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Abbira's Clearing story

Going through Clearing to study Biochemistry

Hi, my name is Abbira and I studied Biochemistry at Queen Mary University of London.

I went into Clearing because on A level results day I opened UCAS track to find that I had zero university options.

I was incredibly disheartened at the time and Queen Mary was the lifeline that I desperately needed.

Are you glad that you went through Clearing?

Four years on, I now understand that rejection is just redirection, because I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here thanks to Clearing at Queen Mary.

I now have a first-class honours degree in Biochemistry and an offer to study dentistry at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. My advice for students going through this process is to do your research and be positive because everything will work out.

Giulia Oluwabunmi Olayemi

BSc Biochemistry, now studying Medicine

"Do your research"

鈥淢y journey into Medicine was not 'traditional' so to speak and Queen Mary was a major stepping stone in making that happen. I first applied to Medicine in 2014. Unfortunately, I didn't achieve my predicted grades, resulting in rejections. I was devastated and doubt clouded my mind. I wasn't prepared to take a gap year, so that triggered my search into options via Clearing. As Medicine wasn't available in Clearing that year, I looked into Alternatives to Medicine courses and the Life Sciences and narrowed my choices to either Biomedical Sciences or Biochemistry.

As I wanted to stay in London, Queen Mary was one of my top options. I contacted the Clearing Hotline and the person I spoke to was very helpful and friendly, which was exactly what I needed whilst I was recovering from receiving rejections! I asked about Biochemistry and fortunately, I got the very last spot of the course!

My three years doing Biochemistry at Queen Mary were incredible. I was given the opportunity and flexibility to deepen my understanding of the topics I was interested in and engage with a variety of student groups through the Students' Union. My tutor, who was a professor and researcher, provided both academic and pastoral support. I felt welcomed into a diverse community of students and staff.

Having been through the Clearing process, I would recommend for you to do a bit of research, so you have a few options to consider. Make sure you choose a subject that you would be happy to do. Lastly, don't be afraid to speak to the Clearing/Admissions teams! I can say that at Queen Mary, they are very understanding, and this is the main reason I chose to continue studying here.鈥�