Thousands of students from across the country are eagerly awaiting A level exam results day on Thursday 16 August. Since the weekend (11/12 August) UCAS has been processing the exam results of around 430,000 students hoping to secure a place at university or college this year.

UCAS has been matching the 2.7 million results sent by examination boards to applicants, and then forwarding them to universities and colleges to make decisions on offers and places. Most students will find out if they have been successful in securing their university place on 16 August.

For those students that don't get the grades that they need all is not lost. Clearing is the UCAS system used by applicants who have not managed to secure a place at university or college for the current year. Last year 9.7% (38,000) of students were able to find a university place through Clearing and similar numbers are expected this year.

What should students considering Clearing do?

• First of all don't panic, but do be prepared to be flexible on your options.

• Read through the information at ucas.com/clearing to find out how Clearing works and for helpful advice.

• Look on Track at ucas.com to check the status of your application and to get your Clearing number if you become eligible - you will also be sent a Clearing Passport.

• Make sure that you're available to speak to universities and colleges - treat your Clearing application like a job application - deal with it yourself! Don't leave it to your parents or friends to sort out.

• Start contacting the universities and colleges about the courses that interest you as soon as you can. A university or college that is interested in you will ask for details such as your Clearing number and your application number. You will probably also be asked questions about your exam results.

• Vacancies will be listed at ucas.com and also in the Independent from 16 August. Make sure that the content of the course meets your needs, and check the entry requirements.

• If you are accepted onto a course, the university or college will contact UCAS and the offer will be displayed on Track.

• If you need help applying through Clearing or have a query about your application, you can contact the UCAS helpline on 0870 1122211 – opening hours below.

• For expert, independent advice on applying for university or college, taking time out or choosing to enter employment speak to a specially trained advisor on the Exam Results Helpline - just call 0808 100 8000 – opening hours below.

Media contacts

Byron Price, Communications Executive
Telephone: 01242 544987
Email: communications@ucas.ac.uk
Out of hours: 07768 740 461

Notes to editors

UCAS process the applications of students applying for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the UK.

Phone line opening hours:

Exam Results Helpline 0808 100 8000
Thu 16 Aug	8.00am	8.00pm
Fri 17 Aug	9.00am	5.00pm
All other times until 24 Aug	9.00am	5.00pm