Olympic Gold Medallist gives advice on Clearing

As thousands of students wait nervously for their A-Level results on Thursday, Olympic Winter Games 2014 Gold Medallist and University of Gloucestershire graduate Lizzy Yarnold believes keeping calm is the key to success.

Lizzy came to the University of Gloucestershire through Clearing, which offers students around the country the chance to apply for vacant spaces on university courses, and this year staff at the University are already on hand to answer queries on everything from courses to accommodation.

Former student and skeleton athlete Lizzy found herself in Clearing when she hadn’t achieved the grades she needed to study a joint degree at her first choice university. She remained adamant she wanted to study Geography and Sport and Exercise Science, and so looked for the right degree for her through Clearing.

“It was essential that I studied something I enjoyed, and loving both sport and geography I was glad to combine the two into a degree,” she said.

“I searched online for universities that did the degree I wanted and the University of Gloucestershire had an informative website so I gave them a call. I spoke to a lecturer who was super helpful and took the time to reassure me about their set up and what the degree with them would look like.”

Lizzy made her decision and discovered the sport of skeleton after the first year, which led to her combining study with training and competing overseas. She is the second woman ever to hold the Olympic, World and European titles simultaneously.

“My advice would be don’t panic.”  Lizzy said. “There is time to find the right university especially as you’re the one to make it the one for you. Be efficient in compiling a shortlist of possible universities and a list of what key things you would like from your university and course. Call around and see what fits best, then go for it!”

The University is gearing up for results day on Thursday when a team of staff will be taking calls from prospective students from 6am. The University has also set aside spaces in halls of residence for late applicants. Clearing Visit Days arranged in the days following A Level results day will give potential applicants a chance to explore university facilities and those who accept a place through Clearing will be given support to secure accommodation.

However, if A level students aren’t convinced they’ll have made their grades, are unsure about their firm choice or simply want to keep their options open, there’s still time to register with the University of Gloucesteshire’s VIP Clearing service. By simply filling out the form before 5am on results day prospective applicants will receive an email at 6am with details of the University’s courses that have places available along with a VIP Clearing number to help them jump the queue.

The University of Gloucestershire’s Clearing Hotline is 03330 432414 and is open as follows:

• Until 13 August: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
• Thursday 13 August (A Level results day): 6am – 8pm
• Friday 14 August: 8am – 8pm
• Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 August: 9am – 5pm
• 17 August onwards: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm

Additional information is available at www.glos.ac.uk/clearing. Prospective students can also contact the University on Twitter @uniofglos using the hashtag #chooseGlos or Facebook.

Watch the University’s Open Day video on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnOjoNN7lA4