A-levels: what to do when you've got your results

UNIVERSITY clearing house UCAS is braced for a rush of calls as would-be students seek places after getting their A-level results today.

UCAS says is has processed all A level results and, as of midnight 357,915 applicants had been accepted into a university or college, compared with 384,649 on results day last year — a fall of 6.95%.

About 79,000 UK applicants are still awaiting results or decisions.

Mary Curnock Cook, UCAS Chief Executive, said: "More than 300,000 applicants whose places are dependent on their grades are waiting to hear if they have been accepted today.

"Despite the fall in applications this year, entry to higher education remains competitive and we expect to see an active Clearing period. Over 25,000 courses are showing vacancies for UK applicants. More than 50,000 people found a course in Clearing last year.

It is important that all students research course requirements thoroughly and think carefully before making a decision that is likely to affect their future career.

“Anyone considering applying again next year can research 2013 courses on our website now."

A total of 629,140 people have so far applied this year to higher education institutions in the UK, compared with 681,593 at the same point in 2011. Over 10,000 have already applied directly into Clearing

Applicants can log in to Track on the UCAS website now to see if they have been accepted or are eligible for Clearing. Students should also check their email and the post for confirmation letters.

Students who want to consider a Clearing place can start looking at courses with vacancies from early in the morning on results day and they should discuss courses that interest them directly with the universities as soon as possible.

Courses with vacancies are listed on the UCAS website (ucas.com) and in The Telegraph. Formal applications to Clearing courses can be made through UCAS from 5pm todau.

UCAS has issued the following advice for students looking for university places.

Read through the information at ucas.com/clearing to find out how Clearing works and for helpful advice.
Look on Track on the UCAS website from 8:00 to check the status of your application and to get your Clearing Number, if you become eligible. This year you will also receive an email either confirming your place, or letting you know if you are unplaced.
Make sure that you are available to speak to universities and colleges. Treat your Clearing application like a job application - deal with it yourself. Don't leave it to your parents or friends to sort out.
Start contacting the universities and colleges about the courses that interest you as soon as you can. An institution that is interested in you will ask for details such as your Clearing number and your Personal ID. You will probably also be asked questions about your exam results.
Vacancies are listed at ucas.com and also in The Telegraph from today. Make sure that the content of the course meets your needs, and check you meet the entry requirements.
If your exam results are better than you expected you may be able to use Adjustment. The service is accessed through Track and allows applicants who meet and exceed the conditions of their firm choice to reconsider where and what to study while retaining the option of their original place. For more information visit the UCAS website (ucas.com).
Visit UCAS Connect th for online advice and tips about applying to university. Try following @ucas_online or @ucasclearing for the latest updates?
If you need help applying through Clearing or have a query about your application, you can contact the UCAS helpline on 0871 468 0 468. Lines are open from 07:00 - 19:00 from today.
For independent advice on the full range of post-exam options, you can call the Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000. Lines are open from 08:00 - 20:00 on results day.

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