Extremely tenuous links - Kanye West and Clearing

Most of you will know, or have an idea of what Clearing is. If you read Krystle's previous entry, you'll cetainly appreciate how busy we are. Most of you will also know who Kanye West is. I asked round the office and was advised "stick to Bob Dylan, grandad". Here's a gratuitous Bob Dylan clip. Good, eh?

For anyone who doesn't know, UCAS define Clearing as "how universities and colleges fill any places they still have on their courses" and describe it as "an ideal way.... to find another course". In the past, Clearing was a way for unis to fill emplty places and for applicants who may not have received the grades they'd hope for to scramble for what was left. In recent years, and for a number of reasons, things have changed.

Here are a few things you may or may not have known about Clearing across the UK last year:

• Three quarters of the ‘elite’ Russell Group universities entered into Clearing;
• Well over one in ten students in the Clearing process held ABB+ A level grades
• In 2014, more students came to university through Clearing than through taking their UCAS insurance choice
• Clearing is a big operation; around 61,300 applicants were placed in 2014.

To put this figure in context, 61,300 beats the 60,000 who signed the "we don't want Kanye West at Glastonbury" petition. Or it's more than the total capacity at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium and the home of football (Luton Town's Kenilworth Road).... and there'd still be around 8,000 applicants left over.

It was either these pictures, or an excruciating attempt for Market Research
to try and look "hip" with a picture of Kanye West. Whoever he is.

Clearing, then, is increasingly used by potential applicants, not as a mad panic, but as a way of sounding out their best options and opportunities. Last year, unprecedented numbers of A level appeals were lodged and more savvy applicant behaviour stretched Clearing activities - which used to be a whirlwind - last well in to September. Having more options longer is good for applicants; it also indirectly helps universities too, as those who join through Clearing have the opportunity to carry out some real research before making informed decisions.

Bedfordshire, in common with most UK institutions across the country, is gearing up for another round of Clearing. The process is led by our fabulous colleagues in Home Admissions, though it's a busy, exciting time for Marketing, Recruitment and Communications, who get stuck in with teams across the University. Student ambassadors and academics also give invaluable support in helping encourage and inform would-be joiners and providing them with the information they need to make the right choice about which uni to apply to, or whether they want to go to university at all. 

So, if you're a fellow member of the University reading this, keep your eyes on the metrics, the social media feeds and news from recruitment briefings. If you're a prospective student and not sure about your next step, why not talk to us? We'd love to hear from you.