Choosing a course in Clearing – how I did it

I didn’t apply to university as I intended to take a gap year – I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to study so planned to take a year out to think about it. I changed my mind a few weeks before results day so I started researching and narrowed down a few courses and universities that I was interested in. 

Choosing a course in Clearing

I chose Biomedical Science because I wanted to study a science degree, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to specialise in. It’s a very broad degree, so it allowed me to develop a strong background in case I wanted to go onto more specialised study after my degree. 

The teaching staff were incredibly helpful throughout my degree, particularly in terms of my career aspirations. I  talked to them about my plans after the degree, and they gave clear advice and guidance on how to progress . 

“Choosing a course in Clearing was such an easy process, and I was at no disadvantage whatsoever when I started my degree”

My personal academic tutor wrote me a reference for my applications for further study, and several other teaching staff helped me prepare for interviews. When I started my degree, I was not at all sure what I wanted to do afterwards, but in speaking to the teaching staff about my skills and aspirations, I developed a clear career goal and am now on my way to becoming a doctor! 

Brighton was the right choice for me

My Clearing experience was such a positive one! Brighton was the first university I called, and I was nervous after just receiving my results. The person on the phone was incredibly friendly and put me at ease during a stressful time. It was an easy process: I just called the Clearing centre, told them which course I was applying for, gave them my grades, then I received an offer straight away!

It was such so straightforward that I didn’t even call any other universities – I knew I wanted to go to Brighton.  After receiving my offer, I just had to fill out a few forms and then I attended a Clearing Open Day a few days later, where I met my course leader and had a look around the campus. 

Clearing is there if you change your mind

I wish that someone had told me how truly easy the Clearing process is. When I was in sixth form, Clearing had a reputation for just being a last option if you had poor grades, but it is so much more than that. Clearing is there if you have missed your ideal grades, but also if you simply changed your mind and want to go for something different, or if you’re making a late decision about university. 

Choosing a course in Clearing was such an easy process, and I was at no disadvantage whatsoever when I started my degree. I was on the same starting block as everyone else, I had just taken a different route to get there. A few weeks before my A-level results day, I had no idea what I wanted to do in the future. Thanks to the Clearing process, I did a degree I really enjoyed, and it set me up on a strong career path. My degree ended up being a completely fresh start for me!