Clearing: Amelia’s Story

Amelia discovered Clearing unexpectedly after exceeding her academic expectations and realising she already had enough qualifications to start university sooner than planned. While on holiday in Mallorca, she called UA92 to explore her options and quickly recognised it as the right fit.

The flexible timetable, small class sizes, and ability to commute from home were key reasons behind her decision. Since joining UA92, she has built lifelong friendships and even interviewed Gary Neville, an experience she considers a career highlight.

Amelia says applying through Clearing was one of the best decisions she has ever made and encourages students to be brave and take advantage of the opportunity.

When did you first consider Clearing?

I did a BTEC in college and I also did an A-level in business alongside it. I had spent a year at sixth-form doing 3 A-levels and decided it wasn’t the best thing for me so I started a two year BTEC course so that I would get the points I needed to go to university. I had started to apply through UCAS for university the following year when I would have completed my college course. I surpassed my expectations and got an A* in my A-level and this meant that I had enough points with my Distinction* from my first year at college to go to university that year.

I hadn’t thought about Clearing until I saw a post on social media about how it is an option even if you haven’t applied for university through UCAS for that year. If I hadn’t have seen that post I still would have thought Clearing was for people who didn’t get the grades to get into their first choice university.

How did you feel on Results Day?

I was actually on holiday when I got my A-level results and decided that it was worth ringing UA92. I remember sitting on a balcony in Mallorca overlooking the sea and speaking to one of the advisors. They were so lovely and walked me through the different course options in more detail and explained to me that I had enough points to do the accelerated degree which is the degree that I wanted to do. I immediately booked a tour to come and see the Old Trafford campus and Media Lab. I then got to speak to Phil (one of the amazing media lecturers) and decided that it would be the perfect fit for me.

Why did you choose UA92?

There are a lot of unique qualities that make UA92 so great! Having the AM/PM timetable suited my life as it meant that I could work and still train for sports whilst I was at university. I also liked the small class sizes. I went to a high school where at GCSE there was no more than 20 in a class and then I went to a cricket college which was similar in size so I knew I would find it really daunting to go to a university that is really big.

I live in Greater Manchester so it also meant that I could commute from home, which again just fit my life best – I don’t think I could ever be away from home from my dogs! I deferred my intake until April and I never looked back.

What has been the highlight f your UA92 journey so far?

My university highlight so far has been meeting some amazing people who I am sure are going to be friends for life. I’ve also got to say interviewing Gary Neville at UCAS Manchester was a bucket list moment – how many people can say they have done that and it is a brilliant thing to go on my CV pursuing a sports journalism career.

Looking back, how do you feel about your decision to come through Clearing?

I am so thankful that my Mum and Dad gave me the jump to apply to UA92 through Clearing. It has honestly been the best decision and for someone who always hated school I have loved every minute of my time at university and I am so proud of what I have achieved already.

What advice would you give to a student who might be applying through Clearing this year?

I would say don’t be nervous. Everyone at UA92 is there to help and get you to a point where you can kickstart your career. I would say just go for it and be brave and apply, because you never know where it may lead you. I was really anxious about people knowing where they were going and knowing others, but even starting in April I have made really strong friendships and everyone made me feel welcome.

Find our more about Clearing on our Clearing Hub.