Today (August 12) marks a nervous wait for A-level students across the country.
Envelopes concealing long-awaited exam results will drop into schools and colleges tomorrow (August 13) and for many will secure a place at coveted universities.
Nick Davy from the Association of Colleges has shared his top tips to help even the most nervous applicants.
- Confirm your place: Once you’ve received those all-important results in UCAS Track, make sure you contact the college or university to confirm your place.
The Dartford Campus of Greenwich University
- Seek out advice: If you haven’t quite got the grades you wanted, don’t panic. There will be more places on offer this year. You may also be able to re-sit exams or find a different university or course suitable for you.
Previous A-level students celebrate results
- Be clear about clearing: Even if you’ve got the grades you want, you can still go through clearing to go to a different university or college. If you’re going through clearing, make sure you have everything you need – a telephone, a clearing guide (use the UCAS website or there will be one in most newspapers) and a notebook and pen.
Staff working on clearing at Bucks New University
- Consider all the options: If you’ve changed your mind about going to university, investigate your local college. They offer technical and professional qualifications at a range of levels such as BTECs, NVQs, City and Guilds and also Foundation Degrees or Higher National Diplomas, for example. These qualifications often include working directly with employers on placements so it is an excellent experience.
- Research apprenticeships: If you’re looking for a higher education opportunity but without the university tuition fees, it may be possible to find a Higher Apprenticeship. Colleges can help you find the right one for you and you can search for apprenticeships at www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
- Don't get disheartened. Whether you got the grades you were aiming for or not, don’t panic, look at all your options, do your research and get advice from reliable sources such as careers advisers. There’s also the option of taking a gap year and maybe getting some work experience before going on to further study.
Mr Davy said: "This may seem like a really scary time as you are moving on to something new and unfamiliar. Think carefully about what you want to do, stay calm and make sure you have access to information about all the options available to you, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your future."
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