“One phone call changed my life”

How student Zac Chung became the first in his family to go to university thanks to Clearing
Clearing student Zac Chung

Zac Chung, from Ammanford, near Swansea, did well in his GCSEs and was set on a career in education. But sadly A levels didn’t go his way.
“I’d applied to a few unis but when my results came through, I didn’t get in. As well as being downhearted, I didn’t really know what was next.” 
The 19-year-old, whose passion for helping others was in part inspired by volunteering for an animal rescue centre, still wanted to look at education, but assumed his results precluded him from applying. That’s when his mum mentioned Clearing. 
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Literally, it was just a ‘I’ll ring up and see what happens’.

I looked at Plymouth as I’d been to an open day, and got chatting to the team. Soon enough, I was speaking to one of the academics in Education, and, while I didn’t have the grades for the programme, she set me a task to complete – writing an essay on gender equality in education. 

In addition to an interview, I did well enough to be accepted onto the Early Childhood Studies/Education with Foundation Year programme.

I got the confirmation when I was over at my friend’s and I flipped! It was only two weeks before term started, so a very quick turnaround and quite stressful, but after securing accommodation my experience began. 
Since coming to Plymouth, Zac has embraced university life. In addition to passing every assignment, he has joined the Students’ Union video game society as its charity officer, raising nearly £2,000 for charities related to gaming accessibility. 
He has also secured a job in a local fish and chip shop, and is looking forward to selecting the destination for his upcoming placement year.

Doing a foundation year has been great, as it equips you with the skills you need for uni – like researching, referencing, and presentations.

Now I’m looking forward to the three years of degree study, and may even try to do my second-year placement abroad. Either way, Education doesn’t necessarily mean you have to work in a school – there are placement options in places like the aquarium, charities and even a prison. 

I hadn’t planned to move far away from home, but I’m glad I did as my confidence has grown so much.

While, of course, I was initially disappointed on A Level results day, Clearing really helped and I’m delighted to be the first in my family to go to uni. Ultimately one phone call changed my life, and I’m so pleased it did. 
Zac Chung, who came to the University of Plymouth through Clearing 
Zac Chung Clearing student walking to uni
Zac Chung Clearing student sitting under tree with laptop
Zac Chung Clearing student reading in Drake's

Zac is doing brilliantly well here at Plymouth. He was offered an interview and an interview task to see if he had the capability, aspiration and commitment to do well at university, even though he didn’t quite have the grades.

He passed both of these and was very thankful for the opportunity to study here and initially hoped to improve and develop his skills. He has exceeded his own expectations and shown great commitment, energy, enthusiasm and passion for the course and has passed all assignments very well. 
We’re so pleased he called, and his story is testament to the fact that grades are just one element which tells us about you and your potential. If exams don’t go to plan, we’re still here to help find the best route forward based on your whole application.

Louise WebberLouise Webber
Early Childhood Studies and Education admissions tutor

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BA (Hons) Education Studies - careers