A UNIVERSITY VIEW
IT’S that time of year again when thousands of teenagers get their A-level results.
For those going to university, the grades mean everything.
For a large number, just over 60,000 in 2018, they will not have the grades for their first choice university and will enter Clearing.
After the initial shock, the fact that they may need to start looking for a different institution or even a different course can be confusing.
This can be made worse by feelings of having somehow failed. In fact, most students will find a good course and go on to succeed, with Clearing a distant memory once they begin their studies.
The University of South Wales (USW) has a dedicated team of staff who will provide support and guidance to students who find themselves in clearing.
It is a process that is an established part of the university year and students will find sympathetic and helpful advice at the end of the phone line or, increasingly, via livechat on the USW website.
Our team are trained to help and happy to take the time needed for each individual’s particular situation.
Finding the right course is key. More than ever, the question is: will this give me the career I want?
So asking the right questions and receiving reliable advice is essential. In addition to our enquiries and admissions staff, we have academic staff ready to help answer these important questions.
Additionally, if you want to visit one of our campuses in Cardiff, Newport or Pontypridd, this can also be easily arranged.
The choice of university and course is a big decision, and we have listened to our own students who have been through clearing to ensure we can provide the right help.
So, being in Clearing may be unexpected, but, with our help, it need not be a problem.
Call our staff on 0345 305 6451 or visit www.southwales.ac.uk/clearing
■ Dr Steve Lake is director of marketing and student recruitment at the University of South Wales.