Ace Your Results Day: Proven Strategies for Preparing for Results Da

After you’ve completed your exams, there is a sigh of relief, but then you’ve got a big wait to find out your grades… Whether you’ve just completed your 

GCSEs, A-Levels, AS Levels or Scottish Highers, I’m sure you are desperate to find out how you did! 

It can feel like a lifetime waiting for the results, but when the date is approaching, the nerves start to make an appearance. However, remember that it’s okay if you feel anxious or nervous. See below some of our top tips to help ease the stress and pressure and how to prepare for the big day.

Make sure you know where you’ll be picking up your results. If you cannot attend in person to collect them from your school/college, there will be other ways to access them (online or by post). 

Usually, they become available in the morning, so double-check what time you should be there (or log in if it’s online). Also, ensure you get there a bit earlier. That way, you won’t be rushing around. 

To stay calm on results day, make sure to have a plan in place in case things don't go as expected, remind yourself of all the hard work you've put in, and try to keep things in perspective by reminding yourself that your worth is not defined by your results and there are many paths to success.

Having a supportive group can make you feel at ease. Therefore when you are figuring out the details, think about who you are going to take. It can be two, four or even six people! If it makes you feel good and supported, that’s all that matters.

It’s important to have a good sleep the night before the big day, but we understand it can be challenging when your mind is active. Just try your best to have an early night and maybe consider some of these useful tips, such as practising yoga/meditation and so much more. 

Make sure you set the alarm for the morning, so you will have plenty of time to wake up, shower and get ready for the day. Just avoid hitting the snooze button; I know it’s tempting, but you’ll be better off without it!

You might be feeling confident after the exams or maybe very anxious, but either way, you should prepare yourself for every outcome on the day to avoid disappointment. It’s not negative thinking at all. In fact, it will leave your mind open to every possibility. 

For example, if they’re not as good as you thought, you can decide to retake the exams or reassess your options. On the other hand, if they are better than you expected, you can think if there is something else you can do now that your grades are higher. Whichever option it is, make sure you celebrate because those exams are tough! 

There will be a lot of thoughts and opinions coming from your friends and family leading up to the day (afterwards as well), but always remember to do what is right for you and choose your own path. Try to remain calm and focused. It will help you keep a clear mind.

It can be a stressful day, but don’t forget that you are still on school holidays! Arrange something fun to do with your friends and family in the week leading up to results day to take your mind off it. BBQs are always a good idea or book activity if that’s something you are into. Just enjoy yourself as much as possible.

At the end of the day, you’ve done everything you can! Be proud of yourself for surviving the long and horrible exam season, it’s never fun, and you got through it. 

However, if you are still feeling worried and scared, that’s okay too. It’s completely normal, and it can be hard to shake off the nerves. Remember, you’re not alone. You can always speak to someone about it, whether that be a family member, friend, or teacher at school. 

If you have any questions after receiving your grades, you can get in touch with our Not Going to Uni Careers Advisor Jess, who will be running a Q&A on our Instagram stories on both A-Level (18th August) and GCSE (25th August) results day. 

You can pop your questions in the question box on those days mentioned ➡ just make sure you are following us on Instagram so you don’t miss out!

If you achieve your predicted grades, there are a few things you can do:

1. Confirm your university place: Contact the university you have chosen and let them know that you have met the requirements for your offer.
2. Consider your options: If you achieved higher grades than expected, you might want to consider applying to other universities or courses that you previously thought were out of reach.
3. Plan for your future: Start thinking about the next steps in your education or career and research opportunities that align with your goals.
4. Stay focused: Remember that you still have to complete your final exams. Keep up the good work, and stay motivated to finish your studies on a high note.
5. Celebrate your hard work and accomplishment! Take some time to enjoy your success and reflect on what you did to achieve your grades.

If you didn't achieve your predicted grades, there are a few things you can do:

1. Take a deep breath and stay calm: Results day can be stressful, but it is important to stay calm and think through your options.
2. Review your results: Look at your grades and see which subjects you did well or not so well in. This can help you understand where you went wrong and where you need to improve.
3. Check your university's policy: Some universities have a "Clearing" process for students who didn't get the grades they needed. This allows you to search for other course options.
4. Look into other options: If university isn't an option at this time, consider other options, such as taking a gap year, apprenticeships, or vocational training.
5. Talk to your school counsellor or teacher: They can provide guidance and support on the next steps and may be able to help you find other opportunities that align with your interests and goals.
6. Don't give up: Remember that this is not the end of the road, there are many paths to success, and you can still achieve your goals through different routes.

If you've received your grades but don't want to start your course yet, here are a few things you can consider:

1. Take a gap year: Taking a gap year can give you time to explore other interests, gain work experience, or travel before starting your course.
2. Defer your enrolment: Many universities allow students to defer their enrolment for a year, which means you can postpone starting your course until the next academic year.
3. Look into other options: If you're unsure about your chosen course or university, consider looking into other options. You could research other universities or courses that align more with your interests and goals.
4. Consider alternative routes: You could look into apprenticeships, vocational training, or other ways to gain skills and experience in your desired field.