurprisingly, this is worrying for many wannabe students, like Sarah Briggs, who is hoping to go to uni this year. "I always confidently thought I would be able to get a place through clearing, if not my chosen place, but now I'm not so sure," she says.

The Government has rushed to plug the gap with 10,000 extra places in science, technology, maths and engineering subjects, but it's still going to be a tense time for many.

How do I maximize my chances of getting a place through clearing?

Make sure you swing into action as soon as possible. "If you decide you want to apply for a clearing place, make sure you have access to a computer and a phone, as you will need to do a lot of research quickly," says Dr Bradley. "Familiarise yourself with the UCAS procedures, and make sure you have all your paperwork to hand."

When looking at the list of UCAS clearing vacancies, it's important not to limit your search to your exact subject area. "Consider degrees that offer joint or major/minor options and similar areas of study," says Dr Bradley. "Be ready to take calls from university admissions tutors. Be polite, alert, friendly and confident on the phone, ask questions and take notes."

I assumed I would get a place through clearing but I haven't, what can I do?

It's worth trying again next year. If you decide to reapply for 2010 entry, don't worry that your time will be wasted. "Taking a year out can be a good way of having some space to think about what you'd like to study and what you might like to go on to do afterwards – minds often change when the pressure to work is off," says Dr Bradley.

What shall I do with my year out?

Voluntary work can be a good way of trying out all kinds of work that you might not have considered before. Paid work can also offer this, along with a chance to save up some money. Work experience will also equip you with new skills, from managing your time to working with other people. "Universities value this," says Dr Bradley. "For some degrees, work experience in that field will increase your chances of success the next year."

You could also opt for a traditional overseas gap year. Not only will you get to travel the world and learn about new cultures, you'll also come back more independent, with excellent budgeting skills for university.

Should I forget about university altogether?

There's no doubt a degree looks great on your CV and is even essential for some careers, but it's also expensive and doesn't guarantee you a job immediately. "It might be worth reconsidering whether university is the right path for you," says Alison Beamish, head of a secondary-school sixth-form in Liverpool. "Some schools will tell you that university is the best option but it's worth considering other training options, such as an Apprenticeship, where you can gain a useful qualification on the job."

What about an internship?

Internships are the subject of controversy at the moment, with many believing they favour the well-off. But, if you're desperate to get into your chosen career and can find cheap or free accommodation, an unpaid internship could be the way to do it. Internships are an excellent way to gain skills and experience during a year out, but some professions and employers will still expect you to do a degree.

By Hazel Davies

Read the Lifetracks step-by-step guide to how clearing works and this guide.
Look at all the course options available. Visit the UCAS website to find courses that appeal to you and which variations (e.g. joint honours) might get you a place.
Practise your polite, enthusiastic phone manner. Admissions tutors want to take people who sound like they really want a place.
Think carefully about potential career choices and talk to your teachers, family and people in those professions to find out what degree you need to get there.
Write to companies in your chosen profession to find out if they can offer an internship or work experience so you can keep improving your CV while you're waiting for 2010 to roll around.

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