Highers results day (August 6) is a rollercoaster of emotions for those receiving results and everyone who has supported them.
Many students will be opening their text messages or the day’s post with a mixture of excitement and dread.
And while for the majority it will provide the confirmation that they can progress to their chosen university, for others the results will throw up more questions than answers.
Whatever the outcome, it is important to remember that there are many options still open and that there is a process in place – Clearing – to help match prospective students up to amazing courses.
With all the best laid plans, things can change once results are known. Some may not have got the grades they needed, while others will have done better than expected and there will be those who simply change their mind about where they want to study.
Clearing is now a major admission point for university students so anyone entering university this way will be far from alone – for instance more than 250 learners joined the University of Aberdeen through Clearing in 2023.
While choosing the right course is key, there are other things to consider when looking at university options. So, what questions should people be asking themselves and universities if they enter Clearing?
Here are seven questions students should consider when they call a hotline to help ensure Clearing success.
1. Is my desired course available?
Before you call a university Clearing hotline, check out their website for the list of courses available in Clearing and their entry requirements. When you call, have a shortlist of courses to talk about. You might have a favourite, but it’s worth being ready to ask about other courses, as more popular ones may fill up quickly. Universities might have flexible study paths, where starting on one degree can allow you to transfer into another.
2. What is the student experience like?
The 2024 National Student Survey was released earlier this month. More than 5.3 million university students have shared their views and helped to inspire change in universities and colleges since the survey was launched in 2005.
It provides students with an opportunity to speak out on everything from the teaching on their courses to access to resources and equipment, helping applicants to make better choices about where to study and to find the right fit for them.
Universities will also have teams dedicated to student life. At Aberdeen this team helps new students to settle in, organises our Welcome Week programme, and provides ongoing support and information as the student journey progresses.
3. Can the university help Clearing students with finding accommodation in September?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask. As you will be going through Clearing, accommodation spots may be taken up quickly, so you need to know what accommodation the university still has open for you. This is especially important if you are considering a university further away from home.
4. What is student life like?
Ask about the facilities for both your course and those which support your wider experience from the library to sports facilities, from study spaces to places to hangout and socialise. What societies and sports teams are there? You should also ask about the wider location. Is the university campus-based or city-based? What are the transport links like? What is student life like in the city the university is based in?
5. What support is available?
Last minute changes to plans are often unsettling but for those with a disability, learning difference, or specific support needs such as being a carer, it is vital to ensure the correct support can be put in place. Ask about student advice and support services and, if you do secure a place through Clearing, make contact with the team at your chosen university as soon as you are able to.
6. What support is available to help with the cost-of-living crisis?
The cost-of-living crisis is affecting everyone, including prospective university students. Knowing what support and advice is available is invaluable, so ask about budgeting tools, saving tips and advice, as well as the scholarships, bursaries and grants available.
7. How will the university prepare me for my future career?
Choosing the right course is the first step in setting you on the right career path but you should also consider the other ways in which your university can help you to achieve your career ambitions. Are there a range of activities available to help students maximise employability? Does the university have connections to regional, national, and global organisations and will your chosen institution continue to offer career guidance even after you have graduated?