The lead up to results day can be an anxious time, and as we discussed in our recent Wellbeing and Results Day blog, something you can do to help yourself during this time is prepare as much as possible. So, we’ve put together some advice for the day and have taken a look at possible scenarios, to make sure you’re ready for whatever happens.
First things first.
Have your UCAS Track sign in details handy and make sure you’re available on results day, because UCAS will not be able to speak to anyone other than you about your application details (unless you give them nominated access to speak on your behalf). Plus, if you choose to apply to another university via Clearing, it’s you they will want to speak to.
No decision just yet.
If it gets to around mid-morning and there doesn’t appear to be a decision in Track, then give the university in question a call to find out the situation.
You’ve got what you need.
If you get the grades you need to meet your firm offer then there are only three things you need to do. Wait for Track to update over the course of the day, read the confirmation email from your university, and, of course, go and celebrate!
You’ve outdone yourself.
If you do better than expected and exceed your offer (well done you), you may want to enquire about courses with higher entry requirements at other universities. This is called Adjustment and you can find out more info about it from UCAS here.
Your results aren’t what you were hoping for.
If you don’t quite get the grades you need for your university choices, they may still accept you, so don’t lose hope straight away.
Alternatively, they may offer you different course. This may be a course with slightly lower entry grades within a similar subject area, or a Foundation Year course. Foundation Years are for those who don’t have the necessary academic qualifications to enter directly onto an undergraduate course, but who display the ability and commitment required. When you successfully complete your Foundation Year, you will be able to progress onto the next year of your extended course.
If neither of those options are available, then it’s time to look at which universities still have courses that you’re interested in via Clearing. And don’t let this get you down – there are brilliant universities and courses in Clearing. So, do some research to see what’s out there and pick up the phone.
You’d like to question your grades.
If you believe that an error has been made, or that your grades are not a fair reflection of your work, you will be able to submit an appeal.
This year, before your appeal goes to the exam board, your school or college will make sure that no errors were made and that all processes were followed correctly. If they do find an administrative error, they can submit an updated grade to the exam board.
If you’d still like to make an appeal following this process, a formal appeal will be submitted to the exam board by your school or college. As well as checking that processes and exam board requirements were followed, the exam board will also review the evidence your grade was based on to evaluate if the grade awarded was reasonable. Keep in mind that your grade can be moved up or down if the exam board concludes that an unreasonable judgement was made.
There are different sets of deadlines for priority appeals and non-priority appeals. Priority appeals are for students who didn't get the grades needed for their firm choice university, and the deadline for this is 16th August.
Finally…
Whatever happens on results day, make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. With the world opening up again and societies learning to live with COVID-19, it’s time to make up for everything you’ve missed out on and to get going again. Good luck on results day!
