Most Clearing places are decided in a five to ten minute phone call. Admissions staff are checking three things: whether you meet the entry requirements, whether you understand the course, and whether you will actually enrol.
Before you dial
- UCAS Personal ID and Clearing number written down.
- Your grades and awarding body, plus predicted grades if results are pending.
- English language evidence and its score.
- Two sentences on why this course, not just this university.
- A quiet room and a phone with credit for international calls.
A simple script
"Hello, my name is [name], my UCAS Personal ID is [number]. I am calling about [exact course name] for 2026 entry. I have [qualification and grades] and [English test and score]. Are you able to consider me?"
Then answer their questions directly. If they ask why the course, name a module, a placement year or a professional accreditation. Vague answers about "a good university" do not help you.
Questions worth asking back
- Is the offer conditional, and on what exactly?
- What is the tuition deposit and when is it due?
- How quickly can you issue a CAS after the deposit?
- What is the latest date I can enrol?
- Is university accommodation guaranteed for Clearing entrants?
- Can the place be deferred to the next intake if my visa is delayed?
Mistakes that cost places
- Letting a parent or agent speak for you. Universities want to hear from the applicant.
- Calling without your results to hand.
- Accepting on the phone and then not confirming by email.
- Adding the Clearing choice in UCAS before the university gives permission.
- Only calling one university and waiting.
Keep a simple log with the course, the person you spoke to, what was offered and the next step. By the third call you will sound calm and rehearsed, and that matters more than you think.
