What to say when you ring a university
The exact words, in order, plus what to have in front of you. Most calls are lost in the first thirty seconds.
Clearing calls are short. The person on the other end is working through a queue and deciding quickly. What loses places isn't grades — it's hesitating, not having your UCAS ID to hand, or not being able to say why you want the course.
Ring yourself, not your parents
Universities want to hear from the applicant. Many will refuse to discuss anything with a parent, and it reads badly. If you're nervous, have someone in the room — but you do the talking.
Have these in front of you before you dial
Before you dial
When they pick up
“Hi, I'm calling about Clearing for [course name]. My UCAS ID is [number]. Am I speaking to the right department?”
Gets you routed correctly straight away. Switchboards will otherwise ask three times.
Your grades
“I got [grades, subject by subject]. I was holding an offer at [university] for [course].”
Say them plainly and don't apologise for them. Context about your firm choice helps them place you.
Why this course
“I want to do [subject] because [one specific, honest reason]. I've looked at your course and [something specific about it].”
This is the part that actually moves the decision. One concrete sentence beats three vague ones — and it must be about their course, not any course.
If you missed narrowly
“I was [n] marks off in [subject] and I've asked for a remark.”
Some admissions tutors will note it and reconsider. It costs nothing to mention.
Before you hang up
“If that's not possible, is there anything similar you'd consider me for?”
Departments often have space on adjacent courses that never reach the public list.
If they say no
Ask one question before you hang up: "Is there anything similar you would consider me for?" Departments often have places on adjacent courses that never make the public list.
Just come off a call?
Tell us how it went — it takes under 30 seconds and it’s what builds the picture everyone else is using. Verbal offers stay private.
Report a call