If I am honest, when I chose my top five universities aged 17 I had very little strategy, but I didn't doubt that I would get the required grades. All I wanted to do was study English literature at a top university.
However, after getting mediocre AS-level results and being faced with the prospects of two re-sits, I realised that maybe I should have set my sights lower. Not only that, it concerned me that I might not be able to pursue my ultimate dream of going into postgraduate study.
I had appendicitis a week before my main batch of English exams and managed to scrape a C grade. After my stint in hospital I realised that the lack of revision would jeopardise my chances of going to my first choice university. My mum pestered me about preparing for clearing and I had read scary stories about the process in the press; hundreds of thousands of students chasing only thousands of places, the UCAS system crashing and places going within 24 hours.
While the tension built a few days before picking up my results, I sat down and prepared for clearing. UCAS was scoured for university courses that would suit me and a list of points/grades that were required was made. I set out a clear strategy that was dependent on what grades I received, ranging from the very worst outcome (failing), to the best, assuming I wouldn't get into my first or insurance choice. All the contact details were written down, the grades required and the accommodation I wanted so it was a simple procedure when speaking to someone at the other end of the phone.
Within half an hour of picking up my results, I was back at home on the phone to the universities desperately trying to secure my place. By the second call I had a place at Worcester University. It wasn't the end of the world.
While you may think that your place is secure now, always prepare for the inevitable. I missed my opportunity to get into one of my choices because I was over-confident, blasé about my re-sits and unfortunate with my health. Even sparing a mere half an hour thinking of a back up plan could benefit you against someone else who has not thought about "what if".
If you miss your grades, reflect on what you have achieved and how your grades could work to your advantage. It's essential to plan and my main tip is to make sure there is always a plan B. Compromise is not always a bad thing and going to a different university may benefit you in other ways; it shows you can adapt to any situation and are not afraid to take risks. It also demonstrates you can think on your feet when required.
Clearing does not mean that you are unable to fulfil your long-term goals or be the best you can be, it just means you might have to go down an alternate path to get there. As I went through clearing, it allowed me to re-evaluate my long-term aims and decide whether they were right for me. I now know what I want from life and I know what I need to do to get there.
As a result of clearing, I was still able to study English at the University of Worcester and, after graduating with a 2:1, I am going on to pursue my dream and study for an MA in January at University College Falmouth. Even though clearing is daunting, it could be something that shapes you and your career for the better, as it has done for me.
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