Results Day didn’t go how I planned.
Like many students, after spending the summer between year 12 and year 13 researching what university I wanted to go to, I envisioned myself studying Geography in London. I had done my due diligence and at the time thought this was going to be my future for the next 3 years – it was the subject I had focused on for years. But when my exam results came out, I didn’t get the grades I needed to meet my university offers. My plans changed overnight.
I remember the moment vividly, it was a mix of panic, pressure and the heavy weight of uncertainty. But what I didn’t realise then is that going through clearing wasn’t the end of the road. It was a fresh start. And in my case, it led me to a course that I feel was made for me.
How I went from Geography to Fintech
When I saw that I hadn’t met my offers, I had two choices: accept a course that I no longer was excited about just to get into university, or take some time to figure out a new direction. I’d always had a small interest in finance and technology, but I’d never really considered studying them seriously. Still, with clearing open, I immediately started exploring. During this time I was at crossroads, I thought now would be the perfect time to learn how to code so computer science seemed like the most logical option. But I also wanted to learn more about financial markets and economics. As a result, I applied to the first economics and computer science courses that caught my eye. I even got offers for both but I still wasn’t completely happy with these choices, something didn’t sit right.
This was when I realised that I needed to take a step back and carefully reevaluate the situation. I had to find a course where I would be content with dedicating myself for the next 3 years. I had to study something that I found interesting and academically stimulating. I gave myself a full week to explore every option I could. Different degrees. Different universities. Different cities. And that’s when I found the BSc FinTech with Data Analytics course at the University of Westminster. It wasn’t something I had seen offered anywhere else and I wasn’t even aware that universities offered such a relevant course. But as I read through the description, it truly resonated with me. It combined finance, technology and data – all subjects I had become curious about. It was practical, innovative and offered the necessary skills to succeed in not just the finance industry but technology, data, artificial intelligence, consulting and many more.
What I learned from my clearing experience
Here are my biggest takeaways:
Don’t Panic – Take a Breath
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed on results day, especially if things don’t go to plan. You might feel pressure to accept the first option just to “secure” something. But rushing into a decision you’re unsure about can leave you with regret later on.
Instead, take a step back. Even giving yourself 24 to 48 hours to reflect and reconsider can help you think more clearly. Clearing places don’t disappear instantly. Some of the best decisions happen when you give yourself the mental space to make them.
Don’t Just Pick Any Course – Pick the Right One
It’s easy to get caught up in panic mode and choose the first available course that looks vaguely relevant. But this is three or more years of your life – make sure you actually want to study the subject in depth.
Take the time to:
- Read the full course description
- Check the module list (what topics will you actually be learning?)
- Look into the careers previous students have gone into
- Ask yourself: would I enjoy learning this for the next few years?
You deserve to enjoy your degree and feel excited about it. It’s not just about “getting in”, it’s about thriving once you’re there.
Explore Courses You’d Never Considered Before
Sometimes, clearing is a blessing in disguise. It gives you the opportunity to completely rethink your future. Maybe there’s a degree that better reflects your current interests or something that combines multiple passions.
For me, I had never heard of FinTech as a course. But when I came across FinTech with Data Analytics, it felt like it brought together everything I’d recently become curious about: financial markets, coding, data science and the future of technology. I wouldn’t have even considered it if I had just stuck to my original Geography plan.
Have a Backup Plan (Even Before Results Day)
Even if you’re confident about your grades, it’s smart to have a plan B in your back pocket. Think about:
- Alternative universities or cities you’d be open to
- Courses that are similar to your first choice
- A list of phone numbers and UCAS codes ready to go just in case
Doing this before results day can massively reduce stress and it’s something I wish I had done. You’ll feel more in control and prepared if things don’t go as expected.
Trust Your Gut – But Be Open Minded
Sometimes, you get an offer that looks fine on paper, but deep down you’re not excited about it. That’s okay. Don’t ignore that feeling – it’s often trying to tell you something important.
That said, also keep your mind open to new areas or combinations of subjects. If you’re too focused on one narrow goal, you might miss something even better.
For me, that meant turning down my first clearing offer because I couldn’t picture myself in that course long term. That decision felt scary at the time, but I’m glad I trusted my instincts because it led me to a course that suits my interests and aspirations perfectly
Final thoughts
Clearing might not have been the route I anticipated but looking back, it was one of the best things that could have happened to me at the time. It gave me the unexpected opportunity to pause, re-evaluate my goals and discover a course that truly matched my passions and ambitions. Without that moment of redirection, I may never have found the path I’m on now.
So if you’re going through clearing, remember this: it’s okay if things don’t go the way you imagined. Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin with a detour. What matters most is finding a course, and a future, that feels right for you.
Take your time, trust yourself and keep an open mind.
Wishing you the best of luck – your path doesn’t have to be perfect to lead to something incredible.
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