We asked two students who enrolled at dBs via Clearing what the process was like and what led them to apply through Clearing. Learn more here!
Clearing can be confusing and stressful for university applicants who have decided, for one reason or another, to apply to a degree course through the process. Things move fast during Clearing and some applicants feel pressured by the time constraints. However, it’s not as scary as it sounds, and with the friendly admissions team at dBs Institute, we make it as simple for you as possible.
In brief, UCAS Clearing, “is a process designed to match students who haven't secured a university place with courses that still have vacancies.” The process is often chosen by students who:
- Have not received the grades they were hoping for and, therefore, do not meet the requirements of either their first or insurance choice universities.
- Did not receive any offers in the initial application process.
- Have decided to study for a degree after the UCAS deadline.
If you fall into one of these categories and want to apply to one of our degrees to start this September (2024), you might be interested to hear how other students who have enrolled with us found the process. So, we spoke to a few to see how they got on!
What were the circumstances that led to you applying through Clearing?
Jai Tuckett BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering: I would say the reason I applied so late in the year and through Clearing was because I had my heart set on not going to uni. I always thought it wasn't for me and wasn't the right path to learn what I wanted in the music industry. Having taken a gap year to start working on projects in performance and production, I felt, when I came across the course, it was a secure way to begin to work towards the goals and achievements I had set out and wanted to learn. I don't think I was aware of courses like the ones at dBs at the time and feared university would be an incorrect choice. I wanted to study such a specific area and skill set and, until I found the course, thought it would be a better strategy to learn the skills by myself alongside the projects I was working on.
Lewis Binyon BA (Hons) Music & Sound for Film & TV: After discovering that dBs Institute Bristol offered a course providing valuable skills, experience, and connections within the media and music industries, I didn't want to wait another year to start my educational journey. When I decided to move to Bristol to study, the clearing process had already begun, so I "registered my interest" on the website.
Were you anxious or relaxed about being able to secure a place through Clearing?
JT: I was slightly anxious about the availability of a place so late in the year because I applied close to the September starting date, but I was fairly confident that if I didn't get a place, I could continue how I was working at the time and try again next year. I feel the admissions team was very effective in helping my application. I was told about available places the day after I applied, so I didn't have much anxiety waiting to secure a place, it was more regarding the sudden change when I decided to take the course that I needed to adjust to.
LB: At first I was concerned about securing a place through clearing, as my chosen course was popular. However, after a call with a member of the admissions team to discuss my suitability for the course, I felt hopeful about being accepted.
How easy was the Clearing process with dBs?
JT: I found the application to be relatively simple. The admissions team were very on it with information, explaining the application process, what sort of finance was needed and how best to access it. I feel a little more course information online before applying would have benefited me personally, as I had originally planned to do another course instead of the BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering course, but the admissions team asked me useful questions about what I would like to get out of the course and my goals to point me in the right direction. Now I'm on the course, I feel they definitely gave me the correct advice. I wouldn't say applying through Clearing was more or less stressful than applying earlier in the year. It was relatively simple and convenient!
LB: After registering my interest for applying through clearing, a member of the admissions team promptly contacted me with the next steps. She provided clear instructions and followed up with frequent emails to check on my progress. After submitting my personal statement, a call was arranged to discuss my interest in the course and share a bit about myself. The next day, I received an email offering me a place!
What advice would you give to someone who’s applying through Clearing and feeling stressed about the process?
JT: I would say find out your personal aims and what you'd like to achieve throughout a course at dBs, talk through it with their team and apply. Even if you don't think dBs is 100% your first choice, having the option to study a course you'd like, even when you're tied between multiple options, is a safe way to be able to develop yourself. When I chose to apply, I was still slightly indifferent about whether to study at university or not, but having the option and the conversation with people who knew the course helped me choose the right one and allowed me to make the right decision.
LB: Don't worry about the call with the admissions team member. It never felt like a pressured interview; just a quick conversation to express my interest and see if the course was right for me.
If you are worried about not getting a spot on your chosen course, remember that many people change their minds or accept other offers during this time. So, even for the popular courses at dBs, you still have a good chance of securing your spot.
If you're thinking about applying through clearing, go for it! The process is quick and smooth, with someone always available to help and check up on you throughout.
See, it’s not too bad! If you want to study at dBs Institute this September, there’s still plenty of time to apply to one of our courses through Clearing.
