No matter why you’re considering using Clearing to get a place at university this year, you’re probably finding it a bit stressful. Will you like the course? Will other students look down on you for having got your place through Clearing? Will the process of getting your place confirmed be super confusing and stressful? We spoke to four students, each of whom used Clearing for a different reason, and the parent of a student who went through Clearing to see how they felt about the whole process and what advice they’d give to other students considering Clearing.

Afia's experience

Afia used Clearing as she didn’t get the results she needed to get into her original first choice university. Here’s what she had to say about the Clearing process: 

Afia’s overall experience: “It was a really positive experience – I’m glad I did that.” 

The highlight of Clearing: “My highlight as a student who went through Clearing is the fact that the whole process was just smooth and seamless. I thought it was going to be so stressful and I thought I’d just be worried.” 

How Afia felt about the process: “I got on that phone and everything was really, really easy and seamless and it actually felt like I took control back over the situation.” 

And how it went after Clearing: “I easily just slotted in with everyone else once my place was confirmed.” 

Hear Afia’s full Clearing success story.

Sam's experience

Sam used Clearing when he got better grades than expected and decided to trade up to go to a better university. Here’s what Sam had to say about his experience: 

How Sam felt when he realised Clearing was an option: “When this opportunity came up to essentially apply to Bath, I thought I had nothing to lose.” 

The highlight of Clearing: “The highlight for me was definitely how uncomplicated the process actually is.” 

Hear Sam’s full Clearing success story.

Alistair's experience

Alistair used Clearing when he changed his mind about the course he wanted to study and realised that the courses he’d applied to initially weren’t right for him. Here’s what Alistair thought about the process of changing courses via Clearing: 

Alistair’s overall experience: “It was easily resolved with a quick phone call to the university, who explained to me that there were still places on the course I wanted to go into, but the only way they could accept me was through Clearing.” 

The highlight of Clearing: “The highlight of going through Clearing and being a student of Clearing is not taking every opportunity for granted.” 

Alistair’s feelings about his Clearing experience: “I was so lucky to actually get to university through Clearing.” 

How it went after Clearing: “When I got to university it didn’t feel like I was just a Clearing student anymore, I was part of the community of the university.” 

Alistair’s advice to other students: “Just do it!” 

Hear Alistair’s full Clearing success story.

Sophia's experience

Our final student, Sophia, went through Clearing after she didn’t get into her first choice university and realised her insurance choice wasn’t for her. Here’s what she thought of the experience: 

The highlight of Clearing: “One of the biggest highlights would probably be the ability to be able to help others.” 

Sophia’s insight into Clearing: “Clearing is more commonly used than people think.” 

What Sophia would tell other Clearing students: “You’re not less of a student because you had to go through Clearing.” 

Sophia’s advice to other Clearing students: “You have a right to be there and you’re not to give up because you worked hard to get there regardless.” 

Hear Sophia’s full Clearing success story.

Andrea's experience

We also spoke to a parent of a Clearing student, to see what it’s like to support a student through Clearing. Andrea’s daughter didn’t get the grades she needed to get into her original choice university, so secured her place at uni through Clearing. Here’s Andrea’s feedback and advice for Clearing students: 

Andrea’s overall experience: “In terms of the Clearing process itself, really that was quite straightforward.” 

One thing that surprised Andrea: “There really was a wide selection of courses available.” 

One of Andrea’s Clearing highlights: “The teams who were manning the phones, they themselves were also very helpful and also very knowledgeable.” 

Andrea’s advice to Clearing students: “It’s about remaining flexible and open-minded.” 

Hear Andrea’s full Clearing success story.

If you’ve been through Clearing, why not let us know what your experience was like? Tweet us @whatuni and we might feature your reply! 

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