Clearing can be a stressful time, especially when you don’t know what universities are looking for in a prospective student. Cardiff Metropolitan University lecturers Nick Young, Catherine Tryfona and Rob Meyers share some of their top clearing tips for s
What would be your number one tip for students going through clearing?
Nick Young, BA (Hons) Primary Education lecturer:
I read a good quote the other day – ‘life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it’ – so my number one tip would be to stay positive and don’t panic. You may not have achieved the grades for your first choice, but clearing can offer you the opportunity to grab a spot on a similar course that could be ideal for you.
What do you look for in a clearing applicant for your course?
Rob Meyers, BSc (Hons) Sport Conditioning, Rehabilitation and Massage lecturer:
The key thing I look for is a student’s passion and an understanding of what they are getting into. That doesn’t mean you need to know everything, but it always looks good if you are clear why you are calling and have an obvious passion and drive for the type of course you are asking about.
I would also look for the qualifications and experiences that have been gained outside of school or college, so don’t be afraid to make those clear. You are much more than a series of Ucas points so make sure you tell your story! What sort of thing might you ask them on the phone?
Catherine Tryfona, BSc (Hons) Software Engineering lecturer: During that phone call, I’m keen to learn a little bit about you as a person and what makes you tick. I will, of course, ask questions about your academic and professional experiences, but I will also ask you about hobbies, interests and any career aspirations you may have. You don’t need to know what job you want when you leave university, but I am keen to hear about why you want to study one of our courses. This also helps ensure that we can establish which course is the right fit for you. What are your ‘dos and don’ts’ for clearing applicants?
Nick: Do your research and look into the courses you are calling about. You’re making a pretty big decision, as you will be living and breathing this course for the next three years, so don’t go into it blind. Don’t assume anything – if you are uncertain about something, ask!
Catherine: Definitely do your research and shop around, do be enthusiastic and do be positive. Don’t panic and don’t ever feel like you’re ‘settling’ because you’re not on your first-choice course. Rob: Don’t panic, and don’t come on the phone without a clear idea why you are there – that never comes across well!
What can parents do to help? Catherine: I think the best thing that parents can do is to help out with the research and, most importantly, provide moral support. Clearing can be a stressful experience, especially if plans for a particular university or course have had to change. Once a place has been found, take time out to celebrate their achievement. Going to university is a real achievement and a huge milestone in someone’s life.