We know that results day can be an anxious time. Here’s a quick guide with recommendations on what to do on the day.
There will be three possible scenarios – what to do if…
…Your results are as expected
If you find that your results mean you have met all the conditions of your firm choice or even insurance choice – congratulations! You have a place at your chosen university and you can relax (at least for now). A few things to remember:
- Check UCAS Track to be absolutely certain that your place has been confirmed
- UCAS will send confirmation of your place with an online form to sign – this is essential to confirm that you still want the place
- More details from your chosen university will follow a little while later. If you are unsure, or just need reassurance, you can telephone or email the university to check facts (make sure you have your UCAS number handy and make the call yourself).
…Your results are better than expected
If you have done much better than you expected, you can continue with your existing choice, apply next year with your grades already in place to show to universities, or you can register for the UCAS system called Adjustment. This allows students who have achieved better grades than those of their Conditional Firm (CF) acceptance to hold their place open on their original CF choice whilst looking at other courses with higher grade requirements and reconsider what and where to study.
- Adjustment can only be used if you are eligible and have met and exceeded your original Condition Firm (CF) offer. If this is the case, the option to register for Adjustment will be displayed in UCAS Track
- The Adjustment process is available from results day until early September, and eligible students will have a maximum of five calendar days in which to register and secure an alternative course
- It’s better not to make hasty decisions to adjust or upgrade at what is a stressful and busy time.
…Your results are not as good as expected
Don’t panic – you may still find that your place is confirmed:
- UCAS Track is the quickest and easiest way to check
- The university may be short of applicants in that academic year
- If you are just one grade down, your chances may be good; more than that and your chances will be reduced
- It’s a good idea to call the university to ask directly if they will still accept you. Many universities operate special Clearing hotlines.
If UCAS Track says both of your choices have been rejected, you’ve still got options:
- Go through UCAS Clearing – the process by which UCAS matches students without places to courses without students. Search for places using the Telegraph Clearing guide. Check this website in advance of results day to see the universities offering Clearing places in your subject area. If you become eligible to use Clearing, a ‘Add Clearing choice’ button will become available on your Track Choices screen
- You might also consider retaking and reapplying next year.
Contact details
Dr John Herbert (Deputy Head) and Mrs Phillippa Faulkner (Assistant Head – Academic) will also be available in their offices in the Masters’ Tower, or by telephone as follows:
Dr Herbert – 01273 465813
Mrs Faulkner – 01273 465811
