A–level results day was one of my worst days by far. Although I have come to terms with it now, it’s never fun missing out on the grades you have worked so hard for.
When I received my grades, I thought it was all over. I thought that I was never going to be able to go to university and study for a degree that I would truly enjoy. This is when I decided to take a step back with a gap year to study for re-takes.
Exams were just around the corner and preparation had been going well, but that’s when the world got put on pause. The pandemic changed everything - I wasn’t able to re-take my exams, nor was I able to submit my predicted grades. The chances of studying that year were getting slimmer and slimmer, and I definitely didn’t want to take another year off.
That’s when I turned to UCAS and Clearing. I managed to find various courses and universities that were willing to take me on despite my grades. I scrolled through and selected and few of my favourites: Psychology with French at the University of Buckingham was one of them. All I had to do now was to wait!
I think it was a few days after or even the same day, but I received a call from the admissions team at Buckingham. I still remember how elevated my emotions were that day as I couldn’t believe there was a chance for me to start university in September.
One of the main reasons I chose my course was for the opportunity to study for my degree in two years. A fully accredited degree in just two years, for me, meant that I didn’t ‘waste’ a year worrying about what I’ll do with my life. And an added bonus, I get to graduate at the same time (or earlier) as my friends.
My advice to students looking to go through Clearing would be to stay optimistic, even if the light is faint, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
- Don’t get stuck to plan A, have a backup plan for your backup plan.
- Don’t make any rushed decisions. Consult your family and friends and do your research but remember that in the end, it is YOUR decision.
- Look at your options. Ask yourself some questions: do you really have to go to that particular university? Are you studying for yourself or to please others? What else interests you? I initially wanted to do a degree in Neuroscience, but now I study Psychology with the added bonus of studying French. Psychology teaches me similar content and modules to what I originally wanted to do and leads to my plan to do a Master’s in Neuroscience.
Whatever route you choose, good luck! Remember to choose a degree that you will genuinely enjoy studying. The hours you put in are worth it for you.
Momna, Psychology with French student at the University of Buckingham