Posted on Thursday 16th August 2007
The University of Birmingham is primed and ready for A-Levels results tomorrow as thousands of students across the country seek a university place through the clearing process.
Across the campus nearly 100 staff will be on stand-by to advise prospective students. The university's Great Hall has been turned into an admissions mission control centre where an expected 8,000 telephone calls will be managed.
The admissions team will advise students about the status of their application at the university or about going through clearing.
Roderick Smith, Director of Admissions at the University of Birmingham, said: "Clearing can be a stressful time for students and their families, but it's important they relax and try not to panic.
"Our team of advisors are on hand to guide students through the whole process and help them make the best decision."
The University has received a staggering 40,000 applications for 4,500 places.
Students with queries about the status of their application to the University of Birmingham, or who would like more information about the courses available at the university through clearing can call the Admissions Hotline on 0121 414 2222 (available from 0930 on Thursday 16 August 2007).
www.clearing.bham.ac.uk
Birmingham has put together top ten tips to help guide students and parents through clearing:
The University of Birmingham's Top Ten Clearing Tips:
1) Have your UCAS ID number available
2) Keep a pen and paper near to make notes, ticking off the universities/courses you've called about.
3) Make sure to find a quiet spot to concentrate.
4) Make the call yourself.
5) Speak clearly and calmly. Ask first whether they have vacancies in your chosen subject, then let them ask you questions and answer them truthfully.
6) Think laterally about what you might want to do. Don't dismiss suggestions of alternative but related courses without thinking it through clearly.
7) Don't make speculative calls saying: "what's available?" or call universities you wouldn't want to go to - you will be wasting your time and theirs.
8) Think carefully about any offers you are made and don't make snap decisions.
9) Be prepared to travel to an interview if asked.
10) If you verbally accept an offer and change your mind call the university back and tell them so they can then offer the place to someone else.
Notes to Editors:
A-Level results will be issued on Thursday 18 August. Journalists are welcome to visit the Admissions Mission Control at the University of Birmingham's Great Hall. Please contact Anna Dingley on 0121 415 8134.
Broadcast media are welcome to film in the Great Hall or to conduct interviews via the University's ISDN suite.
Further Information:
For all media enquiries please contact Anna Dingley, University of Birmingham on 0121 415 8134/ mobile 07769952763, email a.j.dingley@kbham.ac.uk