Changing your course through Clearing, not being defined by your grades, and what stops us learning
😊 Welcome
This week we look at how to change your course through Clearing, for any of the likely 20,000 of you who are currently having a change of heart about what to study. We learn that grades are not everything. Not by a long shot. We also find out what one of the main barriers to learning is. And it’s not what you might expect.
✍️ Having a last minute change of heart? How to change your course after results day
A-level results come out on Thursday, and alongside the results, UCAS Clearing will get into full swing. Clearing, as you’ll doubtless be aware, is the process by which applicants without a university place can quickly secure a place on one of the many courses still available.
You might be surprised, however, to know that Clearing is not just for those who didn’t make their grades. Last year around 20,000 students made the decision to go into Clearing themselves, declining their firm choice place and finding a new course. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to. That’s 8,000 more than those who found a place in Clearing because they had to.
So while pretty much all the articles and information available about Clearing will focus on those who missed their first choice, I’m instead going to focus this article on those of you who are planning to change course and find a new option on results day. If this is you, read on to find out how to do this, and some of the risks and pitfalls you might want to consider.
💡 Did You Know?
You are not your grades.
It might feel like it this week for all you A-level students, as you await your grades on Thursday, but I repeat, you are not your grades. You are way more than that!
You are your knowledge, your skills, your creativity. You are your experiences and your relationships. You are everything you have ever done, and everything you can and will do in the future. You are your highs and your lows, your strengths and your weaknesses. You are your hopes and your dreams. You are everything you mean to your family and friends, and much, much more.
You are not your grades.
If you get brilliant grades this week, then well done! If you don’t, just remember all the other things you are brilliant at. They will carry you through!
📢 Quote of the week
“It is what we know already that often prevents us from learning.”
Claude Bernard, 19th Century French physiologist
I'm a classic example of this. For most of my life I was so overconfident, I had no real concept of how much better I could be if I only spent more time and effort learning new things!
Thanks for reading!
Jonathan
🎯 In case you missed it: Warren Buffett’s advice on finding your perfect career
📅 Next week: How to work best with your university guidance team
