West Mids university graduate shares her exam results rollercoaster –from A level anxiety to business success
An Aston University graduate has shared her experience of going through clearing to help others who find themselves in the same situation this summer.
Eleta Taylor from Sutton Coldfield graduated with a BSc (Hons) Business Enterprise from Aston University’s Business School in 2022 and now uses her expertise to help run her family’s successful water company. However, in 2019, when she received her A level and BTEC results, she found that although she had achieved the amount of UCAS points required, her grades didn’t match the offer Aston University had made her.
As a result, she entered the clearing process, which is offered to candidates whose results aren’t as expected, either worse or better. During the period, universities advertise remaining places on undergraduate courses.
Eleta said getting her results was an emotional rollercoaster: “When I went into my sixth form and found I hadn’t got the grades needed, I panicked. I went home and paced up and down the kitchen, feeling anxious as though my future was in the balance. I really wanted to be accepted on the BSc (Hons) Business Enterprise because it is a hands-on, practical course and I had set my heart on it as soon as I read about it.
“Luckily, as I had entered clearing and specified that specific degree, I was contacted by a course leader who told me they could accept me at Aston University even though my grades differed from those originally specified. In less than 12 hours, I went from a massive low to a massive high. I was so excited but so nervous to start this new chapter in my life.”
As well as working alongside her family at Birmingham-based water cooler business Blue Mountain Water Ltd, Eleta started up Wicked Kickz, a company specialising in the trade of limited-edition trainers and streetwear clothing while she was studying for her degree.
Eleta advises anyone who finds themselves in a similar position to focus on what they want. She said: “Clearing is not the end of the world, so have faith. I know it is easier said than done, but as long as you have that dream, just continue to stay focused on achieving it.”
Aston University open its telephone clearing line 0800 917 5923 at 8am on 14 August. Results holders can also use an online form aston.ac.uk/clearing/guide, online live chat service, or message on instagram.com/AstonUniversity/
