A-Levels - What's Clearing?
As students come to terms with their A Level results, one Teesside University alumni says going through clearing got his media career on the right track.
Tom Burton, from Guisborough, didn't get high enough grades to study economics, so followed his love of film and took a place on a media course.
He now works in central London for a Twofour Group after doing work experience at a number of film companies.
The 23-year-old told TFM clearing can be an amazing opportunity to have a change of heart about your chosen career decisions.
He said:* *
"It's a really good opportunity to actually stop and think about what do I really want to do.
It was quite nice thinking economics, that's what I've been building towards, but is it really want I want to do."
The university has step up a 24-hour clearing hotline to help students going through the clearing process.
Students can call 0800 952 0226 throughout the clearing period, from 8.00am on Wednesday 12 August until 8.00pm on Friday 14 August.
They're also running a clearing fair at the university on Saturday 15th August.
David Hudson is Deputy Director of External Relations and says students shouldn't rush into a decision about taking another course.
He said:
"We tell them to research, find out exactly what they would like to do and not just rush into the first option that might become available to them.
They're going to be studying this course for potentially three, four years or even five years, so making sure that the course is right for them when they start is really critical."