How to Prepare for Clearing (Even If You Think You Won’t Use It)
Plans can always change and it's always worth being prepared. Find out more about Clearing at Chester.
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How to Prepare for Clearing (Even If You Think You Won’t Use It)
Clearing isn’t just the ‘safety net’ or last-minute dash it’s often been painted as, in fact, it’s a chance to rethink what you want, compare options calmly, and secure a place that genuinely fits you. Even if you’re convinced you won’t need it, having a plan removes pressure on results day and gives you more control.
With early Clearing opening Thursday 2nd July 2026, it's worth having a think about the opportunities it may present.
Around 14 – 16% of University of Chester students found their place through Clearing. Most of these were completely new to Chester. It’s all about the right fit.
Why Clearing Is Worth Preparing For
A change of mind: lots of students use Clearing not because something went wrong, but because they realised another course or city felt right. Of course, attending university is centred around learning and the course you choose, but it’s important not to overlook the importance of choosing the right place for you.
No need to rush: Clearing gives you time to pause, compare and choose. You’re allowed to take a breath. If you’re less sure about the decisions you made a year ago now, Clearing can give you a chance to assess.
Real stories: thousands of students secure brilliant places through Clearing every year, including many who never expected to use it.
One of our recent students, Erin, talks here about choosing the right place for her at Chester through the Clearing process.
Quick Checklist: Preparing Before Results Day
Know your must-haves: course type, location, teaching style, placement options.
Shortlist backup courses: 3–5 realistic alternatives you’d genuinely be happy with. This secondary search can be invaluable, and you may stumble across different courses that suit you now that you’re considering wider options.
Check entry requirements: they can change year to year.
Save key contact details: admissions phone numbers, UCAS login, your personal ID. Don’t slow yourself down with trying to find contact details, there may be a fair few communications back and forth when talking to admissions staff, so have all your stuff within easy reach.
Prepare a quick script: what to say when you call universities. Explain your relevant experience and results, and why you’d be a great fit for the university and course. This will help you stay succinct and make the whole conversation so much smoother, so you can understand your outcomes.
Have your results plan: where you’ll be (it might be easier in a quiet setting!), who you’ll talk with to understand what the admissions process looks like, and how you’ll stay calm. It can be helpful to have a friend or guardian with you to summarise and reflect on the conversations you’ve had so you can make the right decisions for you.
The Clearing Process: Step‑by‑Step
1. Get your results.
2. Log into UCAS to check your application status. If you want to reject your offers to look for something different or didn’t get the grades for your choices or want to apply for the first time, start a search through UCAS Hub.
3. Start contacting universities. Once you’ve found a course and university you want to apply for, you contact them directly to talk to their admissions team. Universities participating in clearing will have a list of courses that they have space for. Have your grades and UCAS ID ready!
Here’s our details and in-depth guide.
4. Received an offer? Great, once you’ve decided, you can proceed to UCAS Hub.
5. Compare offers: With your new offers in mind, ensure you’re checking all the must-haves: teaching style, modules, placement years, accommodation, and location.
6. Add your choice in UCAS once you’re confident. Take a moment - don’t commit until it feels right.
Resources and reassurances: find the right place, and the right course for you.
Here are some useful links about Clearing you may find interesting, so the whole thing seems less daunting.
When comparing different offers and universities, it’s always good to get the student perspective, not just course content. Check out The Reality of Clearing as Told by Students from The Uni Guide.
Recent University of Chester students who joined us through clearing have also shared their top tips.
Is Clearing Worth It?
Absolutely. Clearing isn’t a downgrade! It’s a second window of opportunity. Many students end up happier with their Clearing choice than their original one because they picked with more clarity and less pressure.
Many achieve top‑tier outcomes, contributing to our strong student satisfaction numbers and a higher than sector average for graduate outcomes results. Find out more about our achievements and awards.