A-LEVEL RESULTS DAY
Career experts reveals a six-point plan for parents
After all the hard work and exams A-level results day is here - but what should you do if your teenager doesn’t get the results they were expecting? Edd Williams, a Careers Consultant and author, from Manchester, reveals it’s not the end of the world, but you need to be prepared and help them move forward in a positive and productive way. He also says its important not to panic or talk down to them - even if you’re annoyed by a less than stellar performance. By looking at all the other options and knowing how clearing works, you’ll be in the best position to help them get the best out of a difficult situation. Here Edd, reveals to Femail how to get through results day without you both going into meltdown...
Don’t panic
This is easier said than done but clear heads make better decisions. What you’re likely feeling if things haven’t gone their way is that the rug has been pulled out from under you, that everything you thought their futures held may not now come to pass. That’s natural, but you need to take a deep breath and try and navigate this next stage very strategically. Their first port of call is to get on to their chosen universities, - if they’ve missed the grades by a couple of points it is by no means a done deal that they’re out - universities typically offer many more places than they have.
Depending on the uptake there may well still be a home for them, just ensure they have the phone numbers to hand and get on to them quickly, with more than just a sob story, they need to let the course leaders know they’re serious and committed about the course and the university. With a 7 percent drop out rate, universities need to be convinced they’ll stick around - so if they can make a case that they’re worth the risk it’s a call worth making.
Have a back up plan
Just because you’ve assumed that your teenager was university-bound it doesn’t mean that’s the only route available. A year out doing work experience, travelling, volunteering or doing additional study may also give them the breathing space needed to really consider their new set of circumstances and what to do next.
With an increasingly competitive job market and grade inflation on the rise in universities many employers struggle to identify the stand out applicants.
By having a year’s worth of either practical experience or a demonstrable and long standing commitment to a field they can speak more knowledgeably to a potential employer, or in their next UCAS application - both of which may make them a more appealing prospect.
Taking a year out shouldn’t be a free pass to loaf around getting your feet, but if used productively can actually be a huge force for good.
Don’t rush into the wrong course
As tempting as it may be just to get something, anything, sorted the cost of university nowadays should act as sufficient deterrent against rushing to judgement. Yes, Clearing can be like a Black Friday sale and you do need to act quickly - but try to take a moment to discuss what courses are available through
Clearing and make sure your child is clear about what impact it may have on their future options.
It could be that a similar course is available elsewhere, which becomes an easier decision. However, not all universities are created equally and the teaching, student experience and cachet can vary dramatically, even if the courses have the same name, so take a moment to examine their offerings as thoroughly as possible within the limited time frames.
Equally, if they have done much better than expected and courses that previously seemed out of reach for them are now within grasp, they are under no obligation to accept the offers if they feel a better university may now be interested in them via Clearing.
Information is key
It may be worth looking at a related course with lower entrance requirements than their first choice university and then aim to change courses once there or after the first year. Given the drop out rate, places can quickly become available once the semester has started, although this does naturally carry some risk should it not be possible, so ensure they would be happy to pursue the degree for three years should that option not be available to them.
Once they have some target courses and unis identified, they need to quickly identify areas of interest in the university and the course, whether it’s about the content of the course, the lecturers, employability status, student satisfaction etc. When they speak to the university, they want to be wooed a little. Someone who doesn’t appear to know or care much about what they have to offer will be much less appealing. A few well judged questions about certain aspects of the course, open days etc can demonstrate interest and engagement. Those few minutes spent composing their thoughts will ensure they give a better account of themselves on the phone and won’t come across as desperate which is not terribly flattering.
Communicate positively
Recognise that as much as you will be worried, stressed, anxious and maybe even a little annoyed with your teenager - they will be feeling all of this and more and will turn to you for advice, even if you’re no better prepared or knowledgeable than they are.
Recriminations and insensitive jokes can wait for another day, now is about trying to work as quickly as possible to deliver the best possible outcome from a situation that everyone would prefer not to have happened. Try not to let emotion overwhelm you whilst you’re helping them through this stage. Their schools and colleges will likely have advisors on hand to talk through options and let you know stuff that you might otherwise overlook, you may not take the advice but the more knowledge you have the better chance you have of navigating the situation effectively.
Don’t take the first option
Even if they are offered a place over the phone try to look at clearing as being just like the original application process, get a few offers if possible and then let your child make a decision based on what is best not just what is available. It may be that none of them quite feel right and a gap year where they can either resit or take an additional A level may be a better option. It’s an expensive mistake for them to make when they take up a place they are luke warm about simply to stay on track with their previous plan, whether they drop out or see it through if it doesn’t help service their future it’s not worth their time or money. Plans change and outcomes are often better for it. Once they have offers secured most courses will give them a day or two to weigh them up, allowing them and you to rationally discuss them without the pressure of having to secure something quickly.
Edd Williams is the careers and academic consultant behind Edducan.com and the author of ‘Is your school lying to you? Get the career you want. Get the life you deserve.’
It may be worth looking at a related course with lower entrance requirements than their first choice university and then aim to change courses once there or after the first year