Results day advice for university applicants

13 Aug 2019

Students around the UK find out this week (Thursday 15 August) if they have a place at their chosen university, or if they may need to look for a course through Clearing.

Clearing (the process universities use to fill course vacancies) is now an important route to higher education for many students - including those who want to change choices or apply later, once they know their grades.

Julie Walkling, Director for Students at the Royal Agricultural University said her team at the Cirencester campus were getting ready for a busy Thursday and weekend, preparing to speak to a wide range of people about courses starting in September.

She said: “Congratulations to everyone whose university place is confirmed this week, but if things aren’t quite so straightforward for you, there’s no need to panic. Clearing has become a really positive experience for students, with most universities now advertising places on a broad selection of courses.

“The RAU, for example, has places on Business, Equine, Rural Land Management, Real Estate, Environment, Wildlife and Animal Science courses, as well as Agriculture.

“Once you know your BTEC or A-Level results, you’re free to make calls to admissions offices to discuss the options. There’s no need to make a rushed decision, so take time to research and choose a subject you really care about and can picture yourself studying for three or four years.”

For students awaiting A-level results, UCAS’ Track system updates from 8:00am on 15 August, showing if their place is confirmed or whether they can use Clearing.

The Royal Agricultural University’s top five tips for getting Results Day ready are:

  1. Remember you’re in good company. 67,000 students found their University places through Clearing last year.
  2. Do your research and talk it over. Speak to an adviser at your school, college or careers centre and make sure the subject is a good fit with your interests and qualifications.
  3. Prepare well before calling universities. Think about the questions you want to ask Clearing teams.
  4. Pace yourself. You can’t formally add a Clearing choice in UCAS Track until 3:00pm on results day, giving time to contact universities and to get a range offers, before deciding which to accept.
  5. See for yourself. Many universities, including the Royal Agricultural University, will hold Open Days the weekend after results day (Saturday 17 August).

The RAU was ranked seventh in the UK – and number one in the South West – for Student Satisfaction following the publication of the National Student Survey (NSS) 2019*. You can browse RAU’s courses in Clearing here.

*Times Higher Education Ranking of NSS 2019 Results