New data released by UCAS has revealed that a record number of UK 18-year-olds have secured university or college places through Clearing.
The 2023 applicant data, published 28 days after results day on 17 August 2023, offers valuable insights into the dynamics of university admissions and the preferences of students.
In 2023, a remarkable 38,140 UK 18-year-olds secured a place at university or college through the Clearing process. This figure represents a substantial increase of 14.6% compared to 2022 when exams were reintroduced and 15.6% compared to 2019, the last year grading arrangements remained the same.
The rising popularity of Clearing as an alternative route to securing higher education opportunities indicates that students are increasingly open to revisiting their choices and exploring new options.
The data also reveals a significant shift in the choices made by students who had already secured a place at their firm choice.
In total, 16,040 UK 18-year-old applicants decided to switch to a new course after releasing themselves from their previously held choices. This number has increased from 14,760 in 2022 and 12,170 in 2019. It appears that students are more willing to reassess their options, possibly due to a growing awareness of the diverse range of courses available through Clearing.
79% Gaining Their First Choice
Of the students who had a decision made regarding their application, an impressive 79% of UK 18-year-olds secured a place at their first-choice university or college.
This figure demonstrates a slight decline from the 81% recorded in 2022, a year when exams were reintroduced, but it signifies a significant increase from 2019 when only 74% secured their first choice.
The reasons for entering Clearing are multifaceted. Of the 67,990 students who found a place through Clearing:
1. 32% found an alternative course after declining their original firm choice.
2. 30% secured a place after not meeting the terms of their offer and being released into Clearing on results day.
The remaining students either applied directly to Clearing or had no firm choice.
Other Notable Trends
Aside from the Clearing statistics and the remarkable 79% of students securing their first-choice institutions, there are other noteworthy trends highlighted in the data:
1. Overall, 270,350 UK 18-year-old students have been accepted onto courses, representing a slight decline of 1.8% from 2022 but a notable increase of 12.9% from 2019.
2. The number of 18-year-olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds to be accepted has seen a positive increase of 19.5% since 2019, showcasing efforts to enhance access to higher education.
3. The international student cohort has remained relatively stable, with China and India continuing to be the top two countries with accepted applicants.
Sander Kristel, Interim CEO at UCAS, emphasized the changing perception of Clearing. He noted that it is no longer solely a backup option for students who fail to meet their offer but a proactive choice for many. Kristel also highlighted the importance of closing the participation gap for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The 2023 UCAS data paints a picture of a dynamic and evolving higher education landscape in the UK.
The record number of students using Clearing to secure university places, along with the increasing willingness to revisit and change choices, reflects a changing mindset among prospective students.
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