A-level results day approaches for students - what should you do next?
THE countdown has begun as thousands of anxious students wait for their A-level results which are published later this week.
The outcome of the results will determine the next phase of their lives, which could include university, apprenticeships or work.
Many will already be holding conditional offers for university places, dependent on what their A-level results are.
Others will either not be holding any offers or find that their results are higher or lower than expected.
It’s vital to be ready. Results day can be stressful, so make sure you know how it works and what to expect.
Make sure you’re available on results day, because admissions service UCAS can’t speak to anyone else about your application details unless you give them nominated access to speak on your behalf. Here is a Q & A which might help you through results day:
Q: WHEN ARE THE A-LEVEL EXAM RESULTS PUBLISHED?
A: You will know your results on Thursday, August 15. Different schools and colleges hand out the results at different times but many start at 7am.
UCAS Track goes live at 8am and enables students to see their university confirmation.
Your marks won’t show on UCAS, so, if you haven’t already, you will need to pick these up at your school or college.
The UCAS social media team will be around from 6am and the contact centre opens at 7.30am for inquiries.
Q: SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
A: Hopefully you’ll get the exam grades you need, but if you just miss out, the university or college might accept you anyway.
You might get a place on either your firm or insurance choice, depending how well your exams go.
You might be offered an alternative by the university/college – a ‘changed course offer’ (which you’ll need to accept or decline).
You might not get a place, but you can search through the UCAS Clearing service to see what courses still have vacancies.
If no decisions are showing, give your universities or colleges a call to find out more.
Q: WHAT IF I DO BETTER THAN EXPECTED?
A: If you had a conditional firm offer you met and exceeded, you might be curious about courses with higher entry requirements. If so, you can see what’s available in the UCAS adjustment service.
Q: WHAT IF I DON’T DO AS WELL AS EXPECTED?
A: If things don’t go to plan, look out for information about exam reviews and appeals – you’ll need to try to arrange the review as quickly as possible, and keep in touch with your university or college to keep them up to date. Look for course vacancies in the UCAS Clearing service, or look into other options – like a gap year, work or an apprenticeship – either instead of higher education, or just while you reapply for next year.
Q: WHAT IS CLEARING AND DO I HAVE TO DO IT?
A: Clearing allows students who have not received any offers, missed the conditions or rejected all their offers to apply for universities that still have places available. You’ll need to register and make an application as normal to do so, including your personal statement but you don’t have to apply through clearing. If successful, you’ll simply have a place at a different university.
IF I GET A PLACE DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING?
A: A confirmation letter will appear online five to seven days after the place is confirmed. Read it carefully because it will say if you have anything else to, or if your university or college is likely to be in touch to obtain more information such as proof of qualifications or medical requirements for example.
SOME USEFUL NUMBERS:
■ The UCAS helpline number 0800 100 900 will open for students on August 15, the day results are issued and closes on August 29 following GCSE results day. Follow on advice will be available from the National Careers Service to anyone that requires it after August 29.
■ University of Derby - if you are having problems with Clearing contact 01332 592019.