Clearing call led Laura to ‘one of the best decisions’ of her life

Released: 04.08.26

A student who thought missing out on her first-choice university would derail her future is now encouraging applicants not to panic when Clearing opens.

Laura's journey to Plymouth Marjon University began with uncertainty. Like many students awaiting results, she had become convinced that there was only one path to success.

"My first tip would be don't panic at all, because you just don't know where things could take you.

“I was really set on one certain university, and I thought that that was going to be the be all and end all of my career."

She even worried that choosing another route might somehow diminish her future prospects.

"I thought that if I didn't go there then I wouldn't have a real degree and things like that."

Instead, Clearing opened the door to an opportunity she had never expected.

"Taking the chance that I did was definitely the best thing I could have done."

For Laura, making that decision not only enabled her to begin her studies sooner, but also shaped the friendships and experiences that followed.

"It saved me a year of being at college and I've met people now that I know that if I'd have waited until next year, I never would have got to meet them."

Looking back on her Clearing experience, Laura encourages students to prepare for conversations with universities by thinking about the skills and experiences that make them unique: "Try and be as prepared as you can on the phone."

She suggests making notes in advance about achievements, volunteering and life experiences that demonstrate personal strengths.

"Write down things that you've done in your life that are good experience."

Drawing on her own background, Laura highlighted how experiences such as becoming a qualified Rainbow Leader and volunteering with children helped her demonstrate valuable skills during the admissions process.

"I had things like that and key points of skills and things I developed while I was doing that."

Preparation, she says, can make a huge difference when universities ask questions about confidence, organisation or leadership.

"When I was asked on the phone, 'Tell me about a time where you've shown confidence or organisation,' that was already in front of me and I didn't have to panic and worry."

Most importantly, Laura believes students should approach Clearing with an open mind.

"Mainly just be open-minded."

Her message is that the perfect course or university may not always be the one applicants originally imagined.

Laura believes smaller institutions can sometimes be overlooked despite offering exceptional experiences, "Marjon is quite small and I think it's definitely underrated."

As students begin exploring their options through Clearing, Laura also has a reminder about who the final decision belongs to: "The main thing is it's your degree. It's not your parents or your boyfriend, girlfriend, friends. It's going to be the rest of your life that this is going to impact.

"Make sure it's the decision that's right for you."

To learn more about Clearing and speak to our team, visit the Clearing Hub section of our website