Clearing and results day 2025: prepare your back-up plan

Even if you feel confident in the run-up to results day, it doesn't hurt to have a back-up plan just in case things go wrong.

This could be a few similar courses at different universities to seek out in Clearing which you'd be happy to go to; or a completely different path if no other courses stand out.

Start with your original course choices

Before you start your uni course search all over again, hold on! You’ve already got one shortlist to refer to if you don’t meet your offers – your original Ucas choices.

These are universities and courses you’ve previously researched and thought seriously about going to – and the fact that you’ve applied to them through Ucas already will prove your interest in them when you call them in Clearing.

There are no guarantees those universities will have relevant Clearing vacancies for you, of course. But thinking back to these can remind you what you were looking for in the first place and get you into that mindset once again. Have your priorities changed since then? Perhaps the buzzing city nightlife or how close a uni is to home are no longer so high on that list...

Now that you've thought again what matters most to you, use our course search to find alternative courses.

Definitely plan things out. Be realistic with your expected grades, so when you get them, you can be proud of what you achieved! Make sure you have something fun planned for late August – results day is harder if it's the be-all-and-end-all!Alice, Southampton

Shortlist alternative universities

While a handful of universities don’t take part, many universities offered places in Clearing last year, including some Russell Group universities. Look at the websites for universities you’re interested in or use the Ucas Clearing search – do they offer courses through Clearing?

Create a shortlist of universities you’d seriously consider going to, jot down their Clearing hotlines and make sure you’re following them on Twitter for up-to-the minute course vacancies come results day. Our sister site The Student Room lists the contact details for UK universities offering spaces on undergraduate courses in Clearing here.

Decide what course you want to go into. Research which unis have gone into Clearing – most unis publish which courses have gone into Clearing and just stay prepared on results day.Have your list of unis, courses, phone numbers or forms ready as places go very quickly.ayshaxim | (from The Student Room)

Consider different-but-similar courses

While it's probably not advisable for a prospective history student to start applying for physics vacancies during Clearing time, don't automatically discount alternative courses. Think about what you really want to get out of your degree studies – there may be Clearing vacancies in a similar area that still allow you to achieve those ambitions, which suit your strengths or can help you get into a particular career field.

If you’ve got your heart set on a particular subject area, would you be prepared to combine it with another as part of a joint degree? Or if you’ve got a particular career goal in mind, is there a similar course that can help you get there?

While some courses are listed in Clearing from July, more vacancies will become available when A-level results are published. Still, having a realistic idea of how flexible you're prepared to be before the hectic day arrives means you don't have to rush these important decisions on the day and you can make a choice that you won't regret.

The lead-up to results day gives you a chance to do some research into alternative courses – which will be a huge help if end up deciding to use Clearing. Approach your research in the same way as when you were first applying, and get yourself to a place where you have a Clearing shortlist you feel good about.Joe Woodcock (( head of community at The Student Room ))

Learn more about a subject at degree level: browse our subject guides

The gap year option

If you don't think you're able to compromise on your course or university choices, taking a year out to retake your exams or build on your work experience may put you in a stronger position next time round.

Give this some serious thought beforehand, though. Would your original choices accept a second application? What would you do for an entire year? Make sure you map out exactly how you'd spend a gap year well ahead of results day.

Got your back-up plan sorted?

• Still apprehensive about results day? See what you can expect from the day and how other students survived Clearing.
• Don't do well under pressure? There are a few more ways you can get a head start on Clearing, including preparing for how a Clearing call can go.
• Have an alternative course in mind? Our course pages and university profiles contain lots of info to help you dig deeper, including what students really think, typical employment outcomes and much more.