My experience applying through clearing

Navigating the university application process can be a daunting experience, especially when things don't go as initially planned. My journey through UCAS clearing, however, led me to a fantastic opportunity at Escape Studios.

Initial Expectations and Setbacks

Like many prospective students, I had high hopes and specific dreams for my university education. My goal was to study a course that would set me on a path towards a career in Visual Effects. I received offers from multiple universities, but after attending their open days, I wasn't satisfied with their teaching methods and course structures and the overall environment of the universities.

Before submitting my UCAS application, I had visited Escape Studios for multiple open days and had firmly decided that it was my first choice. Unfortunately, due to vis restrictions, I had to wait until clearing.

Discovering UCAS Clearing

Just when I thought all hope was lost, I learned about UCAS clearing. For those unfamiliar, UCAS clearing is a service that helps students find available university places if they didn't receive any offers or didn't meet the conditions of their offers. It's essentially a second chance to secure a spot in a course you're passionate about.

Researching Escape Studios

Escape Studios had always been the first choice for both me and my parents. I spent three years researching Escape Studios and attended multiple open days to get a thorough understanding of their offerings. Additionally, I participated in their Saturday Club to grasp the structure of their courses better. I knew that Escape Studios was renowned for its industry connections, dynamic environment, and job-ready graduates. Armed with this knowledge, I decided to take a risk and pursue my application through clearing at Escape Studios, foregoing other opportunities.

Researching portfolio examples

When applying to Escape Studios, the most crucial component is your portfolio, as it largely determines your admission. Your portfolio should showcase some of your best work, including drawings, sketches, paintings, and any 3D work or projects that align with what you'll be doing during the course. Escape Studios has useful videos on YouTube that guide you on what’s needed and how to set up your portfolio. I found these videos incredibly helpful when planning my portfolio.

Check out my website for some work included in my portfolio

The application process

Applying through clearing was surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step rundown of my experience:

1. Preparation: I updated my UCAS profile and gathered all necessary documents, including my personal statement and academic records.
2. Research: I thoroughly researched Escape Studios, looking into their courses, student reviews, and success stories. This gave me confidence that it was the right place for me.
3. Contacting Escape Studios: I reached out to Escape Studios directly. Their admissions team was incredibly responsive and helpful. They guided me through the clearing process and provided detailed information about the available courses.
4. UCAS Application: After discussing my interests and qualifications, I formally applied through the UCAS clearing system, listing Escape Studios as my choice.
5. Interview: To my delight, I received a call from Escape Studios within 48 hours of applying. I wasn’t sure if it was an interview or a call to know more about me and my interest, but I had prepared myself for this day, so everything went smoothly.

Offer received: A couple of hours later, I had my enrolment letter emailed to me.

Joining Escape Studios

Once I had secured my place, the team at Escape Studios made the transition seamless. They provided all the necessary information regarding enrolment, and what to expect on my first day. A few weeks later, here I was attending my induction lesson at Escape studios.

Looking back, going through clearing was a blessing in disguise. It led me to a programme perfectly aligned with my career aspirations. The experience taught me the importance of resilience, openness to new opportunities, and following my intuition, even when things don't go according to plan.

My journey through UCAS clearing to Escape Studios was a rollercoaster of emotions, but ultimately it was an incredibly rewarding experience. For anyone going through clearing, my advice is to stay positive, do your research, and be proactive. You might just find that the right path for you is one you hadn’t initially considered.

If you’re interested in a career in creative media and digital arts, I highly recommend checking out Escape Studios. The support and education they provide are top-notch, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.