Today is A-Level results day. Some people will be getting the grades they hoped for, others won't - It's an emotional day either way. Share your top tips for surviving results day below...
- Have a pen and paper with you.
- Don't be on holiday when your results come out.
- Don't assume you haven't got in and not call the uni if you haven't met your grades.
- Don't start drinking before you speak to your university.
- Don't worry if your UCAS track status doesn't update straight away, because it can take time. Ring your uni in the afternoon to check that you have a place.
- If you have applied to uni check track before you leave to get your results, that way you can be prepared to talk to teachers about remarks/resits/requesting scripts once you have received your results.
- Worry after you recieved your results.
- Arrive early. If you're eager to get your results and go to a fairly large college or school, arriving on or after the allocated time can mean you're faced with large queues which elongates the wait and makes the nerves build up. Arrive early, if possible, to ensure you can get to the front of the queue, that way you can get your results on the allocated time.
- Remember, that whatever happens, happened months ago when you put your pen down after your exams. Being nervous is natural, but don't get too worked up about everything. Remaining calm can mean you're prepared to face the next steps, whatever they may be.
- It's not always the end of the world if you miss your grades. Certainly DO NOT rush home and rush into the first course you find in Clearing. Remain as calm as possible, consider your options (taking a year out IS an option and many people love their gap years) and then, if needed, do go into clearing and opt for a good course you know you will enjoy and will get something out of. This is a decision that affects the next few years of your life at least, so rushing into a decision and not thinking things through is not a good idea.
- TRY to get some sleep. Being sleep deprived isn't going to help. If you need to, get up early the previous day and go to bed late that night, so you're tired. Have an active day the day before to keep your mind off things and get moral support.
- Try not to compare results with friends if it's going to make you feel worse knowing they did better. They are your results, and as long as you tried your best and it has got you to the next stage of education, who really cares if you got 480 or 600 UMS.
- If you get into your prefered choice of university, feel privileged regardless of your results. There's nothing more annoying than hearing people getting upset at being accepted but missing a grade. University is the start of a new beginning, so forget what has gone before and know that many others aren't as lucky as yourself.
