A level results day is always nerve-wracking. After months and months of cramming, cue cards and exam stress, you finally get the envelope concealing your fate.
Regardless of whether you wish to go to university or not, many still hope for the results on the piece of paper to match up with the effort they put into their studies.
For those who are eyeing up higher education, the pressure can be even greater, as you’re waiting to see if you’ve got the grades to go to your desired institution or not.
If you don’t quite get the grades expected or needed, though, it’s not the end of the world, and there are still plenty of options – including the clearing process.
Here, we explain how to get your A level results, your application status on Ucas, and how to navigate clearing if you don’t get the grades.
What time does Ucas open on A level results day?
The Ucas Hub will open at 8am on Thursday, 15 August. Simply sign in with your existing login details and check the status of your application.
Students will also receive an email from the admissions office confirming whether they have secured their place at university, as well as suggested next steps.
How do I get my results?
Although Ucas will inform students about their university applications, A level results will be issued by colleges and sixth forms directly.
It is advisable that you check with your institution ahead of time, but most colleges will be issuing results in person at 8am.
If you cannot attend in person, you should contact your college or sixth form and arrange for someone to pick them up in your absence.
What do I need to bring with me when picking up my results?
First and foremost, you’ll need your Ucas number, which you can find on the Hub and at the top of any communications you’ve been sent.
If you enter Clearing, you will also need your Clearing number, which again can be found on the Hub. It will also be in the email sent to you by Ucas.
Finally, if you do enter Clearing, you will need to have your A level results to hand.
What is Clearing and how does it work?
Clearing is the process of matching applicants to university places that are yet to be filled.
Although 79% got accepted to their first choice university last year, not everyone gets the result they had hoped for – and sometimes they just simply change their minds once they open that envelope.
You’ll be eligible for Clearing if:
- You didn’t receive any offers
- You received offers, but you don’t wish to accept them
- You didn’t meet the conditions of your offer
- You paid the £27.50 multiple choice application fee
- You declined your firm place
- You applied after 30 June
You’ll be able to find available places using the Ucas search tool.
Once you’ve found a course and university that you like, you should call them up and check they still have availability and that you meet the requirements.
The next step is to click the ‘add Clearing choice’ button on the website and fill in the application form. You must complete this process by the date set out to you by the university.
Applicants can only add one option at a time. If your application is unsuccessful, you will then be able to add another.
You can also use the Clearing Plus option, which assists with the matching process based on your grades, your previously selected courses and universities, and the requirements laid out by the university.
How do I appeal my results?
Should you wish to challenge your A level results, your college or sixth form can help you contact the relevant exam board to request a review of the marking of your exam entry. Private candidates can contact the exam board directly.
If your grade is not changed as a result of the appeal, you may have to pay a fee.
The deadline for the appeals process varies, so it’s important to check with the exam board directly to ensure you don’t miss out.
Once your appeal has been submitted, the exam board will review your entry and check for marking mistakes – but note that your overall grade may be higher or lower as a result.
How to cope if you don’t get your first choice
The University of Stirling’s student recruitment officer, Gemma Connell, previously shared these tips with Metro.co.uk on how to navigate Clearing and come to terms with unexpected results.
How to cope with Clearing
1. Don’t panic: You are not alone in applying through Clearing. Check for vacancies on your chosen courses at Ucas, visit each university website for more information on Clearing and prepare to call the Clearing helplines.
2. Be prepared: Have your Ucas personal ID number, results and Ucas Personal Statement to hand before calling each university. You may be asked questions about your personal statement or what motivates you for a particular course, so try and think about this before you call.
3. Ask plenty of questions: Once the Clearing process starts and you start talking to universities, things can happen really quickly. Make sure that you fully understand everything that’s being said to you – if you don’t, ask. You’ll be committing to studying (and living) at a university for a number of years, so you should ask any burning questions about the university, clubs and facilities or accommodation before accepting an offer.
4. Keep an open mind: You may not get the course of your dreams, but there will be another one out there for you… talk to the Clearing Helplines about your options.
What you need to do now:
- Compare the quality of the course by searching its statistics at Discover Uni and comparing rankings and ratings at The Complete University Guide.
- Compare the cost of living. Student accommodation varies by as much as £100 a week (£4,000 a year). Or consider studying nearer to home and save about £20,000 on accommodation costs by living with your parents. Visit Save The Student for a list of cheapest unis and budgeting tips.
- If your grades weren’t as good as hoped, you can start with a two-year HND (higher national diploma) and progress to a degree. The added benefit is that the fees are much lower. Or you can start with a foundation year – or Year 0 – to help prepare you for the academic rigour of a degree. You can find these courses by searching on Ucas.
- Ring your firm choice and insurance choice, too. If your grades were only slightly lower than expected, you can argue your case for a place.
- Print out your personal statement in case you’re asked questions such as, ‘Why do you want to study this degree?’
- Make a note of the questions you want to ask. For example, ‘Do Clearing applicants get offered accommodation in halls?
(By Niki Chesworth)
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