What I learnt from Clearing
Clearing can seem like a scary and stressful process, but with the right tools and the right advice, it can be pretty straightforward. As someone who’s gone through the Clearing process myself, there are many lessons I learnt that have stuck with me until now.
Firstly, Clearing is not the place for failures. There are many other reasons why students go through Clearing, from wanting to change courses to not receiving any offers. Despite getting good grades for my A-Levels, I still had to go through Clearing, and I don’t consider myself a failure just because I did not receive any offers during my initial UCAS application process. Don’t let the fact that you have to go through Clearing affect your focus on your end goal.
Staying optimistic is the key for success. Applying to more than one university not only increases your chances of success, but also allows you to choose from many options. I personally applied to three universities during Clearing so that I had more choices when it came to accepting my final offer. Something to remember is that your options are not limited when it comes to Clearing. There are many degrees and many universities to choose from, so why not take advantage of those opportunities?
Never give up on yourself. You may end up with more than one rejection. Regardless, staying resilient is crucial for success during Clearing, so don’t let one rejection put you down. My Clearing journey ended with three offers, despite feeling like I had done badly in interviews. When it comes to interviews, preparing for them is important, so make sure to do your research prior to applying for the courses you have chosen.
Quicker starts lead to quicker finishes. It’s better to start applying as soon as you have your results. That way, spaces are still available, and you’ll be in a better position than others when it comes to choosing your final offer. Planning the day before is vital for a better start, even if you have an offer already. This means deciding your Plan B and having all the details ready for the day, such as your UCAS number and GCSE grades; expecting the worst is better than being completely unprepared. Some offers may take a few days to a few hours, so it’s better to start looking on UCAS as soon as possible.
Lastly, new paths lead to new beginnings. You may end up doing a completely different course than what you originally applied for. In my case, I am currently studying Diagnostic Radiography despite applying for Medicine in the first place. Nevertheless, I don’t regret this decision as I really enjoy my course and now, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Life is a marathon, not a sprint, so travel through life at your own pace and don’t compare your unique journey to anyone else’s!
Clearing gives you a second chance to get a place at university. There are so many courses on offer, so take the time to look through all the options available to make the best choice for you. Keeping an open mind is vital when going through Clearing – you may not get the exact course you want, but there are many others waiting for you in Clearing.