What is Clearing?
Clearing is the period in the summer when UK universities advertise remaining available places so that applicants who have not found a suitable place elsewhere have a final opportunity to find a place on a course. This means that if you have failed to achieve the grades specified in your offer, and the universities you have applied to have therefore not confirmed your place, you can approach other universities who might allow you to take one of their vacant places.
Further general information about Clearing is available from UCAS.
What is Adjustment?
Adjustment is a process for those students who have exceeded the conditions of their firm/first choice university and who now wish to consider changing where they are studying. This is an entirely optional process and most students still want to go to their firm/first choice university so don't make use of the process, but adjustment does offer students who have done better than expected with an opportunity to switch institution (assuming there are places available at their preferred choice).
You need to think carefully about your options before registering for adjustment and we would strongly recommend that you review the full information on the UCAS website. If you do decide to register for adjustment, the process provides a 5 day window in which applicants who have exceeded the conditions of their firm choice offer can look for an alternative vacancy elsewhere without giving up their firm place. Details of how to register and how the process works are available on the UCAS website.
When do Clearing and Adjustment start?
Clearing takes place from July onwards, but applicants are only eligible for Clearing if they are not holding any offers and have received all their academic results. For most A-level students this means Clearing does not start until A-level results are published on Thursday 15th August, 2013. However, if you have already completed all your qualifications, then you can apply now and you should call our Admissions Office to discuss vacancies (01273 678416 or +44 1273 678416).
Adjustment also begins on Thursday 15th August 2013 or when your conditional firm (CF) choice changes to unconditional firm (UF), whichever is later. As noted above, Adjustment is entirely optional and it is anticipated that most applicants will be pleased to have been placed with their firm choice university and will not want to enter adjustment.
Do I need to be in UCAS to apply to Sussex through Clearing?
Yes. If you are not already in the UCAS system then you should register with the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) before making a clearing application.
I applied to Sussex earlier in the year, but was unsuccessful. Can I re-apply through Clearing?
Yes, if you think you meet the entry requirements for the course in which you are interested. You can apply by telephoning us: call 01273 678416 from within the UK or +44 1273 678416 from abroad. If you are an overseas applicant you can also apply by making an online application.
I've been accepted at another University but now I want to come to Sussex. What should I do?
If you have been offered a place at another University and have accepted it you are bound, by UCAS rules, to take up that place, unless you have exceeded the conditions of your offer and are eligible for Adjustment (see above) or you decide to withdraw your application altogether. If you are in this situation you should call 01273 678416 from within the UK or +44 1273 678416 from abroad to discuss your options.
Can I come and look at the University?
Yes, the University has an open campus policy, so you are welcome to come and look around any time. Applicants receiving a clearing offer will also be invited to one of our Clearing Open Days on Thursday 15th, Friday 16th or Saturday 17th August.
We also offer a number of other structured visits to the campus.
What about housing?
We are holding a limited number of places in university accommodation for students admitted via Clearing and Adjustment. These will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
If we make you an offer and you are placed at Sussex we will then send you details of our online Clearing Housing Application form.
Who can I contact with any general questions?
Please call our Vacancies Telephone Hotline and they will be happy to help. Call 01273 678416 from within the UK or +44 1273 678416 from abroad.
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