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.

We spoke to Jessica Szubart, Vice President of Enrollment, for her top 5 tips for making the most out of UCAS Clearing:

Jessica, you’ve worked with transfer, Clearing, and international students. What’s your top piece of advice for someone who might find themselves without a place this summer?
Firstly, stay calm. When I talk to Clearing or transfer students I always tell them to not restrict themselves 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. You might also be surprised at how many universities are still accepting students for the fall intake, so widen your search net.

How important is degree choice in relation to future career goals?
Think of university as a stepping stone to the rest of your career. Whether you want to work at a non-profit, start your own business, or within a global corporation you should be looking at a degree that offers development in those areas. In my experience, knowledge in a field you’re interested in pursuing is so relevant to future employers, so look at degrees that offer career development and practical experience rather than a purely academic focus.

What’s the most important thing to consider before choosing a university?
Honestly, 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.

How should a Clearing applicant approach a university?
Most 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 the 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, so pick up the phone and talk to them.

Who else should students talk to before making a 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.

Talk to Hult

If you’re interested in applying through clearing to Hult’s Bachelor of Business Administration program, get in touch with our specialist team today.

Clearing hotline: +44 (0) 20 374 133 50
WhatsApp: +44 (0) 73 765 541 26
Email: clearing@hult.edu

Jessica Szubart is the Vice President of Enrollment for Hult Undergraduate. Whilst originally from Boston, Jessica has lived and worked all over the world and is passionate about international higher education and coaching and development.

Hult offers a range of highly skills-focused and employability-driven business school programs including a range of MBA options and a comprehensive one year Masters in International Business. To find out more, take a look at our blog Hult scores in top 20 in The Economist’s Which MBA? ranking for 2019. Download a brochure or get in touch today to find out how Hult can help you to learn about the business world, the future, and yourself.