Why Clearing is a good option for your child

If your child is picking up their results soon, you probably want to know all the options for them in case things don't go to plan. Whether they change their mind on course or institution, or even don't quite get the grades they were hoping for, Clearing is a great way for students to get a place at university quickly and easily.

Why clearing is a good option for your child primary

Clearing could be a good option for your child if...

They've changed their mind about where they want to study

A lot of students who come through Clearing decide over the summer that they would rather stay close to home to be near family and friends, and that's perfectly normal! In Clearing, you can search by subject in order to study the same thing, but at an institution closer to home. It's still possible to live in halls, but we also have a huge commuter student base at BCU, so your child will feel right at home if this is what they decide to do.

They want to do a different course

What if your child has had a change of heart about what they want to study? It's a big decision, so it's important your child is doing the right course for them that they will enjoy for three or more years, and ultimately help them grow their knowledge and career. Changing course in Clearing couldn't be easier. Make sure to take note of the UCAS points required for the new course and ensure your child's grades meet the entry requirements. 

Find a course in Clearing

See what courses are currently available through Clearing.

They've not got the grades they were hoping for

Whilst resits are an option, if your child is keen to start university this year, it's worth taking a look at the courses available in Clearing if they don't quite hit the grades they were expecting to achieve. Add up their UCAS points with our handy UCAS points calculator, then you can search our courses using the points filter to see what's available for your child and their number of points specifically.

Don't forget that foundation courses are a great stepping stone for students who may have missed out on their grades but their hearts are set on their course and institution. Take a look at the foundation courses we offer at BCU.

Their grades are better than expected

Conversely, some students might be receiving better grades than they anticipated, meaning they could go through what's known as 'adjustment'. There is a small number of courses and institutions that will take on students who have performed better than their predicted grades, meaning they can 'upgrade' their course or their institution if they decide to, and if there is space on the course in question. 

They haven't applied yet through UCAS and have decided university is for them

Last but not least, some students decide late in the day that university is for them - either they didn't think their grades would be good enough, or they want to study with their friends, or they've had a brainwave on what they want to do as a career. If your child hasn't applied through UCAS at all, they can still go through Clearing to find a university place. All they need is their points and to check they meet the entry requirements, and we'll do the rest!

'Parent and student - how to apply

Parent and guardians' guide to university

Download our FREE guide for parents and guardians, packed full of info on when to start thinking about university, how to choose a course and university, and invaluable explanations on student finance, accommodation, and what you can do to help your child make the right choices!

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