News | 16 August 2023
A mature student who secured her university place through Clearing has graduated with first class honours in Accounting alongside being a mum to two young sons.
Lauren Reilly
Lauren Reilly, 34 from Ely in Cardiff, a BA Accounting graduate at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said that going through Clearing was a ‘right place, right time’ moment after applying in the last few days of the Clearing window.
Between a specific window each year (5 July – 17 October 2023), students can use Clearing to apply for courses if they receive higher or lower grades than expected or if they missed the UCAS application date prior to this. Lauren submitted her application to Cardiff Met only days before the window closed and the University’s admissions team were able to process her application quickly so she didn’t have to wait another year to start her studies.
Lauren said: “Clearing is a great option if you find yourself missing the usual application window like I did. Cardiff Met’s admissions team could not have been more understanding and helpful. My application went in on the Thursday and I attended my first lecture the following Monday. It was so quick, and although I know it’s better not to leave your application until late in the day, I was really grateful to be able to start straight away while I was motivated to go to university.”
Lauren was attracted to Cardiff Met as its Accounting course is ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered Accounts) accredited, and at the time of applying, was being taught virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic which suited her lifestyle as a parent. But when teaching returned to in person once again, Lauren realised how much she loved being on campus and didn’t miss a single lecture or seminar in her three years of study.
On balancing life as a full-time student and mum of two, Lauren said: “It was challenging at times but I always put the children first and fitted my studies around them. Because of that, and being a mature student, I really made the most of my time at university as I knew this was my one chance to get my degree and go onto a career I’ve wanted to work in for a long time.”
Now Lauren has secured her dream job in the NHS as a Financial Management Accountant where she’ll be sponsored through the next stage of her ACCA accreditation as an accounting professional.
Lauren said: “I might not have gone to university were it not for Clearing. I’d really encourage people to look at their options through Clearing if they want to study. It’s not just for people who didn’t get the grades they expected, there’s a whole range of circumstances that means Clearing could work for you. With the right support and determination, no matter what stage of life you’re in, anything is possible.”
