After Iqra Samad saw first-hand the excitement of a MediaCityUK graduation, she switched universities through Clearing and hasn’t looked back.
Salford Accounting and Finance graduate, Iqra Samad, was due to start her course at the University of Chester in September 2021. But, after seeing the buzz around MediaCityUK during graduation that summer, she was instantly sold on the University of Salford and switched to the University through Clearing.
Now, she’s just graduated with a first-class degree from Salford Business School and a graduate role at leading accountancy firm, Beever and Struthers, which she’s due to start this September. From meeting some great friends for life, to the guidance she received from her Lecturers, Iqra has had an unbelievable university experience which was all made possible through Clearing.
On her time at the University of Salford and switching her original choice through Clearing, Iqra said: “Applying to Salford through Clearing was such an easy process and was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I had a very short call, which lasted just a few minutes, during which the team at the University discussed my grades with me and what I was interested in, before determining there was a place available for me.
“Just a few weeks later I was fully enrolled and starting my university journey, making some great friends I know I’ll be keeping in touch with. The support I received from the team at the University from building my CV and LinkedIn profile, to guidance on exam prep and helping to build my network amongst the industry, ultimately led to me landing an amazing graduate role.”
There is a common misconception that Clearing is only there to support students who didn’t get the grades needed for their chosen course. On the contrary, it’s a process that supports a range of students – those who changed their mind about which university they want to go to, those who got their results last year and now want to study, and those who didn’t get the grades they expected, including students who did better than anticipated.
Last year, UCAS announced a record 38,140 of UK 18-year-olds secured a place at university or college through Clearing. The figures indicate growing numbers of students that have been placed at their firm choice are using Clearing to secure a new choice or university. In fact, 60% of students placed through Clearing considered it as an option before August, and 91% who went through Clearing were confident they’d made the right decision for them.
Geoffrey Evans, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Accounting and Finance at Salford Business School, added: “For students like Iqra who aren’t fully happy with their original choices when it comes to selecting where to continue their education or what to study, Clearing is vital.
“Iqra has been a remarkable student who flourished throughout her studies, gaining a first-class degree and a fantastic role in her chosen career route right after graduating. If she wouldn’t have been 100% happy with her choice, this may not have been possible. She was part of a close-knit community of students who are now great friends and will continue to be so as they progress into the careers and grow their networks.”
Iqra concluded: “I would encourage anybody not happy with their original choice to consider applying to their preferred university through Clearing – it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
For further information about Clearing, visit: www.salford.ac.uk/clearing.
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.