The best way to choose a university course through Clearing is to prepare before results day, compare courses based on entry requirements and graduate outcomes, and focus on finding the right course for your interests and career goals, rather than simply accepting the first available place.
A-level results day 2026 is Thursday 13 August, and Clearing runs from 2 July to 19 October. Every year, tens of thousands of students use Clearing to find their university place. Some use it because they missed their predicted grades, while others change their mind about their original choices or discover courses and universities they had not previously considered.
Clearing is not a sign that something has gone wrong. It is a normal part of the UK university admissions process.
The challenge is that results day compresses a decision that would normally take weeks into a matter of hours, at exactly the point when many students feel under the most pressure.
The students who usually find Clearing easiest are the ones who have already done some preparation.
What should I do to prepare for Clearing before results day?
Results day moves quickly. On the morning of 13 August, UCAS Hub updates, university phone lines open, and admissions teams handle a large number of enquiries from students looking for available courses.
Calls are often short, so it helps to already know:
- Which courses interest you
- Which universities you would consider
- Your predicted grades and realistic alternatives
- What questions you want to ask admissions teams
The advice from UCAS and most university guidance is consistent: research potential options before results day so Clearing becomes a process of confirming your choices rather than starting from zero.
The hardest part for many students is building that shortlist. There are thousands of university courses available, and before results day you do not know exactly what grades you will achieve.
How do I choose the right course through Clearing?
Choosing a Clearing course should not just be about finding a university with available places. The best choice is one that matches your academic profile, interests, career plans and expectations.
When comparing Clearing courses, look at:
- Entry requirements — how your predicted or actual grades compare to the profile of students who typically get in
- Course content — the modules and specialisms on offer, not just the subject title
- Graduate outcomes — employment rates, further study, and typical salaries a few years after graduating
- Student satisfaction — how current and recent students rate teaching quality and course experience
- Continuation rates — how many students stay on the course past the first year
- Accreditation — relevant for subjects like engineering, law, and some healthcare courses
- Placement or study abroad opportunities — if practical experience matters for your career plans
- Location and cost of living — a course you can realistically afford to complete
The right Clearing choice is not necessarily the highest-ranked university available. It is the course that gives you the strongest combination of academic fit, career opportunities and personal interest.
How do my grades affect what courses I can apply for?
One of the biggest challenges during Clearing is narrowing thousands of possible courses down to realistic options.
This is where a tool like StudyDecidr can help. Instead of searching through long lists of courses, you enter the grades you have achieved — or the grades you realistically expect — along with your subject interests and study preferences. StudyDecidr then matches you with a curated shortlist of courses that are realistic based on your profile, typically reducing thousands of possibilities down to around 25 options or fewer.
Each match includes outcome information such as student satisfaction, continuation rates and graduate salary data, helping you compare course quality rather than simply availability.
It works alongside your own research and UCAS's course search by speeding up the hardest part: identifying which options are genuinely worth considering.
How to use grade matching during Clearing
Before results day (July onwards). Run your matches using your predicted grades, and then test a range slightly above and below those grades.
This means you already understand your likely options before results day. When your results arrive, you are adjusting your shortlist rather than starting from scratch.
When you receive your results. Update your matches using your actual grades.
A realistic shortlist should consider more than advertised entry requirements. Courses may have flexibility during Clearing depending on demand and available places, so understanding where your profile fits can help you identify genuine opportunities.
When contacting universities.
Having a focused shortlist makes every conversation more productive.
Instead of asking:
"Do you have any courses available?"
you can ask about specific courses you already understand and explain why they interest you.
This shows admissions teams that you are making a considered decision and helps you have better conversations.
What are the best Clearing tips for results day?
Have your information ready
Before contacting universities, have:
- Your UCAS Personal ID
- Your Clearing number
- Your full grades or UCAS points
- The courses you are interested in
- Any questions you want to ask
Having everything ready makes the process quicker.
Call universities as well as applying online
Online applications are useful, but speaking directly with admissions teams can often help you understand your options more quickly, especially on results day when availability can change throughout the day.
Keep notes
Write down:
- Which universities you contacted
- Who you spoke to
- What information they gave you
- Any next steps
It is easy to lose track once you have spoken to several universities.
Do not rush into the first offer
Although results day can feel urgent, Clearing does not end after the first few hours.
Take time to compare your options properly. A course you discover later may be a much better fit than the first available place.
Stay open-minded
Some excellent courses appear through Clearing every year because of changes in student numbers and demand. Availability does not automatically mean a course is lower quality.
The bottom line
Clearing is a normal and widely used part of UK university admissions. Every year, tens of thousands of students find their place through Clearing, including many who end up studying courses and at universities they had not originally considered.
The students who usually have the calmest results day are the ones who have already researched their options and created a realistic shortlist.
StudyDecidr helps students build that shortlist quickly by matching grades, interests and preferences with suitable university courses, alongside the outcome data needed to compare options confidently. Try it here.
Frequently asked questions about Clearing
What happens if I miss my firm or insurance offer?
If you do not meet the conditions of your firm or insurance choice, you may be able to use Clearing to apply for courses with available places. These can include courses you had not originally applied for.
Can I still get into a good university through Clearing?
Yes. Many respected universities and strong courses have places available through Clearing every year. Availability depends on student numbers and demand that year, not simply course quality.
How long does Clearing last?
Clearing runs from 2 July to 19 October for 2026 entry. Although results day is the busiest period, you do not have to make a decision within the first few hours.
Do I need my final grades before looking at Clearing courses?
No. You can research and shortlist courses using predicted grades before results day, then update your options once you receive your final results.
Can I use Clearing if I already have a university offer?
Yes. Some students use Clearing because they change their mind about their original choices or want to explore alternative courses.