Kirtthi finds her path to medicine through Clearing at the University of Leicester

Kirtthi always dreamed of studying at the University of Leicester but when results day didn't go how she expected, she thought that her dream would not come through.

Originally wanting to study Medicine at the University of Leicester, Kirtthi Sri Baskaran, who is from Coventry, unfortunately didn't get the results that she needed.

Kirtthi said: "I was quite stressed on results day. I opened my results, and I started crying.

"You know, I was an 18-year-old, and I really wanted to study medicine."

Thanks to the Clearing team at the University of Leicester, Kirtthi was able to assess her options.

She said: "I knew that Clearing was an option, and I was told about it through sixth form, so I did look into Clearing.

"I did some research on the UCAS website and looked at YouTube videos about what the process was like, how I can get through Clearing.

"Then I looked into the University of Leicester's Clearing, and I saw what grades they needed, and I had the grades so rang them and they said, 'Yeah, we'll give you an offer,' and I was over the moon actually."

Kirtthi continued: "The call was good, I remember it being very calm. I remember in that moment, I was very stressed so when I called her and she was like, 'It's ok, just tell me your grades and we'll figure it out.'

"I think that call was very reassuring."

Kirtthi joined the University of Leicester in 2022 starting a foundation year. She is now in here final year of a Biological Sciences degree specialising in Medical Physiology.

She is also working on her application to study Graduate Entry Medicine.

Talking about her course, Kirtthi said: "Honestly, I love my course so much. I love both the academic and social aspect of it.

"I have gained my two forever friends through this course and we have stuck by each other for the past three years and moving forward.

"The course itself is so engaging, challenging and full of information. I have been able to learn so many new and different things about the human body and so many other things.

"I love the practical aspects of my course. The laboratory work is something that fascinates me and allows me to put what I have learnt in lectures to use."

Reflecting on her experience of Clearing, Kirtthi said: "Clearing is not a bad route to go down. I feel like a lot of people might have that stereotypical thought of Clearing means that you haven't done what you wanted to do.

"Although my path wasn't the traditional way or the way I thought it would go, it turned out better than what I wanted to do and I eventually ended up at my dream university."

In the future, Kirtthi wants to go into obstetrics and gynaecology.

To students going through the Clearing process, Kirtthi said: "I wouldn't stress about it too much, just stay calm and you will figure it out."

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.