Lauren Brown, from Billericay, came to the University of Essex through clearing in 2010 and graduated this year with a First in Philosophy and Politics - now she is helping others achieve their potential by working on the University’s Clearing and Adjustment Hotline.

Clearing and Adjustment information

Lauren Brown reflects on her time at Essex from University of Essex on Vimeo.

• You can watch Lauren discuss her experiences on our Vimeo channel

This week she will be part of the team talking to students about their options if they did not get the grades they hoped for or exceeded their expectations. She knows what a difficult time clearing can be for students as she has been there herself, but she also knows what you can achieve once you have made your choice through clearing.

She said: “I've had such a wonderful time at Essex, a chance that I wouldn't have had if they hadn't taken a chance on me by accepting me through clearing.”

Lauren is now set to start an MSc in Political Behaviour in October at Essex and wants to go on to work for the Civil Service.

She said: “I would recommend Essex to anyone who has to go through clearing. I have had an excellent academic experience, both my departments – Philosophy and Politics – have been so amazing with improving my skills and employability. Lecturers and professors are so willing to give as much help as you need to achieve your best.”

If you have any problems listening to the audio on this page you can still sisten to Lauren discuss her experience of clearing on our SoundCloud channel

Her advice to students going through clearing is simple: “You have to have an open mind when it comes to Clearing. Do your research about your new university and the course to make sure this is definitely somewhere that you could see being your home for the next three years. The earlier you call the more choice you'll have and you might find a fantastic university you'd never considered before like I did.”