UCAS advice ahead of A-Level results release

Applicants can log in to Track on the UCAS website from 08:00 on results day 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 the day and they should discuss courses that interest them directly with the universities and colleges 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 17:00.

Mary Curnock Cook, UCAS Chief Executive, offered this advice to applicants: “The majority of applicants with conditional offers will have their place confirmed on results day.& But if you are at all worried it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Clearing process now so you are ready to act quickly on Thursday.

“The UCAS website has all the information you need about what to do.”

The UCAS social media team answer queries on Twitter and Facebook and will be available from 06:00 on results day. The helpline is open from 07:00 to 19:00 on 0871 468 0 468.

On results day 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 08:00 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 Thursday 16 August. Make sure that the content of the course meets your needs, and check the entry requirements.

If your exam results are better than you expected you may be able to use Adjustment. This 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 study while retaining the option of their original place. For more information visit the UCAS website.

Visit UCAS Connect which brings you the digital side of UCAS. It’s the home of our online advice and tips about applying to university. Why not try following @ucas_online or @ucasclearing on Twitter 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 results day.

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.