New DMU survey shows clearing students felt joining through the process made them "work harder" on courses

As tens of thousands of A-level students prepare to go into Clearing, a new survey by De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has shown that 95% of those who went through the selection process said it was worth it.

Of the 1,000 graduates questioned, the overwhelming majority of those that chose the Clearing path said - despite their fears - they got onto a course they ended up enjoying or into a university they really liked.

Many (37%) also said they felt lucky to have gone through the university experience and a quarter (25%) said they felt it had made them work harder to get their degree.

Furthermore, 2 in 5 (40%) got into a course they ended up really enjoying and 39% went to a university they really liked. 

Professor Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, said: “Getting A-level results and confirming a university place might seem stressful but the clearing process is actually very straightforward, with lots of experienced, friendly people at the end of the phone ready to help students get a place on the course they want. 

“I completely understand that people are concerned about the cost of university; it’s not cheap. But the value of becoming a graduate remains undeniable. Not only do you have that extraordinary experience of becoming a student in a welcoming community of people just like you, you are building the foundation of the life you want. 

“We have a team of careers experts to help you get placements and experience and a study from London Economic this year showed that graduates from DMU are earning around a third more than people who choose not to go to university at all, no matter what they studied.” 

The insights were revealed in a survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of DMU which targeted three different groups of 1,000 people each - aspiring students, graduates and those who chose not to go to university.

Interestingly, the research also shows that modern society is affecting students' decision, with 28% admitting that the modern world influenced their course, i.e through influencers, and YouTubers.

The research by DMU also delves into current students concerns prior to attending university and their opinion afterwards. 

After a period of economic unrest, which saw inflation soar in the UK, it came as no surprise that 90 per cent of aspiring students were also worried about the cost of university.

But reassuringly, of the 1,000 graduates who had completed their studies, 85 per cent of those aged 26 to 35 said they would not hesitate to recommend university to the younger generation.

Furthermore, 75% of graduates said the money they earn now was less important than the memories and friends they had made and the qualifications they achieved while at university.