In 2019 there were 73,320 students who were accepted at universities and colleges through Clearing. Each year there are students throughout the UK who are succeeding in their studies and careers after using Clearing to get a place on their chosen course – let us introduce you to four of them...
Jaz’s story
BBB were the grades Jaz needed to study the engineering course she’d chosen, but on results day things didn’t go to plan. She had a big decision to make: re-take her exams, change direction altogether or look for a place in Clearing. She chose Clearing, and she’s glad that she did...
Throughout my time at school, I was unsure about what I would do afterward. I knew that I wanted to go to university but had no idea as to what I would study, where I would study or what career I would take afterwards – it took three personal statements to determine which course I ultimately chose.
After attending a UCAS event in London, I found out about IBM and their ‘Futures’ gap-year scheme. Although, prior to this, I had very little knowledge of IBM, I did a little research on the company and decided to apply. As I had just been rejected by the University of Oxford – my first-choice university – I felt that this was the perfect opportunity to take a short break from academia and gain invaluable experience in a fast-growing industry, before re-applying to university.
Just over a year later, as I am reaching the end of my gap-year, I stand by this decision 100% and wholeheartedly believe that...
School leaver programmes give you a direct route into the world of work. They allow you to learn new skills, meet new people, and earn a wage while you’re learning. Not sure if it’s the right path for you? Ziyad, from PwC, shares his story.
Why did you choose the programme?
I’ve always wanted to work in the accounting profession. I attended university for one year, but realised it wasn’t the right path for me, so I left to join the apprenticeship programme at PwC. I saw the value in getting into the workplace sooner, and gaining practical, hands-on experience.
What have you gained from the experience so far?
I’m a qualified tax technician, and have gained practical...
I am an Accounting and Finance student at Leeds Beckett University and I am currently on a placement year as part of my 4-year sandwich course. Amongst other Universities, Leeds Beckett offered the opportunity to take a year out for a placement and this forms part of your final grade as it is classed as a final year module. This really appealed to me as not only will it allow me to gain exposure in a real business environment, but it would also be something different to studying and working in the classroom.
I am on a year’s Finance internship at Dowty Propellers which is a subsidiary of GE Aviation. My role is very versatile as I am involved in all areas of finance, so each day is different depending on what is...
Sport has always been my passion but when I graduated from the University of Brighton in 1996 with a degree in Sports Science, there were few opportunities to work in high performance sport. I therefore spent many years working in various jobs developing my management skills which included project management, relationship management and then when joining UCAS I added communications management to my skillset. All of which proved to be essential skills for a career in Elite Sport. After spending almost 3 years at UCAS, in 2014 I was fortunate enough to secure a job as a Paralympic Podium Road Coach with the Great Britain Cycling Team. I really enjoyed my first experience of high...
When filling in your application, one part you may need a little extra help with is entering your Nationals, Highers, and Advanced Highers. In this blog post, we’ve compiled some of your frequently asked questions, to help you complete this section!
Where do I find the option for SQA qualifications on the application?
Once you've added your school/college in the Education section, you'll have the option to ‘add qualifications'.
Type the name of your qualification into the search box, or select it from the shortlist if your school/college has created one. Advanced Highers and Highers also include the curriculum code, so you should be able to find the exact subject you’re taking.
Do I need to add my Highers on the UCAS application, even if I am taking Advanced Highers?
Yes, if you’ve taken a Higher, the unis want to see the grade you received. Even if Highers are not included in the course entry requirements, they will still add value to...
So, as you can see from the title, I dropped out of university.
The one thing I found hardest about it was telling people that I was leaving. In fact, I still haven’t told all my friends that I’ve left, and this is 4 months afterwards. But why not?
The thing is, I think many people view dropping out of university as such a negative thing, like ‘Wow! You’ve left, how awful’, when actually for me it was one of the best decisions, I think I’ve ever made.
One friend who I bumped into recently and didn’t know I had left said to me ‘I’m proud of you for leaving’ and this really resonated with me. It is human nature to not want to admit to being wrong or making a mistake, but the weird thing is that we all do. Yes, some may be bigger mistakes like picking the wrong course but it’s still fixable. My friend was pointing out that it takes guts to admit you’ve made a wrong choice and correct yourself.
Personally, the main reason I left was that I didn’t like my...
It’s an exciting time as you consider your future, but don’t forget to consider all your options. Higher and degree apprenticeships are a different pathway to following the traditional route of going to university as a full-time student. They offer all the benefits of higher education, as well as the competitive advantage of gaining valuable work experience while completing your degree. You will not only be learning, but earning a salary, from day one. Your tuition fees are paid for by your employer and the government, so you will not be expected to pay any tuition fees or apply for a student loan.
Universities work in partnership with employers to develop and deliver these apprenticeships, which combine university study and on-the-job training...
You no longer have to choose between a degree or an apprenticeship. A growing number of companies are offering degree-level apprenticeships, so you can study for a degree debt-free, while gaining hands-on commercial experience.
So, what does it take to be a degree apprentice? Craig Wakefield from Renishaw shares his experience of being a software engineering apprentice.
“I studied computing, performing arts and geography at A Level, but my focus was on computing. I applied to universities via UCAS and was offered a place at both Bournemouth and...
Exam season can be a stressful time for many, but with a bit of preparation you can do well! These seven tips will get you started:
1.Have a plan
Create a timetable in the weeks leading up to your exams. Jot down when your exams are and what topics you need to revise. You know yourself what subjects you may need to commit more time to so keep this in mind when planning your revision.
2.Take regular breaks
Shorter revision stints work much better than trying to do hours at a time. Try 40 minutes revision with regular ten minute breaks. This will keep you focused and help you retain more information.
3.Use Post-its
Keep Post-its with key info dotted around your revision space – these will act as reminders for the stuff you’ve previously revised.
4.Practice exam questions
These will be available at your school, college, and even online. What...