Emma Gerrow

Why did you enter Clearing?

I actually put myself through Clearing – it was totally my choice. I missed the entry grades for my firm choice university by one, so I didn’t get offered a place. I wasn’t able to view my insurance choice university before I accepted their offer, and when I finally did get to view it, I really didn’t like it. So on results day, I chose to decline their offer and picked Edge Hill instead which offered the same course.

What was your perception of Clearing before you went through it?

I saw Clearing as a negative thing. My sixth form made it out that it was only people who completely fail go through Clearing, and it just isn’t like that at all. There are so many different reasons why someone might go through Clearing, and it can be a choice.

What factors made you settle on the course you chose?

I absolutely love people. I studied sociology in sixth form and loved it, so combined with my love of being around people and wanting to understand people, it was perfect for me. The opportunities for self-driven work and the facilities available for social sciences were a real attraction to this course. Eventually, I’m looking to move into social research or government research, and the support available on the course makes this goal achievable.

Did you do any research about Clearing prior to receiving your results to prepare?

I like to think that I’m quite prepared, so just in case I didn’t make it into my firm choice I did some research before results day. I had already made a note of the Clearing numbers of other universities that I liked and had a plan ready just in case – and I’m so glad I did! I had actually already considered Edge Hill on this research so I already liked it. I just wasn’t sure if it was for me at first because of how far away it is from home. I had gone to a few university fairs and spoken to staff from Edge Hill who always came across really well, so I did already have it in mind.

Did you attend a Clearing open day and, if so, how was it?

I didn’t get a chance to attend a physical open day, but I researched Edge Hill by looking at YouTube videos from students and what life was like at Edge Hill. I also attended virtual open days and taster lectures offered by the staff at Edge Hill. I read some blogs from students studying there too to try and get a feel for what university life was like.

Was there a specific reason you chose to apply to Edge Hill in Clearing?

I had heard amazing things about the support students get at Edge Hill, and so I figured that the University would have a good process and that it would be really well supported. Because I’d looked at Edge Hill already, I really liked everything they had to say and the University’s processes always seemed really clear and easy to follow – just what you need on results day.

How did you find the process of applying to Edge Hill in Clearing?

The Clearing process was so easy – when you realise you haven’t quite achieved what you hoped for it can be really scary. But realising that there are options out there and there are people who are willing to talk you through those options is really important, and Edge Hill made that so easy. All I did was call them to explain what had happened, and they put me through to the Head of Department for a quick chat. They were fantastically calming and explained the process brilliantly. They kept me calm and it was fast and easy.

Did you find a place to live easily?

I was allocated a room in Chancellors Court. My halls are absolutely beautiful. The process of finding accommodation was really easy – the accommodation team contacted me to talk about my accommodation options and offered me a place on campus.

Have you enjoyed your course and time at university so far?

I have really enjoyed my time at university so far – my course is amazing and the staff are fabulous too. So much so I actually became the first-year representative for the Students’ Union and to represent the students on my course. I think the thing I enjoy most about my course are the seminars – they’re always really informative and really interactive. The assessments on the course are always well structured and supported and vary a lot so you’re always learning new skills! The lecturers and tutors are always really helpful with any problems.

What advice would you give to students who find themselves in Clearing?

Please, please don’t panic. Or, panic, but keep it limited to a few minutes. Just because you end up in Clearing doesn’t mean that all is lost. It doesn’t mean the world is ending, and it doesn’t mean you have failed. It means you’ve been given an opportunity to change your mind and it might just be the best choice you ever make. That, and PLAN. Even if you think you will ace for exams, things change. So plan for Clearing just in case – doing a bit of research beforehand could make it that bit easier for you!