Posted on Wednesday 13th August 2008
The University of Birmingham is primed and ready for A-Levels results on Thursday (14 August) 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. Part of the university's Arts Building 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 to relax and not to panic.
"Our advisors are on hand to guide students through the whole process and help them make an informed decision."
The University has received a staggering 37,000 applications for 4,800 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 0900 on Thursday 14 August 2008).
http://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 14 August. Journalists are welcome to visit the Admissions Mission Control Centre in the Mason Lounge, Arts Building at the University of Birmingham.
Broadcast media are welcome to film at the University or to conduct interviews via the University's ISDN suite.