Clearing... a new opportunity...

So you have just received your GCSE results or your Scottish Highers. Some of you may be a little disappointed and some of you may have done better than you expected to! So what does this mean? For some it may mean taking up your first choice of university or accepting your 'back-up' choice. However, it could also mean what some call 'the dreaded clearing process'. I think why it is renowned as this is that it is undertaken by students when they are in a state of sheer panic. Deciding where to go to university and what to study is a big life decision that should not be undertaken lightly. From reading articles, I have gathered a few helpful tips for students going through the clearing process:

• Don't panic: I think this speaks for itself! 
• Location, location,location: Would you prefer to be in a big city like London or are you suited more to living by the sea? Being a 'country girl,' I know personally that I am more suited to attending the University of Worcester as it is in a smaller city rather than living in the capital.
• What subject do you want to study?: What subject would you really enjoy learning about for the next three years! Three years is a long time, so don't just make a rash decision. However, you may not be able to get onto the exact course that you want so it is crucial to be open-minded and flexible.
• Get the clearing hotline numbers: If you do have an idea of what subject you want to study and which university you want to attend then this is a must! Course places fill up quickly. The University of Worcester (and other universities) have experienced advisers to help you. 
• Think about the positives of clearing: a student told me that the benefit of clearing is that you can barter and that you can ring a university and get an answer straight away. Think of all those agonising months you were waiting to see whether any of your university choices would accept you. This way if they say yes great, if not then move on! 

Here is a UCAS video to give you some more advice: