Top tips for Clearing

Whether you’ve only just decided to apply, have changed your mind on what course you want to study or you don’t quite get the grades you were hoping for, here are some top tips for navigating the Clearing process. 

What is Clearing?

In short, clearing is a process where students get matched to university places that haven’t yet been filled. You might be thinking that means the only places left are on courses no one wants – but trust us, this is not the case. 

There are going to be places on some this year, and they’re likely to be quickly snapped up too. In fact, clearing is a very popular choice for students – in 2023, nearly 55,000 students in the UK found their courses in this way.

Be an early bird 

Once you have your results, get in touch with us as soon as you can. Clearing places can fill up quickly. Being more proactive will improve your chances of getting the course you want. 

Our Clearing at SOAS page will give you all the information and guidance needed to make a Clearing application.  

Be prepared 

If you are thinking of joining us through clearing – or any other university of course – get all your details together in advance ready for making your calls.

So that will include the phone numbers you’ll need (ours is 0203 912 6580), your results, including the full qualification name, your UCAS ID (if you have one) and a list of the courses you’re interested in in front of you when you contact our clearing team. 

Talk to us 

Sometimes there’s nothing better than just having a chat about things. There are several ways you can find out more and ask your questions – there’ll be opportunities on our Instagram page and you can chat directly to our students to find out what they think about studying here.

Visit us

Another way to find out more is to come along to one of our Open Days or take our campus tours.

At our Open Days you can tour our campuses, attend talks, speak with our academics, meet our technicians and quiz our students on life at SOAS. On the campus tour you'll explore SOAS's Bloomsbury campus, visit our World famous library, take a look inside Senate House, and get a taste of London life at University.   

Check out UCAS Clearing Plus 

Using UCAS Clearing Plus matches you to courses similar to your original choices at universities that have availability. You'll be able to express an interest in courses you are matched to and tell UCAS if you’re happy to be contacted directly. 

Clearing Plus is only open to those of you who are currently studying A-Levels, BTECs, Scottish Highers, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, or International Baccalaureates. It’s important to note, however, that not all universities use the service, so you’ll be matched based on the assumption that you still want to study a similar course to the ones you originally applied to.  

Ask for advice  

Your form tutors in college will be around on results day, and so will your friends and family. Don't hesitate to ask them for some help when you're trying to get everything ready – second opinions can be really handy.