Clearing is an excellent resource to help you get onto the course of your dreams, especially when your plans change. However, it can feel like overwhelming experience. With this in mind, we spoke to a few alumni who went through Clearing about their experience and their top tips to students considering it as an option.
By Elsa Tatam. Published 8 August 2024.
James Walters
Course: BA Business Management
Campus: London Bloomsbury
“I was concerned whether I was going to get accepted or not, because I thought there would be no spaces for me as I went in quite late. I’d advise any other students going through Clearing to just be organised. Know what you want to do and put a checklist in place.”
Youngui Kemoko
Course: LLB Law
Campus: Birmingham
“One thing I did was sit down with a friend and really think through my options. Was I going to accept the insurance offer and spend the next four years working with London expenses or was I going to call up another university of my choice and hope that I get accepted? If so, what universities was I going to contact and why?
It's so easy to create chaos in your head when you have not manged to get into your desired university, which is understandable. You have worked really hard for what felt like the longest two years of your life. However, being with someone who can just put you at ease will make the Clearing process that much easier.”
Melissa Bolam
Course: BSc International Business Management
Course: London Bloomsbury
“My advice for students coming through Clearing is to be organised and prepared. Tailor your personal statement to the university you are applying to, just as you would your CV when applying for a job. Do lots of research and attend open days before applying. If there is something specific you are nervous about, build a list of questions or reassurances you would like, to settle your nerves. When you contact the Clearing team, ask those questions and the answers should leave you less nervous. Most importantly of all, be brave and go for it.”
Solomon Cairns
Course: LLB Law with International Business
Campus: London Bloomsbury
“My three tips for other students going through Clearing are: wake up early, try to talk to universities as early as possible before clearing opens, and don’t cancel out any options. When you get to university, be open to meeting new people and interacting. During the first few days, you get given all these books and new logins but don’t get worried - it will all work out fine. Enjoy the feeling – because making it to university feels great.”
Jessica White
Course: LLB Law
Campus: Leeds
“I was really quite unprepared for applying through Clearing which is why I think it would have been so useful to have made a plan beforehand. I made the day a lot more stressful for myself by not having an action plan. However, when I called The University of Law they made the process very easy.”
Orsolya Csomartani
Course: LLB (Hons) Law with International Business
Campus: London Bloomsbury
“My top tip for students going through Clearing - breath. Everything will be ok. Trust the process, believe that you have something to offer to the university besides learning and be open with the interviewer.”
Ella White
Course: Accelerated LLB Law
Campus: Nottingham
“Don’t be scared or ashamed of going through. When you get you university, there is no difference between Clearing and non-Clearing students, as no one knows how you got there; you’re all equal. I have not been treated any differently as no one knows I came through Clearing unless I have told them myself. If you aren’t successful in Clearing, then that is ok, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know. Also, be prepared with the details of your grades as they will ask for GCSE grades, A-level grades and other information. If you have that to hand, then the process is a lot quicker.”
Erin Theobald
Course: LLB Law
Course: London Bloomsbury
“If I had to give one top tip for someone going through Clearing, it is to make sure you research all of your options before Clearing has even opened. It will make the process so much easier and less stressful if you have a list of universities to call with a range of entry requirements so that all of your options are covered.”
Clearing is now open and closes for us on 21 September 2024. If you want to know more about how you can apply, check out our dedicated Clearing webpage or call our Clearing hotline on 0808 3019834.
