Results day update

UCAS has now processed all A level results and as of midnight, 385,910 applicants have been accepted into a UK university or college, up 31,600 (nine per cent) on results day last year. This is the highest number of acceptances recorded for A level results day.

Some 345,300 applicants have been accepted to their 'firm choice' institution, higher than previous totals on results day, and there have been increases in acceptances across the UK and across all age groups.

A higher proportion of the 18 year old population have been accepted across the UK than on results day in previous years.

A further 98,740 applicants are awaiting results or decisions, and 145,730 are free to seek a place in Clearing – both lower totals than for recent years.

Mary Curnock Cook, UCAS Chief Executive, said: "The gateway to higher education swings open for many people today based on these results – congratulations to all of them.

“Demand for higher education has recovered after a dip last year and universities are keen to accept qualified applicants. 

“For some that means going through Clearing where there are plenty of high quality vacancies.  The UCAS website has all the information you need.”

Applicants can log in to Track on the UCAS website this morning to see if they have been accepted or are eligible for Clearing. Students should also check their email for Confirmation letters.

Formal applications to Clearing courses can be made through UCAS from 17:00. Students who want to consider a Clearing place can start looking at courses with vacancies from early in the morning on results day and they should discuss courses that interest them directly with the universities as soon as possible.

Courses with vacancies are listed on the UCAS and Telegraph websites.

Analysis as at 00:05 on Thursday 15 August 2013

What should I do on results day?

• Read through the information at ucas.com/clearing to find out how Clearing works and for helpful advice.
• Look on Track on the UCAS website from 08:00 to check the status of your application and to get your Clearing number, if you become eligible. You will also receive an email either confirming your place, or letting you know if you are unplaced.
• Make sure that you are available to speak to universities and colleges – treat your Clearing application like a job application – deal with it yourself. Don't leave it to your parents or friends to sort out.
• Start contacting the universities and colleges about the courses that interest you as soon as you can. An institution that is interested in you will ask for details such as your Clearing Number and your Personal ID. You will probably also be asked questions about your exam results. Find Clearing contact details here.
• Clearing vacancies are listed in our course search tool and also in The Telegraph from today (15 August). Make sure that the content of the course meets your needs, and check you meet the entry requirements.
• If your exam results are better than you expected you may be able to use Adjustment. The service is accessed through Track and allows applicants who meet and exceed the conditions of their firm choice to reconsider where and what to study while retaining the option of their original place. Find more Adjustment information here.
• Visit UCAS Connect which brings you the digital side of UCAS. It's the home of our online advice and tips about applying to university. Why not try following @ucas_online for the latest updates?
• If you need help applying through Clearing or have a query about your application, you can contact the UCAS helpline on 0871 468 0 468. Lines are open from 07:30-20:00 from results day.

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Media contacts

UCAS Press Office: 01242 545 469

NOTES TO EDITORS

UCAS is a charity and is the UK's shared admissions service for higher education. We manage applications from over 650,000 applicants each year for full-time undergraduate courses at over 350 universities and colleges across the UK.