What to Do on A-Level Results Day

A-Level results day is one of those moments everyone dreads, as it’s a time when your future can feel uncertain. For some, it marks the beginning of an exciting chapter at university, while for others, it can be a time of reflection and decision-making. Whether you’ve got the grades you were hoping for or not, here’s a guide to help you navigate results day.

Log into UCAS Track

If you’ve applied to university, the first step on results day is to log into the UCAS Track system at 8 am. You can do this by visiting UCAS Track. While it won’t show your actual grades, it will tell you whether you’ve been accepted into your first or second choice university. If you’ve been accepted, you can breathe a sigh of relief – your grades will likely meet or be close to the university's entry requirements.

If the outcome isn’t what you were hoping for, and you haven't been accepted to either your first or second choice, don't panic. You may still be eligible for Clearing, which is a system that allows you to apply for any remaining university places.

Collect Your A-Level Results

The speed at which you should collect your A-Level results depends on whether you’ve secured a place at university.

If you’ve got into university, you can take your time going to collect your results. Perhaps head to school or college with your friends who have also been accepted into university, so you can share the moment and celebrate together, even if the results aren’t exactly as expected, knowing that you’ve secured your place at uni should give you some relief. You can even pose for some selfies to capture the moment, regardless of the grades.

If you walked out of your school or college at the end of your last exam swearing you’d never return, don’t worry. Many schools and colleges will post your results to you, so you don’t have to go back in person.

However, if you didn’t secure a university place, you’ll need to focus and plan your next steps. Be sure to collect your results promptly. It might feel difficult, especially if you’re not as happy with your results as you had hoped, but try to be as composed as possible. Going alone might be a good idea, as seeing others celebrating their success could make it more challenging if you haven’t received the results you wanted.

Entering the Clearing Stage

If you’ve been unsuccessful in securing a university place, it’s time to focus on Clearing. This is the UCAS system that allows universities to fill any remaining places on their courses. You’ll need to act quickly to apply for available courses that still have places.

You can use resources such as Revision World’s Guide to Clearing to help you navigate this process. Clearing can be overwhelming, but it’s important to stay calm, do your research, and contact universities with available spots to discuss your options.

Results Day – Time to Celebrate

Regardless of the outcome, remember that A-Levels are one of the most challenging exams in the world. Whether you’ve achieved the grades you were aiming for or not, it’s still an accomplishment to have made it through the process. Even if you’ve received disappointing results, take a moment to acknowledge that you’ve worked hard and that your future is still full of possibilities.

Don’t forget to celebrate with friends and family, regardless of the results. You’ve completed a major milestone in your education, and this is a time to relax, enjoy your newfound freedom, and reflect on everything you’ve achieved. Whether you’re heading off to university, taking a gap year, or exploring other options, results day marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

Go out and enjoy the day – meet up with friends, have fun, and soak in the sense of accomplishment. You won’t get this exact experience again, so embrace the moment. You’ve earned it!

Take Time for Yourself

After all the celebrations, remember to give yourself some time to process your results, whether they’re good or bad. If your results weren’t as expected, don’t rush into making decisions. You might want to speak to a careers advisor or someone you trust to get advice on your next steps. There’s no rush, take time to reflect on your options, and know that there are always alternative pathways to explore.

Good luck with your results, and remember, whatever happens, it’s just one moment in the grand journey of your life. Stay positive and open to the possibilities ahead!