When Charlotte Deans opened her Scottish Higher results, they werenβt 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 HNC at Newbattle Abbey College and progressing directly into the second year of the BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology programme at ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ, 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, Charlotteβs journey shows how Clearing can open unexpected doors.
When Charlotte Deans opened her Scottish higher results, her heart sank. They werenβt what she had hoped for, and coming from a family of high achievers, she felt the pressure more than ever.
βThere was an expectation to do well, and I didnβt want to let anyone down, including myself,β she explains. βIβd applied to several universities in Scotland, but my lack of straight Aβs prevented me from securing a place on the courses that I was really interested in. It was a stressful time, as I didnβt have a Plan B.β
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 HNC 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 ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ around Clearing and afterwards, was amazing, and Iβve never looked back.
Just one month after receiving her higher results, Charlotte began her HNC - 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 honourβs degree in social sciences. The route via college to university wouldnβt actually take her any longer than if sheβd 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 ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ 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 Iβd 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 Ambassador, volunteered, joined societies, and threw herself into life on campus. She opted to stay in student halls of residence, which are located right next ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕβs academic building, so it was really easy to meet people and feel part of a university community.
I feel like Iβve lived and breathed every part of student life at ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ. Itβs 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 ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ in the future to pursue a Masterβs degree. Eventually sheβd like to train as a counsellor.
Looking back, sheβs grateful that her initial journey didnβt quite go to plan.
My path wasnβt what I expected, but it led me exactly where I needed to be. ΒιΆΉ·¬ΊΕ feels like home β thereβs such a strong welcoming community Β β Β and Iβm so glad Clearing helped me find the right route.
