Not now doesn’t mean not ever

Ann

In the Clearing team, our work is about communication and delivery. Every day we are delivering news to applicants; some good news and some not so good news. Unfortunately, we cannot always tell you what you really want to hear. 

For those of you who do not get offered the place that you had wanted so badly, it can be helpful to remember that decisions are rarely a “never” and some applicants, particularly for oversubscribed courses such as Midwifery, can be successful when they apply for the next intake.

Below are some of the things we can do to help you: 

Firstly, we can sometimes look at your qualifications and see that you may be suitable to be considered for an alternative course. We will then ask if you would like to be considered for this.

Remember that if you are offered an alternative course, you will have a limited time to accept the place, so take some time to decide whether it is definitely the right thing for you to do. Three years is a long time to be doing something that your heart is really not in. 

Secondly, we may find you do not hold the correct qualifications at Level 3 to move on to Higher Education. Often, we are able to suggest that to progress to an Undergraduate programme, applicants may wish to consider taking an Access to Higher Education Diploma. This is a one year course and during the year, you can apply for a place at University for the following September once the new UCAS main cycle opens. 

You might decide that you want to wait until next year and work on improving your qualifications, or gaining extra work experience. This is something I did myself, both studying for additional qualifications while working in a relevant sector.

We aim to treat all enquirers fairly and professionally. I am reminded of the poem by W. B Yeates: ‘He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven’ which contains the following lines:

 'I have spread my dreams under your feet;

Tread softly, because you tread on my dreams.’ 

Good luck with your applications.

Ann