Clearing guide: How to win at clearing

Prepare by doing some contingency planning before results day. Make a list prioritising possible courses and universities. Then you can easily check them against the Clearing listings when they're published.

Stick around – now is not the time to go on holiday. Universities will not be impressed if you delegate your application to parents or friends.

Regularly check Ucas Track to see whether you've got a place. If you become eligible for Clearing an "Add Clearing choice" button will appear on your Track Choices screen.

Check the official Clearing listings in the national press, the Ucas website or those of individual universities to find where there are vacancies in your subject.

Be flexible – think about alternative courses you would be happy with to increase your available choices.

Start ringing possible universities immediately – places at the best institutions get filled very quickly.

Always call in person – getting someone else to ring on your behalf is an absolute no-no.

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again – but also send an email or fax.

Source: www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk