Results and University- My Advice

So it’s August and for all A-Level students this is not just another month of the summer holidays, it’s far more important than that. This time in two weeks you would have had your A-Level results which would influence your future… So it’s understandable for you to be feeling a little anxious.

This time last year I was in your shoes, so I know how it feels; you really want your results, but at the same time you really don’t. You want to be put out of your misery but then there’s the fear of not getting what you hoped for. You understand that so much lies on these 3 or 4 grades and then on top of that you have the pressure of meeting other people’s expectations.

But you really shouldn’t worry. Looking back one year later, I realise that all the stress is not worth it. Yes your results are important, and right now it might seem like the most important thing ever, but that’s not necessarily the case. Life is what you make it, so whatever results you get make the most out of your opportunities, strive for your best and don’t give up. Getting the results you never wanted might even end up being a good thing. It may open doors to other opportunities and cause you to discover new things that you otherwise wouldn’t have. And believe me I know many people who are a living example of this.

Here is some advice on what you can do before, during and after results day:

Before results day:

•UCAS: Make sure all your UCAS application is correct including your contact details in case the university needs to contact you.

•Clearing and adjustment: Familiarise yourself with clearing and adjustment. Hopefully you will get into the university and course that you want, but just in case, be sure in understanding other options.

Clearing: if you have not been accepted by your firm or insurance choice, you can apply for courses that still have places through clearing. It will be useful to make a list of clearing admissions hotline for the courses and universities you are interested in.

Adjustment: If you exceed the results of your firm choice you could go through adjustment where you could reconsider where and what to study. You can contact as many universities as you want. If you don’t find anything suitable you can stick with your firm choice.

•Stay calm: your results are already written down so there is no point in thinking and worrying about them. Try to stay calm and remain positive. Whatever results you get it was meant to happen. Everything happens for a reason.

The day of your results:

•Look at track: You might be able to look at track before your college or sixth form opens to see where you have been accepted, or whether you need to go into clearing. This is usually available at 9 AM but it can be open little earlier.

•Take what you need: There are a number of useful things you need to take with you on this day:

-A calculator – You might need to make final results calculation or in case something doesn’t look right.
-Pen/paper and something to write on.
-Fully charged and topped up phone – In case you need to contact the universities if something doesn’t seem right or you want to go into clearing.
-List of clearing numbers you made including the contact details of your firm and insurance choice.
-Your UCAS track login details.

•Stay calm: If you never made it to your university stay calm and do not panic. Teachers and advisers will be on hand to give you some advice. And remember do not rush into making any decisions; you will be studying for at least 3 years so don’t make it something you don’t want to do. If anything you can always re-apply next year or take a gap year to get more experiences and improve your grades, there is nothing wrong with that.

Example of track results

After your results:

•The wait is over: At least now the long awaited day has passed and you should have a clearer view on what your next steps are. Be positive and look forward to what the future would bring.

•Preparing for university: if you made the decision of going to university this year, it will be useful to do some sort of preparation. You can learn how to get there and where you will live, buy the things you need and try to get hold of the reading list.

My next blog will be about preparing for university in more detail so be sure to check it out. If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to get in touch. Just comment down below, or on the Newman newbies Facebook page.

Thank you for reading and I hope you found this information useful.

Tahne