Maddie Symonds
Clearing advocate and International Relations student.
“I came to Essex through Clearing in 2022 to study International Relations. I was straight out of Sixth Form when I went through Clearing, so it all happened on Results Day. As you can imagine, there were a lot of emotions and uncertainty in the air. Clearing was there to help me, and I couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out.
“When I received my A-level results they were very different to what I was expecting. My grades were higher than I anticipated so I decided not to go the uni’s I’d chosen as my firm or insurance choices, and instead I wanted to stretch myself and apply to a university that could help me reach my potential. Clearing was explained in a very clear and easy-to-understand way, so I decided to see how Clearing could help me.
“I called the University of Essex and used their Live Chat function online to talk to members of staff. These tools were incredibly useful! I am the first in my family to go to university meaning me and my family were very new to this, but the help and support I received was outstanding, I cannot praise it enough.
“When I decided to change my university place through Clearing I already had plans to contact Essex. I was aware of what an amazing Department of Government they had and the quality of the International Relations course. I knew I was going to receive a great education at Essex, I saw all of the awards Essex had, their Department of Government ranking and Social Science research ranking. As well as this everyone I spoke to was incredibly inviting and welcoming, which calmed my nerves and was very different to other universities I had spoken to. Additionally, the ‘vibe’ of the university really caught my attention, all the societies, the beautiful campus and the extra support all interested me.
“I’m now in my final year at Essex and academically speaking, my highlight has been planning and completing my dissertation in a subject that I am really passionate about. The independence I had to create my own project about an important matter inspired me and is something I am very proud of. Beyond the classroom, my highlights include being able to meet people from across the globe, and from this I found some new best friends and a boyfriend. I have also loved working for the University of Essex as a Social Media Ambassador, this is by far the best job I have ever had, the support I have received in this role and the opportunities I have been given are beyond what I ever expected.
“When I think about Clearing I feel like it has hugely impacted me, I have now had the opportunity to pursue an incredible education which would not have been possible without Clearing and the University of Essex. On the other hand, Clearing hasn’t impacted me at all, in the sense that I am no different to students who did not apply through Clearing. I feel no shame when I say I went through Clearing, I am proud to say I went through it. There is no difference between a Clearing student and a student who applied months before.
“Before I went through the Clearing process, I wish I had known what it’s truly like and how it works. I was very nervous to apply through Clearing, and it turns out there was no need to be worried! I think Clearing sometimes has negative connotations, and I hope I can help to change this and show everyone that Clearing is one of the best things ever! It’s a second chance, a safely blanket and a very positive thing.
“For any students considering Clearing this year, please know it is completely normal to be nervous, you’re a human after all! Just know that you are in the best hands possible and the University of Essex will do everything they can to help you. The Clearing process acts in your best interest and everyone involved truly wants to give you support. In the moment it may seem stressful and overwhelming but in the end it will all be sorted, and you will be glad you went through it.”
Liv's story
“I realised there was a gap in content for aspiring PhD students. I started sharing my experiences on Instagram and TikTok, which grew into a following of 600k.”
Pebbles' story
"I never really cared about being famous, but it seems that it’s just my destiny."
Michael's story
"Now in my third year, I’m currently on placement as a Global HR Intern at Disney in London."
Built with Shorthand