When Charlotte Deans opened her Scottish Higher results, they werenāt what she had hoped for. Without the grades she expected and no clear Plan B in place, the future suddenly felt uncertain. But a call to a Clearing adviser at Queen Margaret University helped her discover a different route: one that would ultimately lead her to the course and university that felt like the perfect fit.
What began as a stressful moment quickly became a turning point. Starting with an HND at Newbattle Abbey College and progressing directly into the second year of the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology programme at QMU, Charlotte found a supportive pathway that allowed her to thrive. From embracing campus life and taking on student leadership roles to planning a future career in counselling, Charlotteās journey shows how Clearing can open unexpected doors.
When Charlotte Deans opened her Scottish higher results, her heart sank. They werenāt what she had hoped for, and coming from a family of high achievers, she felt the pressure more than ever.
āThere was an expectation to do well, and I didnāt want to let anyone down, including myself,ā she explains. āIād applied to several universities in Scotland, but my lack of straight Aās prevented me from securing a place on the courses that I was really interested in. It was a stressful time, as I didnāt have a Plan B.ā
Feeling anxious about what to do next, Charlotte called UCAS for advice via a Clearing Hotline, and that conversation changed everything. She was directed to a Clearing adviser at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, who talked her through her options for studying psychology.
The adviser suggested an HND in Social Sciences at Newbattle Abbey College in Dalkeith, with the opportunity to progress directly into the second year of the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology course at Queen Margaret University. It was the best advice anyone could have given me. The adviser even helped me secure my college place. The support from QMU around Clearing and afterwards, was amazing, and Iāve never looked back.
Just one month after receiving her higher results, Charlotte began her HND - an experience she describes as the perfect stepping stone. Although her family was initially concerned that her university degree journey would begin at college, she was pleased to be able to see a clear pathway to an honourās degree in social sciences. The route via college to university wouldnāt actually take her any longer than if sheād got an immediate place at a Scottish university, as she would be able skip first year at uni, and transition directly into the second year of the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology.
"I really enjoyed my time at Newbattle Abbey College and the move from college to university was very well supported. The QMU staff were amazing. To help me prepare for entering university life, I took part in a visit day, induction activities, and benefited from one to one guidance. The leap directly into second year of the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology was pretty seamless, and I felt like Iād found my perfect fit."
During her degree a Queen Margaret University, Charlotte embraced every opportunity to make the most of her student experience. She took on paid work as a student helper, became a Widening Participation Officer, volunteered, joined societies, and threw herself into life on campus. She opted to stay in student halls of residence, which are located right next QMUās academic building, so it was really easy to meet people and feel part of a university community.
I feel like Iāve lived and breathed every part of student life at QMU. Itās such a supportive, friendly community, and every day has offered a new learning opportunity, which I love.
Now in her final year, Charlotte is planning her next steps following graduation - hoping to work in a people-focused role before returning to QMU in the future to pursue a Masterās degree. Eventually sheād like to train as a counsellor.
Looking back, sheās grateful that her initial journey didnāt quite go to plan.
My path wasnāt what I expected, but it led me exactly where I needed to be. QMU feels like home ā thereās such a strong welcoming community Ā ā Ā and Iām so glad Clearing helped me find the right route.
