Clearing is no longer the limbo it used to be - use it to find the right degree for yourself

Clearing can now be seen as a chance to make your decision about university, whether you have done better or worse than expected, or simply because you’ve changed your mind about what you want to do

A record 64,300 students found university places through Clearing last year. The system has transformed into a 'respected and important' route to university, says Ucas (Rex Features)

For too long, Clearing has been seen as a last resort for those entering higher education - a scramble for the final few places by an unfortunate few who have missed their grades. Maybe that was true once, but if so, it isn’t any longer.

Around 60,000 students will go through Clearing, roughly 15 per cent of the 450,000 who will go to university this year. Clearing is a chance to take stock and it is crucial students take time to make the right decision. Remember the higher education landscape has changed - this is a “buyers’ market,” and students are in a better position than ever before when choosing degrees.

Therefore, enter Clearing with confidence: see it as an opportunity to check out options and find the best university offer for you. How do students getting their results go about this?

If you make the decision to go through Clearing, you should set aside a good amount of time to search the Ucas website for available university places that meet your interests and requirements. The first thing to do is to think critically about your preferences - don't just go for a name.

The 2016 CBI survey of businesses found employers look first and foremost for graduates with the right attitudes and aptitudes to enable them to be effective in the workplace, and relevant work experience. For employers, this is more important than the university attended.

Ignore the free iPads and other sweeteners, and think about whether any potential university course offers the skills needed to get a good job after you graduate. It’s important the subject area interests you too - after all, you will be studying it for three years. But there are other equally crucial factors. Are internships built in to the course as standard? Can you see yourself working in the industry? What do students go on to do after graduation? Work placements and career mentoring throughout your degree will make you much more employable in an increasingly tough graduate marketplace.

Once you have identified a couple of universities you are interested in, you will need to call them. Phone numbers are provided on the Clearing website for each institution. Try not to get too nervous, but think of the call as an interview. Make sure you prepare answers to a few likely questions: why do you want to study the course? What attracts you to that particular university? How do your A-level choices make you a good candidate? Make sure you don’t forget to ask them some questions too: what are the graduate employment prospects like? How much careers advice is offered? Where would you live in the first year? Are internships or work experience options offered as part of the course?

Students today can afford to consider carefully what their options are. Clearing may seem like a frantic rush, but take a few days to reflect, and avoid jumping into anything too quickly. Discuss your options with your teachers and parents, and read course reviews online. It’s a big decision, so, ideally, students should visit the institution to get a feel for it before accepting a verbal offer over the phone.

A degree is still a great option for employability for students. BIS calculates the graduate premium at around £200,000 over a lifetime. But remember: even though there are very good student loans, it will cost you money. There’s no doubt going to university can be a costly investment, so if you are going to go through Clearing, make sure you think tactically and make the most of this opportunity so that it’s right for you.

Above all, remember: you are the client, so spend your money wisely. Students shouldn’t limit their ambitions. With the right planning and confidence, you can find the right degree for yourself through Clearing.

Roxanne Stockwell is principal at Pearson College London