Marcus Denton studied BSc Mathematics with a Placement Year, and joined the University of Reading through Clearing.
Choosing Reading
When Marcus initially applied to universities on UCAS, he had the intention of studying accounting and finance. Prior to this, he had intended to study mathematics but didn't think he would be able to manage it at degree level.
“Over the course of Year 13, I grew in confidence with mathematics and decided to change my firm and insurance choices to mathematics options in May. I had chosen mathematics at the University of Reading due to Reading being a great campus with strong standings in the league tables.”
Applying through Clearing
“Prior to results day, I had said to myself that I would opt to go into clearing if I didn't get into my firm choice, as I had a change of heart about my insurance choice. Due to this, I had shortlisted a few universities to apply to through clearing, and Reading was one of them.
“On the morning of results day I had logged onto UCAS to see that I was accepted by my insurance choice. I then travelled to sixth form to collect my grades and didn't do as well as I had liked. Whilst speaking to one of my friends, he had mentioned that he was looking to apply to Reading as it had a really nice green campus and was a good university.
“Based on that conversation and my own research prior to the day, I picked up the phone to contact clearing and applied for Reading. A few hours later I had received an offer for the course I had chosen.”
Settling in
“When I first started my studies, I had a little difficulty settling in as I was trying to get accommodation in halls. Shortly after term started, I was able to settle in after receiving a halls offer and things were great from there on.”
Marcus felt particularly reassured and supported by staff within the Department.
“The Department of Mathematics and Statistics were very helpful in regards to beginning maths at university as I was very nervous that I would be disadvantaged in comparison to those who had studied further maths previously.
“The lecturers were really reassuring as they covered the topics that the further mathematicians knew prior to starting university, putting everyone on an equal footing to proceed with the rest of the year.”
New opportunities
Marcus felt inspired by many experiences whilst studying at the University of Reading.
“There have been many experiences that have inspired me whilst studying at the University of Reading. I was astounded by the number of opportunities offered and decided to take up some of them, including being an open day helper, a maths representative and a school mentor.
“I was really inspired by a young deaf student who attended the outreach programme residential last year as that was the most interaction I had ever had with a deaf individual.
“Following this, I was inspired by deaf people for the challenges they face and decided to study British Sign Language (BSL) as one of my modules for second year.”
