As a parent, guardian, or carer, we know you want to do everything you can to help the prospective student navigate the university application process.
Results day is when they will find out if they have secured a place at their chosen university and while it is often a day of celebration, it can also feel overwhelming if the plans for university change.
Whether the prospective student didn’t achieve their anticipated results, exceeded expectations, or simply changed their mind about where and what they want to study, Clearing can help them secure a place.
PREPARING FOR RESULTS DAY
MAKING A PLAN
Before results day, encourage the prospective student to create a backup plan with different possibilities. This should include options in case they don’t secure the grades they need or if they achieve better results than expected and want to explore new opportunities and enter Clearing.
Work with them to create a checklist that includes important factors such as support for finding accommodation, available scholarships, and any additional assistance they may need while studying at their chosen institution.
RESULTS DAY
STAYING POSITIVE
Regardless of what happens, it’s important to remain positive and supportive. If the prospective student doesn’t achieve the results they hoped for, they may feel upset, but remind them that many successful people have secured a place at university through Clearing.
It can be tempting to rush into decisions, especially since Clearing places can fill up quickly. However, if the prospective student is going through Clearing, offer them reassurance, guidance, and encouragement to help them make the best choice for their future.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
You and the prospective student may not have previously considered the idea of them living and studying in Northern Ireland. As a Russell Group university, Queen’s offers a world-class degree in one of the UK’s most affordable student cities. Plus, we’re only about an hour’s flight from all major UK airports.
GET COMFY NEAR A PHONE AND A COMPUTER
Most universities, including Queen’s, publish their available course places online and UCAS updates as places fill up. Prospective students can contact us via our Clearing Hotline +44 (0)28 9097 5000 that opens on 14 August or our enquiry portal.
The prospective student must be the one to contact their chosen universities through the dedicated Clearing hotlines. While they are making the calls, ensure they have the full list of results (including GCSEs), their Clearing number, and their Personal ID. Our Clearing team will confirm which courses have spaces available and discuss their options.
They don’t need to accept the offer immediately. Our team will provide guidance on how long the offer will remain valid, allowing them time to consider their options.
RESEARCHING LIFE AT QUEEN'S
Encourage the prospective student to take their time when making decisions.
If they haven’t visited Belfast before, suggest they explore what it’s like to live and study here. Queen’s also reserves a number of rooms each year for students applying through Clearing so there’s still a great opportunity to secure University accommodation.
CLEARING OFFER
ACCEPTING THE CLEARING OFFER
If the prospective student wishes to accept an offer, the next step is to then add this course and the university to their Clearing choice on UCAS for the place to be confirmed. They are free to apply to other courses until until we confirm their details and the offer is marked as accepted on the 'Choices' page.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Once the prospective student has accepted their offer at Queen's they can start looking into accommodation, student finance and student support.