Calling universities is a key part of the Clearing process. Here's how to be ready
By Nik Taylor (editor, The Uni Guide) | 01 August 2025 | 13 minutes read
So you get your exam results and they're not quite what you were hoping for - or what you needed for uni. At this point, calling a stranger for a chat is probably a long way down your list of things you want to be doing.
And yet…if you’re looking to fix those uni plans, picking up the phone is definitely going to help. As soon as you get talking, you’re on your way to collecting offers from universities in Clearing - and working out which of them is best for you.
Dialling up your first uni can be daunting. But try not to worry: you really can expect everyone to be friendly and helpful.
To help you prepare, here’s a closer look at what universities want to hear when you call them in Clearing. We’ll also outline some common questions (and answers) to help you visualise what to expect.
In a hurry? Scroll down to the end of this article for a quickfire Clearing call checklist.
How to make sure you’re ready for your Clearing calls
OK, you’re psyched up and you want to get dialling. But...just…one…second… Before you get busy with the calls it’s a smart idea to have done your research.
This doesn’t have to take ages - no-one's going to demand you learn every league table statistic off by heart. You just need to get your head around the course you’re calling about so that, when the person on the other end of the phone asks: ‘'Why do you want to study this course at this particular university?' you’ve got an answer ready.
It will show you've done your homework and are serious about applying (as opposed to simply trying to grab whatever you can). And, of course, you need to know this stuff before you can decide whether you even want to go there in the first place.
Showing a genuine interest in our university beyond the academics and asking insightful questions, for example tailored to the course or related to your interests, will set you apart during a Clearing call.Dan Barcroft, director of admissions at the University of Sheffield
Make notes on what you want to talk about
Scribble down your research as some bullet points, highlighting what really makes that course and university appeal to you. You might also think of a couple of questions of your own, to really show that you're keen. Our list of open day questions could help you with this.
Having these notes in front of you can help with the conversation (especially if you're nervous), so that you cover the important bits and make a positive impression.
Something I found which helped me with phone anxiety was having something of a "script" to work from - then I wouldn't be panicking trying to think of what to say and forgetting to listen to what the other person was going to say.Artful_lounger, posting on The Student Room
As well as those notes, here’s some other stuff you’ll want to have close by:
Ucas ID
Clearing number
Exam grades
Pens and paper
Your personal statement
Think about what they might ask you; and practise your answers
Some Clearing calls are more in-depth than others. You might get asked a few questions about yourself during the call, almost like a mini-interview. The sort of thing that might come up are questions like:
What interests you about this course?
Why do you want to come to this university?
What are your plans after you’ve graduated?
What do you enjoy about learning?
How do you keep yourself motivated?
We've outlined some more common questions further down this article, along with the kind of answer you might give to each.
Make some bullet points to use as reminders when you’re answering these questions. Working from quick notes is better than reading out full sentences - you’ll sound more natural that way.
Taking a few minutes to practise saying your own answers out loud can also help. It's common to get some butterflies before calling up universities in Clearing, but practising can really help you feel more settled.
Admissions teams are on the end of the phone specifically to help. Their goal is to help you find the right fit, so don't worry about messing up or asking the "wrong" question. Do your research, rehearse your questions beforehand and above all, be yourself.Dan Barcroft, director of admissions at the University of Sheffield
Making the Clearing call
Alright prep done, phone at the ready. Time to get dialling. Don't forget though: Clearing is busy.
More than 66,000 students got a uni place through Clearing last year, with most getting confirmation over the phone on results day. So…phone lines tend to get pretty clogged up - especially during result day morning.
This means the first voice you’ll hear on the call is quite likely to be a recorded message, which will route your call and probably put you on hold briefly. Even during peak times, your waiting time should be no more than a couple of minutes. Hold tight and you’ll soon be talking to a real human.
Talking to universities
Once you’re on to the conversation, you can expect to hear a friendly voice. Universities want to speak to you, and they want to make sure the Clearing call process is as stress-free as possible.
But be prepared for questions to be short and snappy. Lots of people are calling and each uni will want to speak to as many of them as they can.
Clearing is a busy time for universities and they will often bring in extra staff to cover the phone lines. Make sure you know who you've been speaking to, in case you need to ring back.Joe Woodcock, head of community at The Student Room
Checking your eligibility
On the call, the first thing you'll be asked for is your details. This will be key stuff such as your Ucas ID, your results and any other qualifications (such as GCSEs).
The uni representative will also check the current status of your Ucas application to make sure you’re eligible for Clearing.
If you’ve already accepted a place elsewhere but want to transfer, the person you're talking to will explain the process of releasing yourself from your place.
Asking your own questions
The call handler will then see what vacancies are available to you in your chosen subject. This can take a couple of minutes and you may be placed on hold while the search takes place.
If vacancies are available, you can then ask for more details, such as where it’s based, potential placements and what modules are on offer.
A few other questions you might consider:
Do you have any scholarships or bursaries that Clearing students are eligible for?
Does your university have any open days or visiting opportunities available for students (either virtual or in real life)? Would you be able to look around?
Are there any spaces left in halls? If so, how do I apply/visit/reserve a place? If not, can they help you find accommodation?
Will any adjustments need to be made to suit your stay at the uni? If you have a disability how will that be accommodated?
If there aren’t any places, you might be presented with similar alternative courses, for example a joint course with another subject instead of a single subject course.
Decision time
If the call goes well and you have the grades, then - good news - an offer can be made. You may be put through to speak to a member of academic staff at this point.
If you accept the offer, a confirmation email will be sent to your inbox. But bear in mind you don't have to accept there and then. Most offers come with a time condition which means they must be accepted within 24 or 48 hours.
Once you do choose to accept, you can enter your place into Ucas Hub and start planning for uni. Alternatively, if you don’t get an offer (or want to try for a better offer elsewhere), just pick up the phone and try the next university.
As a politics student at Coventry University sums up: "Treat it like speed-dating; if they can't offer what you’re looking for, move on!"
What questions can you expect when you call a university during Clearing?
To help you prepare, we've outlined some common questions asked on a Clearing phone call with a university, along with some good (and bad) examples of responses.
Note, these are just rough examples, so don't copy the good ones word-for-word.
Clearing call example: why you want to study their course
You’ve come across an English literature course through Clearing that appeals to some of your interests from A-level.
**"Why do you want to study this English literature
ourse?"**
Good response ‘Several of the modules really stand out to me, particularly the one on American literature, post-1914. I read The Great Gatsby as part of my A-level syllabus and performed strongest in this area. I think this was because I drew on similar authors who wrote about the same period, such as Nathanael West. I’ve since read many of Fitzgerald’s short stories and would love to explore the genre further. I’ve seen that several of your professors specialise in early 20th-century literature...’
Bad response ‘I’ve always enjoyed reading, from an early age. I studied The Great Gatsby at A-level too.’
Tip Show that you’ve actually read the course description for the course and researched the department or faculty at that university, too, including its academic specialisms and even academic tutors. Relate your subject interests back to specific elements of the course to clearly demonstrate your engagement with it.
Clearing call example: explaining a low grade
You needed an A in maths but just missed out, getting a B instead. You call a university regarding a similar maths course they offer. They’re interested to know why you didn’t get the grades you were predicted.
"Why do you think you missed the A in maths you were predicted at A-level?"
Good response ‘I’ve been looking through the breakdown of my marks to try to understand this more. I’m disappointed with my performance in one exam in particular, which pulled my overall grade down. In the exam, I focused on the first section for too long, which didn’t give me enough time to cover the later questions properly. I’m happy that I achieved A marks for the algebra and geometry elements...’
Bad response ‘I don’t know. I haven’t really given it much thought.’
Tip Examine your unit marks to see which areas have let you down and where you performed best. Reflect and be honest with yourself, and show that you’ve tried to understand where you came up short and how you intend to improve yourself.
Clearing call example: applying to a different subject/joint degree
You previously applied to study history only, but now you are calling a university regarding a joint history and politics course. The university asks about your interest in the politics portion.
"Why do you want to study a joint history and politics BA now?"
Good response ‘The history courses I originally applied for did all include a focus on political history – I’m particularly interested in how political conditions shape and define history. Having looked at the options on the course, the module on post-revolutionary Mexico stood out as an area where we'd be exploring this theme from a range of perspectives....’
Bad response ‘I voted for the first time in the recent election and got quite into it. I watched all the live debates.’
Tip It’s fine to discover a new course or subject through Clearing that you’re legitimately interested in. Don’t feel like an admissions officer will be automatically sceptical about an interest in a subject which seems new to you. We wouldn’t recommend you change your options too wildly, though. If you were planning to enter Clearing to find a different course before you received your results, tell them (including why).
Clearing call example: demonstrating a deep interest in the subject
You contact a university through Clearing about a psychology course it offers. You meet the official entry requirements but you’re asked more about your interest in the subject outside your studies.
"Tell us about anything you’ve done outside the classroom that has developed your interest in psychology."
Good response ‘I spent the last two summers working as a telephone interviewer, where my ability to listen and ask the right questions has been praised. From what I know about the practice of psychology, this is an important skill to have, especially for therapists and counsellors, which are two career paths I’m considering. I’ve also been developing my understanding of some of the scientific and ethical aspects of social psychological studies, and I recently went to an inspiring taster lecture about the Milgram Experiment...’
Bad response ‘I like to watch psychology documentaries and went to a psychology taster lecture recently.’
Tip Choose something interesting, relevant and unique to you to talk about. Don’t just explain what you did in a short, bland way. Explain how it’s helped you to develop your understanding and passion for your chosen subject.
Your Clearing call checklist
Being prepared is key when it comes to making the call. Here are some essential tips:
Before the call
Have your Ucas ID, Clearing number and grades close to hand. You can find your Clearing number in Ucas Hub.
Have a few (working) pens and paper next to you, to write down names, phone numbers and times to call back.
Keep your notes with what you want to say and your list of numbers nearby.
Re-read and print out your personal statement, so you can refer to that too.
Head to a quiet room where you won't be disturbed.
If you need someone else to call for you then you must be sitting with them to give permission before handing the phone over. Unless you give permission, universities can’t discuss your application with anyone other than you.
Keep your phone charged!
During the call
In the busy Clearing period you might find you’re on hold for a while – be patient and don’t panic if you can’t get through straight away.
If it's engaged, don't waste time – move on to your next option and try again later.
Lots of universities will be offering live chat options as well so take a look at their website if you’re having trouble getting through.
Get names, emails and direct phone numbers in case you have to re-connect or follow up.
Speak clearly and confidently – and don't be afraid to be honest about why you think you didn't achieve your grades, if asked.
Sell yourself – why do you deserve a place on the course? Use examples to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject area, and make specific references to something about that particular course you uncovered during your research.
If you realise the call isn't going well or you don't really fancy the course, don't be afraid to just wrap it up. Thank whoever you're talking to on the phone and politely end the call.
After the call
After you’ve got your verbal offer from the university you want to go to (and you're sure about going there!), head straight to Ucas Hub to do all the necessary admin.
Sort out accommodation. Some institutions will set aside space in campus halls for students coming in through Clearing. However, if your university can't offer this, they'll at least be able to point you in the right direction to private landlords and letting agents in the area.
Update your student finance body to tell them where you'll be heading to. Depending on where you'll be studying, you might get a little more in financial support.
Looking for more information about Ucas Clearing? Our guide to Clearing breaks down all the key information to help you be ready.
