Prepare 'Plan B' for Missing University Placement

author: FutureCar Staff    

A university sector chief has advised students awaiting their A-level results to have a "back-up" plan in case they don't get into their preferred institution. Vivienne Stern, the chief executive of Universities UK (UUK), suggests that students should do some preparation ahead of results day to understand how to use clearing to find an alternative university place if necessary. She acknowledges that most students will receive their first or insurance offer, but having a back-up plan is always a good idea.

This year, the university admissions system has become more competitive due to a rising number of 18-year-olds in the population. This trend is expected to continue in the future. Analysis by PA suggests that some top universities have fewer courses listed as available on the Ucas clearing site compared to the same time last week.

Clearing is available to students who don't meet the conditions of their offer on results day, as well as those who didn't receive any offers. It can also be used by students who have changed their mind about their course or university choice, or those who have applied outside the normal application window.

Ms Stern emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared for the possibility of not getting their first or insurance offer. She encourages students to make decisions based on all the opportunities available through clearing.

According to a sample analysis, there are 22,521 courses with vacancies for undergraduate students living in England. This is slightly fewer than the number of courses listed on the clearing site at the same time last year.

Some universities, such as Edinburgh University and King's College London, have fewer courses listed on the clearing site compared to last week. However, overall, 16 out of 24 Russell Group universities have vacancies on courses for English residents.

The University of Liverpool, which had no courses listed on the clearing site last week, now has 170 listed. Durham University plans to offer places to approximately 150 well-qualified home students through clearing.

In England, this year's A-level results are expected to be lower than last year but similar to pre-pandemic levels. Due to the pandemic, there was an increase in top A-level grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams. Ms Stern highlights that universities made more offers this year due to the clarity provided by Ofqual regarding the grading profile, which may result in fewer places available through clearing.

FutureCar Staff