Thanks to a good understanding of the Clearing process and some prior research, Cheryl was able to act decisively on results day when she didn't achieve the grades she was hoping for. Here, she shares her experience of applying to Cumbria through Clearing and explains why she'd recommend the process to others in a similar situation.
What degree are you studying at Cumbria and what year did you apply through Clearing?
I’m currently studying Diagnostic Radiography at the University of Cumbria, and I applied through Clearing in 2023.
Why did you apply through Clearing?
It was a last-minute decision because I didn’t achieve the grades I had hoped for on results day. Luckily, I already had a good understanding of how Clearing worked since we covered it during college, and I had researched it myself as a backup plan in case things didn’t go as expected.
What was your Clearing experience like? Would you recommend applying through Clearing to others?
On results day, I had a list of universities I was interested in and used my laptop and phone to call them one by one. It was a mix of emotions — I was upset about my grades, nervous about making those calls, and anxious about whether any university would accept me. But I would definitely recommend applying through Clearing to others!
Clearing is a great option if your original plans don’t work out, especially because many course requirements are lowered on the day. It’s worth calling up your chosen universities to check availability and browsing UCAS to see what’s open. My advice is to have your Clearing number handy, along with your grades and qualifications ready to share.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
What I enjoy most about my course is the perfect balance between learning practical skills and understanding the science behind them, especially anatomy. Having placements where I can apply and improve these skills has been invaluable.
What do you enjoy most about studying at the University of Cumbria?
At the University of Cumbria, I appreciate the small, tight-knit community where everyone is friendly and willing to support one another. In my first year, I stayed in university accommodation, but many of my friends commuted. Due to placement locations, I decided in my second year to commute as well — first by train and then by car — which I find much better for me now.