Six Clearing myths (and why they're totally wrong)

It's too late to change your mind on results day, all the good courses are gone, and it's not worth the hassle. Right? Wrong. Clearing is your chance to shape your future.

Every year, thousands of students get into university through Clearing. But for some reason, people still act like it’s some kind of last resort or something to be embarrassed about.

Let’s be honest, Clearing is just another way in. Whether you changed your mind, applied late, didn’t get the grades you expected, or did way better than planned, Clearing gives you more options, not less!

So, here are six common myths about Clearing and why they don’t hold up.

1. Everyone will know I went through Clearing

They won’t. No one’s going around asking how you got in. Unless you bring it up, no one’s going to know. You start uni like everyone else – same lectures, same Freshers, same dodgy cooking. It’s not that deep.

2. Clearing is only for people who failed

Nope. Some people go through Clearing because they didn’t get the grades. But loads of others use it to switch course, apply late, or upgrade after smashing their results. It’s not failure, it’s just a different route.

3. You’ll be the dumbest person on your course

Not true! Everyone’s starting fresh. New course, new people, new way of learning. Doesn’t matter how you got in – what matters is what you do once you’re there.

4. Clearing is chaotic and stressful

It’s only stressful if you’re unprepared. Do a bit of research, have your info ready, know what courses you’re interested in, and it’ll be fine. You’re making the best decision for you!

5. Only bad unis use Clearing

Plenty of great unis, including Russell Groups, use Clearing. Spaces open up all the time for all sorts of reasons. Just because a course is in Clearing doesn’t mean it’s second-rate.

6. People will judge me

Honestly, no one cares. Everyone’s too busy figuring out how to survive their first week, make new mates, and understand circuit laundry. How you got there doesn’t matter. You’re there now and that’s what counts.

Clearing isn’t a backup. It’s just another option, and sometimes, it leads to the best outcome. If your path looks a little different, that’s alright. You’ve still got a future to build, and ARU is probably the place for you!

Explore your options at aru.ac.uk/clearing