Six ways to stay calm during Clearing

Clearing doesn’t have to be stressful. If you do your research and prepare for different outcomes, you’ll be in the best place to make great decisions for your future.

Here are six ways to stay calm and positive throughout the Clearing process.

1. Take control

Prepare in advance for different scenarios, so nothing takes you by surprise. That way, whatever happens, you’ll have a plan ready if you do go into Clearing.

Research potential courses and universities before results day, weigh up the pros and cons of each, and make a shortlist. You’ll feel more in control if you’re organised. Write down your shortlisted courses in order of preference, with contact details for each, as well as any notes or questions.

2. Stay positive

Try not to be downhearted if you didn’t get the grades you expected. Celebrate your achievements and give yourself a pat on the back for getting this far.

Remember, you’re not alone. More people go through Clearing than you think. In 2022 nearly 60,000 people secured a university place through Clearing, so have confidence. You can too.

3. Get support

Chatting to friends and family should help ease the pressure of decision making, and a second opinion can be so valuable if you’re feeling unsure. Talk through your options to clarify the right choices for you.

Consider staying off social media while you go through the Clearing process. Seeing other people celebrating, or following other people’s Clearing journeys might cloud your judgement. Focus on your own situation. This is about you.

4. Keep an open mind

Even if you were 100% certain about what you wanted to study when you made your UCAS application, take some time to think about other options. Perhaps there’s a course you never even thought about which is perfect for you.

Now’s your chance to reconsider your career path. So, keep an open mind and look at courses and universities you hadn’t thought of before. You might be surprised.

5. Take your time

It might seem like everything needs to be done now. Just breathe. Call the universities you’re interested in early on in the day, before courses start to get full. But don’t feel pressurised to make a snap decision.

You can’t select your choice on UCAS until 1:00pm on Thursday 18 August, and you’ll usually have time to consider your options before you have to commit. After your calls, do something completely different and clear your mind. You’ll come back refreshed and ready to make decisions.

Just make sure you write down any deadlines so you don’t forget.

6. Look after yourself

In the days leading up to results day, and throughout the Clearing process, it’s natural to feel tense or anxious.

Remember to look after yourself. Make sure you eat and drink throughout the day, even if you have butterflies. You don’t want to crash when you need to make important decisions.

Try and get early nights and keep up exercise routines. If you’re feeling on top form, you’ll be poised to make the best decisions for your future.