“Clearing doesn't have to mean that you're a failure. Mostly it just signifies a reallocation of interest”

Jeba, Jamie and Rianna joined City St George’s, University of London via Clearing. While Jeba knew what she could expect while applying for her course, Rianna and Jamie were surprised by how much the University had to offer.

A second-year student at The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Jeba Shaik had always been interested in science. Following in her father's footsteps, she initially believed she wanted to pursue a career in engineering. But after hearing her peers talk about their business school classes, she began to question whether engineering was the right path for her.

I saw how passionate my friends were and how their courses looked. And that's when it hit me, 'maybe that is what I'm actually interested in doing and something I would enjoy.'

She realised that engineering wasn't for her, and began searching for business schools

“It was already June and I wasn't sure which universities would take me. Then I came across Clearing. The process was straightforward. I had applied to Bayes Business School for my undergraduate degree as well, so the reputation was already built up.”

She used her final-year school results from India to apply for the BSc Business Management, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship course. She left her studies at UBC, took a gap year  and explained this decision in her UCAS application. The Clearing process was swift: she called the Clearing team and was offered a place by the end of the day.

Now in her final year, Jeba is looking forward to launching her own business with the support of City Ventures, the entrepreneurship hub at City St George’s.

Jamie Dias’ journey was full of surprises. After finding out that he hadn't achieved the grades he needed, he described as an “extremely stressful” morning of calling universities to explore his Clearing options. “Getting into City St George’s via Clearing was actually very smooth. I gave them my UCAS number and grades and two minutes later I was offered a place.”

He wished he had known the exact deadline for accepting a Clearing offer before he applied. He was under the impression that he had to decide on the spot. Instead, he was given until the end of the day to accept the offer, which he felt was enough time to make a decision.

Now in his final year of BEng Aerospace Engineering, Jamie has made the most of his time at City St George’s, including competing in an annual international STEM engineering competition organised by the British Model Flying Association (BMFA).

There's so much that I've learned, not just the engineering itself but life skills as well, working as an ambassador, meeting people and learning so much about planes, which I love.

Rianna Mayor achieved the grades needed for her insurance choice but decided not to accept it. After her uncle recommended City St George’s, she called the University to see whether there was a place available. She praised the Clearing team for answering her questions about the course. The University’s central London location also appealed to her, and she decided to accept the offer in BSc Economics.

One of the things that stood out to her was the additional support she received with mathematics. It was not her strongest subject, but it was essential to her economics degree. The University provided additional guidance in subjects where students needed extra support.

There’s a post-GCSE-level subject help where you can deepen your understanding of certain subjects that you need help with, in case you didn't have it in your A-levels or just need a refresher.

She believes the stigma around Clearing should no longer exist, as there are many reasons why students may choose this route.

It's not a failure. It can be like a reallocation. You sometimes change your mind. You don't want to go to university as far away anymore. You want to stay in London. Or you just simply have some change of priorities. There could be so many reasons.

One piece of advice she has for students who received their A-level results is simple:

Don't pay attention to what people are telling you and don't be forced into Clearing either. If you want to take the year off, but you're going to university just because everyone else around you is, don't just go for the sake of it. Take your time in making that decision. Shop around for a bit rather than accepting the first offer you get.

City St George’s Clearing team is available to answer any questions students may have. Those who choose to join the University can also visit the campus for a tour on Saturday 15 August.

Find out more: Clearing * City St George's, University of London

Your guide to Clearing at City St George's. * City St George's, University of London