Student smiling in sunny Portsmouth

Feeling nervous ahead of calling us about Clearing? This blog will help you prepare and know what to say when you ring us on or around Results Day.

Clearing Clearing

During the Clearing process, you’ll need to call us so we can confirm that you're eligible for the course you're interested in, and make sure there’s room for you.

You'll get through to someone in our friendly Clearing team, who will make note of your details and confirm your grades.

We understand that making a Clearing phone call can be nerve-wracking, especially on a day like Results Day. To make the experience as positive as possible, read our tips and tricks below to help you prepare. And, remember the person on the other end wants to help you.

How to prepare for a Clearing phone call

Before calling us, we recommend:

  • Doing some research. Read our course pages thoroughly (including the modules you'll study) to help you narrow down which courses you're interested in, learn about our Uni clubs and societies, find out a bit about Portsmouth and have a look at our accommodation. Knowing about these things will help you answer additional Clearing questions when you call us. 
  • Writing notes. Have a pen and paper handy to jot down important information. You may be asked to phone us back at a certain time, or you may want to write down points to remember before you ring.  
  • Practising with a friend or relative. Run through what you want to say with someone you trust before you call us. This will help you feel more confident and practise answering some of the questions you may be asked.

Our top tips for a smooth Clearing phone call:

  1. Note down your UCAS ID Number and Clearing number, so you have them to hand. 
  2. Have your GCSE and A Level results (or equivalent qualifications if you took something different) to hand too. You'll be asked what subjects you took and the grades you achieved. Make sure you know your full qualification titles, especially if you took a BTEC as this can mean a big difference in UCAS points.
  3. Call us in a quiet room, to minimise disruption. 
  4. Make you have good phone signal and that your phone has enough battery. 
  5. Have a trusted friend or family member sit next to you if you need extra support, or if you want them to do the talking. You’ll need to give your permission before someone can speak on your behalf. 
  6. Don’t be afraid of changing your mind while you're talking to our Clearing team, they want to help you. Feel free to thank the person on the phone for their time, then end the call - though please call us back if you change your mind again! We would love to hear from you.

Explore our courses in Clearing now to see what you could study.

What to say on the phone during Clearing

It's helpful to know what kinds of questions you’ll be asked, so you can prepare your answers before you call. 

Our Clearing team will likely ask you the following questions: 

  • What's your email address? (it's vital the team get the correct one for you)

  • What course are you interested in?

  • What grade did you achieve for your GCSE? (they'll ask you which subject or subjects we need to know the grade(s) for)

  • What grades did you achieve for your A Levels? Or, if you didn't take A Levels, your equivalents to these?

  • (If the course no longer has spaces) I'm sorry but this course is full, is there another course you're interested in applying for?

Before calling us or answering your phone (if we're calling you), we advise you to have some ideas on how to answer these questions.

Clearing is open now.