It wasn’t the end of the world – it was the beginning of an amazing adventure for Emily

Not getting the A-level grades you wanted needn’t be a barrier to securing your place on a fantastic university course – just ask Emily Pearson.

A move to her first-choice university fell through last summer when Emily’s A-level results weren’t what she’d hoped for. But after using the Clearing service, she found the course of her dreams at the University of Northampton, and hasn’t looked back since.

Clearing allows applicants like Emily to find courses which haven’t been filled for the new academic year, and is also used by those who are applying late for a course, or if they are a mature student.

“It might feel like the end of the world that you didn’t get the grades you’d hoped for, but if you really want to go to university, do it,” said Emily, who comes from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. “Just breathe, take it slowly, think about what you really want to do and use that to narrow down your options. Don’t give up, it will all work out in the end.”

Now, a year into her Advertising and Digital Marketing course, Emily’s certain she made the right decision.

“It’s everything I could have hoped for,” said the former Sir Christopher Hatton Academy, Wellingborough, and Northampton College student. “The course is really interesting and all of my modules overlap really well, so the knowledge is easily passed from one to another. I also had the opportunity to go to New York in January, which was an absolutely amazing experience which I will never forget.”

Emily added:  “Making new friends was one of the things I was most nervous about, but it was really easy in the end. All of my tutors are also very helpful and friendly and are there for me whenever I need anything.”

The University’s Clearing website is now open, and includes details of all the courses that are still open for applications.

Would-be students are also invited to attend the University’s Open Day, which takes place on Saturday 19 August.