Finding yourself in Clearing could be the best thing that ever happened to you. It might mean changing your plans, it might mean some extra research, it might mean more work in the short term. But take it from us, a school who has seen dozens of students come from Clearing every year and go on to excel in higher education, being in UCAS Clearing does not mean the end of your career dreams. In fact, it could be the start.

Sometimes, your choice of university can be based on factors other than what’s right for you. Maybe you wanted to go to the same university as your friends. Perhaps you wanted to stay close to home. Or, more often than not, applying to a well-known uni with hundreds of years of reputation behind it just seemed like the sensible thing to do. Think of University Clearing as your gateway to freedom. Now you are free to think about what subject is most suited to your skills, and choose a university that recognizes and nurtures those skills.

Here are our top 5 tips for making the most of UCAS Clearing:

1. 1. Be open minded
      Don’t restrict yourself to a particular subject or location. If you love math, there are plenty of subjects other than pure math where you can pursue your passion in a wider context. The world is your oyster. If you were dead-set on studying in Manchester, think about what it was about the city you liked and see if something similar is on offer elsewhere.

1. 1. Think ‘career’ not just ‘education’
      University is not an end in itself. It’s a stepping-stone to the rest of your career. There are thousands of graduates with high-prestige degrees from well-known universities that have not gone on to have successful careers. You could benefit from looking at degrees that offer career development and practical experience rather than a purely academic focus.

1. 1. Consider the whole experience
      There is so much that contributes to your university experience: the teachers, the other students, the projects you work on, the work experience you gain, the clubs and extracurricular activities. Look at universities that offer you opportunities to add value to your degree in terms of your employability as well as your personal development.

1. 1. Talk to the universities in person/over the phone
      Many universities have whole teams of people dedicated to advising those students applying through UCAS Clearing. Advisors are there to help and can support you through process and offer guidance. You’ll get the most out of this service if you talk to them in person rather than relying on email or written communication.

1. Involve your family in the decision
   It’s your degree, your career, your choice. But your family can offer important insights and may have thought of things you haven’t considered. When you’ve decided on a shortlist of universities you’re applying to through Clearing, involve your family. It’s good to talk things through and have their support.

If you’re looking to start your degree this September find out more about what our Bachelor of Business Administration degree can do for your career and the student experience we offer.

Make the most of what your career has to offer with a Masters in International Business from Hult. To learn more, take a look at our blog 5 big reasons why to apply early for your MBA or Masters, or give your employability a huge boost with an MBA in international business. Download a brochure or get in touch today to find out how Hult can help you to explore everything about the business world, the future, and yourself.