A-level Results Day: What To Expect?
Worried about A-Level results day? Unsure what to expect or what to do? Here’s everything you need to know about getting your A-level results and uni offers. No matter what your results are, you have options available to you…
Preparing for A-level results day
Being prepared and organised on results day is super important if you want the day to run smoothly – especially if you’re applying for university. Although hopefully the big day will go in your favour, if it doesn’t you don’t want to be stuck in rut with no backup plan.
If your sixth-form/college opens before Track updates, make sure you go in early! If you don’t get the grades you need, then it gives you time to call universities in Clearing as soon as it’s open.
To do this, ensure you have all your important details and information to hand – this will be especially useful if your results are lower than expected and you then need to apply for a new university place via Clearing.
Be ready with:
- your UCAS ID number (and log-in details)
- your UCAS Clearing number – this will only be available on UCAS Track if you’ve been rejected by both your first and insurance choices and become eligible for Clearing
- Clearing phone numbers for universities you’ve applied to or have your eye on – you can find these on their website
- your personal statement – universities you speak to in Clearing will be able to see this and may ask you questions based on this
- GCSE results – they might come up
Another tip is to have a fully-charged phone in case you need to ring universities, there’s nothing more stressful than trying to secure your university place with no phone!
Overall, remember to be kind to yourself, even though nerves might make you restless but do your best to keep calm.
What happens if you’ve just missed your predicted grades?
Although, it’s disappointing to miss out on your predicted grades you may still get an offer from your firm choice.
Check Track and see if your status has changed to ‘unconditional’ or if you’ve been offered a place on a different course at the same university. This is known as a ‘changed course offer’, which you’ll need to accept or decline.
If you just missed out on your grades by a few marks or intend to appeal any grades, you may be able to ask your firm choice to reconsider if they haven’t accepted you.
Always speak to an adviser or teacher before making any quick decisions as it’s always best to get a second opinion.
If you miss your firm offer, and the university will not accept you have several options, which your school/college will be able to talk you through with specific regard to your circumstances. These include:
- Accepting your insurance place
- Applying to different universities through Clearing
- Retaking A-levels
- Reapplying for next year
Whatever the outcome of your results day it’s important to remember – it’s okay! No matter what decision you make or whichever path you take, everything will work out and lead you onto a road for success.
