A Level Results Advice (Advice on A-Level Results)

Member Name: angel_night

Product:	Advice on A-Level Results
Date:	22/08/09 (58 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Can be amazing

Disadvantages: Can be disheartening

I collected my A level results 2 days ago, and the lead up to it was the most horrendous and worrying time of my life so far. For me, so much hung on how well I did; my happiness, my university place, my pride and the expecations of others. After feeling I'd had some awful examinations I was not expecting the best! But thankfully for me, I did well and got into my University of choice; Bristol with three As.

Everyone takes results day differently, but for each path there is always advice that can be offered.

1. Check Track
UCAS now offers a service where students are able to check 'track' to see whether they have made it into their firm or insurance university. Track typically updates at around 6am on the day of results. It is worthwhile checking track, as it can relieve pressure if you do make it in, and give you more time to think and a head start on clearing if you don't. On results morning, the service maybe slow, and the wait can be agonising as thousands of students surge the system.

2. You Made Your Firm!
Congratulations! In general if track says you have made your firm, you will have achieved the grades or points that they required of you. Going to collect your results can be far less daunting as a result. Personally, I was so much calmer when I went in and got mine, as overall the fact of egtting into University mattered the most to me, and most students, rtaher than the actual results. Do not be alarmed though that if when you colelct your results they may not be the grades that your University had originally asked of you. Some Universities will stil laccept you if you do slip. There is no need to contact the University if track says that you have made it in. They should send you information in the next days/weeks, as well as a confirmation letter.

3. You Missed Your Firm, But Made Your Insurance
Each year many students miss the requirements for their firm, but do meet those of their insurance. The same advice above pretty much applied to this as well.

4. You Missed Your Firm and Insurance
Some students inevitably end up missing both their offers. But don't panic! Try calling up your firm and insurance to see if they will still take you. Make sure you have your results to hand, and highlight any really good module marks and things that you have done which show you are a able student that they would benefit from having. For some, the result maybe successful, but for others it may not be. But don't worry!

5. Clearing
UCAS offers this service to students who miss their offers, or are released from their Universities at their request. Buy the Independent, as it has a list of all clearing vacanices, or checkthe UCAS website to find out which Universities and subjects are in clearing. Ring Unviersities up, tell them your grades, boost yourself up and really push why you are a suitable candidate. Many students get their University place through clearing.

6. Adjustment
This is a new service that was introduced by UCAS this year. If you exceed your predicted grades and University offer, it may be possible for a higher Unviersity to accept you with your higher grades. Check UCAS for Universities which are offering adjustment places and try phoning them for a place.

7. Collecting Results
This can be incredibly nerve racking! Although everyone says their parents won';t be there, when I went in (wth mine waiting outside!) almost everyone had parents waiting with them or outside. It's nice to have them there to comfort you and take you home if you don't make it, or to have them celebrate with you if you do. Subjects teachers are usually around to offer advice and congratulate you, as well as Sixth Form Tutors and office staff. Listen to advice they give you, it is extremely valuable. They've been going through this process for years and know what they are talking about! Don't just walk off in disappointment, anger or saddness if you don;t get what you want; talk to them!

8. AS Results
It is usually the case with AS results that most pupils don't do as well as they have hoped. Reasons for this include students thinking 'o well, I can resit if I need to, and it's not much different to GCSE!'. It is a big difference and it does matter an awful lot. It is half of your overall a level, and if you can help it, you want to avoid resits and the extra pressure they entail. BUT, resits can be taken to bump up your grades. Think carefully about what you want to do after your AS results, as it is much harder to resit exams after your A2 results when you will have probably left school.

9. Returning To School After A2
If you don;t do as well as you hoped, there is still the opition of returning to school or sitting exams as a private candidate. Many students wil take this opition, and a gap year can be beneficial for a lot of people. Don't feel too down on yourself, as it is certainly NOT failure.

10. Go Out!
It's traditional, and usually needed, either for celebrating or commiserating!

Summary: Listen to teachers, check track and don't feel disheartened!