Clearing was a fresh page in English student Eloise’s plans

When her A Level results didn’t turn out how she’d hoped, Eloise Adams decided it was time to start a fresh page in her future plans.

Now a University of Leicester English student, Eloise had been predicted straight As for her A-levels and had Psychology at Leicester as her second choice. However, when results day came, Eloise hadn’t achieved the grades to get into either of her top choices.

She said: “I was incredibly disappointed that the grades didn't reflect my capabilities. I knew I still wanted to go to university, but I decided that the original course I was planning on doing might not be for me.”

Undeterred by the setback, Eloise picked up the phone and began investigating her options in Clearing. It is a great way to find a course if you didn’t get the grades that you expected or missed out on your firm or insurance choice on results day. 

With some patience and perseverance, she found the course that was the best fit for her – and now, she is excelling at her English degree at the University of Leicester.

She said: “Changing my course and ringing the Clearing lines was one of the best decisions I have made so far, although completely unplanned. I have made so many great friends both on the English course and outside. I have been involved in teaching opportunities, joined the orchestra and best of all, I’m doing a degree that excites and interests me. I am also now getting 2:1s and Firsts, a much better reflection of my capabilities.”

Her advice for those entering Clearing is to try and approach it with a level head. On the morning of Clearing, Eloise rang up a few universities and kept her options open while gathering a few offers. In the afternoon she spoke to Ben Parsons in the School of Arts, Media, and Communication and talked through her options for studying English at Leicester.

Eloise adds: “I was incredibly stressed but when I got on the phone to him, he calmed me straight down. I said I'd like to study English at Leicester and he asked me about my GCSE grades, which reflected my capabilities better, as well as what felt like a mini-interview so I could sell myself to the English department. He also excitedly discussed the books we were going to study and what type of things I should expect from studying at Leicester.

“He reassured me that I had secured a place to study English, and I would receive an email confirming my place. After the day was done, I knew I was going to be studying English at The University of Leicester.

“I learnt a few things that day about Clearing. You’re going to be listening to the hold music longer than you may like, but with a bit of patience and perseverance things can turn out much better than you could have thought.”

All courses available via Clearing are on the website. The website also includes a live chat function, links to live information events, a guide to applying, answers to frequently asked questions, information for parents and more.

Applicants who have their grades can call 0116 373 6000 where staff can chat through the options or contact us on WhatsApp by clicking the link on our website. The lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Those waiting for results, can call or use WhatsApp between 7am and 9pm on results day (Thursday 14 August). On Friday 15 August lines are open 8am to 6pm.

The University offers guaranteed University-managed accommodation if applicants apply before Monday 1 September.