Preparing for A Level results day

Regardless of teacher assessments replacing traditional exams this year, we are sure that pre-results day nerves are just as apparent as in other years. Whether you are planning to go on to university or complete a degree apprenticeship, being ready for results day will help you to ensure the day is as stress-free as possible.

• Stay Calm and Positive: Results Day can be nerve-wracking, but you should try to stay calm and maintain a positive mindset. Also, remember that this is just one step in your academic journey, and there are always alternative paths and options available.
• Research Clearing and Adjustment: You should familiarise yourself with the clearing and adjustment processes if you haven't achieved the grades you were hoping for. Also, you should research universities and courses that still have availability so you're prepared to explore alternative options if necessary.
• Contact Universities and Colleges: If you need to go through clearing, have a list of universities and courses you're interested in. Be sure to keep their contact information handy so you can quickly reach out to them on Results Day for guidance and to express your interest.
• Prepare Questions: Prior to Results Day, write down any questions or concerns you may have regarding your results, university choices, or alternative options. This way, you'll be ready to seek advice and guidance from teachers, university admissions offices, or career advisors.
• Have Important Documents Ready: You should ensure you have your identification, examination results, and any relevant documents organized and easily accessible. This will save you time and avoid any last-minute scrambling when completing applications or speaking with universities.
• Seek Support: You can reach out to your teachers, mentors, or family members for support. They can provide guidance, advice, and reassurance during this time. Fortunately, remember that you're not alone, and there are people who can help you navigate the process.

Here are our top tips when it comes to preparing for results day:

Take a charged phone and a list of the numbers you need. This may include your insurance and firm university or the universities that clearing extra service on UCAS has suggested for you. This will allow you to make the phone calls you need in school, where your teachers, tutors and careers advisors will be on hand to support you. We would highly recommend making these calls in school rather than independently at home so that you have support available to you should you need it.

If you are looking at degree apprenticeships as your first choice, having the number ready for the recruitment team, there will be equally as important. Unlike universities, they won't see the grades you have achieved via UCAS, so it's important you call them to confirm the grades you have obtained and confirm your place or discuss your options with them.

In addition to this, knowing exactly what grades you need for your plan A and plan B will help you on the day. For example, your firm choice of university may require AAA, and your insurance choice is AAB. By knowing this beforehand, you will be prepared as soon as you open your envelope to see which university will offer you a place. 

This year has been different from "normal" years (to say the least!), so you may find that even if you don't get the grades, there may be contextual places on offer with some universities. This may be for many reasons, such as universities having fewer international applications as well as fewer students looking to move away from home.

With degree apprenticeships, it is a good idea to speak with the recruitment team at the employer you have been offered a place. Ensure you know the minimum grades you need to access the job role you have been offered, as well as what would happen in the situation that you don't achieve these grades. There may be a solution they can offer you which will put your mind at ease.

Make sure you know what is happening at your school or college! They will have set hours that you can collect your grades within, so ensure you are there to collect within a good time. They will only hand you your envelope unless you contact them before the day to give permission for someone else to collect for you, so if you are out of the country or unable to collect due to illness, ensure you have advised them of this and made appropriate plans for someone else to collect your results for you. 

The general rule for most institutes is that if you do not collect on the day, they will call you, and if there is no response, they will post your grades to your home address. We cannot guarantee this is the process for every institution, so make sure you have checked with yours to ensure you understand how they operate.

Most importantly, results day should be a day for celebration! Despite the lack of exams this year, you have worked hard for your teacher assessments and should be proud of what you have achieved. We would recommend having a plan with friends and/or family for later in the day once you have collected your results so that you can have something to look forward to.

It's also important to remember self-care in the lead-up to results day. It is a stressful time, so ensure you are looking after yourself and looking out for signs of stress. If you do feel as though you are becoming overwhelmed, speak to a friend, family member or your support team at college or sixth form for support. They can help you to create a routine and structure that can support your wellbeing.

Good luck!

You should mentally prepare for Results Day is important. You must keep a positive mindset, remember that grades do not define your worth, and acknowledge that there are alternative pathways to reach your goals. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, practice self-care, and engage in activities that help you relax and stay grounded.

If your results are not as expected, it's essential to remain calm and consider alternative options. Also, you can research clearing processes, explore universities and courses with available spaces, and contact admissions offices for guidance. You can also talk with your teachers or career advisors, who can offer support and help you evaluate alternative paths such as resits, gap years, or vocational courses.

If you receive the grades you were hoping for, congratulations! You should directly start preparing for university or college by researching accommodation options, arranging finances, and familiarizing yourself with the campus and course materials. However, don't forget to review any pre-course reading or preparation recommended by your institution and reach out to future classmates or current students to gather insights and advice.

It's a good idea to have a backup plan in case your results are different from what you anticipated. You can consider alternative courses, universities, or even gap year opportunities. Start with researching apprenticeships, vocational programs, or entry-level jobs related to your interests. If you have a contingency plan, it will provide you with reassurance and options if needed.

Coping with stress and anxiety becomes hard on the results day as all your hard work depends on that day. However, I suggest you not panic! Instead, you can practice self-care by engaging in activities you enjoy, exercising, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Also, you can surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family. Another tip: consider mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to manage stress.