The housing market is in a state of flux, creating a bewildering environment for first-time buyers....
The government announced today that students will be receiving their A Level results on 13th August, meaning that universities and their media agencies now have a firm date in the diary to start planning this year’s clearing campaigns.
Young people will receive their exam results in August, as agreed at the start of this academic year:
📘 A levels on Thursday 13th August
📘 GCSEs on Thursday 20th August
👉 https://t.co/9PDcnlesZ5 pic.twitter.com/WCbATl7Jd7— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) April 16, 2020
Despite not sitting exams – 9 out of 10 students say they are continuing their application as planned according to a recent Ucas and YouthSight study. Ucas said:
“Overall applicant behaviour in the 2020 cycle is currently consistent with previous cycles, with the expected number of new applicants each week, and no significant moves to change firm choices or providers, or to defer entry, so far.”
Student concerns
It’s obviously been an unusual year, with grades decided by teacher’s assessments and a wait to discover when results will be announced. As such, the same survey found that:
“Over half (51%) of respondents feel supported at the moment, but want more help. While 37% said felt fully supported now, this is higher amongst white applicants (40%) and lower amongst BAME applicants (29%).”
How content can help
One way universities can help is by producing and distributing useful content that addresses head-on their potential student’s concerns. Some of the best performing articles we’ve run for universities have done just that:
Practical guides to student finance
Articles addressing how to socialise at university
How clearing works and is it for you?
How to balance life with studying
What to expect from your first week
As well as helping with practical advice, you’ve also the chance to explain how your university is best placed to support potential students, remaining front of mind during the selection process.
Who’s your audience?
It’s also a concerning time for UK universities, with overseas students who account for a third of all tuition fees, likely to arrive in far fewer numbers this academic year.
Last year a record number of students found a course through clearing. This, combined with a rush to recruit home students, is likely to make this year’s clearing process even more competitive and important for institutions.
Why now is the time for engagement online
As we enter the second phase of lockdown, we’ve seen engagement rates increase across our network of premium publishers as screen time increases. With other channels, notably OOH and print are challenged at this time, we’re able to help repurpose assets quickly to get campaigns away while attention time is high. Contact us today to see how we can help you plan a tactical campaign.
