A LEVEL RESULTS DAY 2023
By Rebecca Maher on August 16th, 2023
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Results day is almost here, and you will likely be feeling all kinds of emotions. To help you get prepared, we have put together a guide of useful information and top tips to help you with life after results day.
We strongly recommend avoiding any holidays around results day. If you already have a trip booked and can’t make it, most schools and colleges have a procedure for this. So, it is a good idea to speak to your school directly for exact information. Usually in this situation you can collect results on the phone or via email, or you may be able to send a family member to collect them with a permission slip.
It is a good idea to have everything you need to hand so that results day runs smoothly. Some of the things you will need include:
Congratulations, it’s time to celebrate! Universities must keep to their offers if you meet the required grades. When logging into UCAS Track, you will see the offer change to ‘unconditional’, meaning your place is confirmed. If you miss the grades for your firm choice (first choice), but you get the grades for your insurance choice (second choice), you will automatically be accepted into your insurance choice university. You don’t have to do anything, your confirmation letter will be on its way to you.
If your results don’t meet either of these options then don’t panic, create a backup plan. Research alternative courses, universities, or career options that interest you. The clearing process can offer opportunities to explore different pathways.
A process used to help students hoping to attend university to spaces still available on university or college courses. You enter clearing if you have not met the grades outlined in your offers or if you have a last minute change of mind, and would like to go to a new university. Like normally applying to university, you must have a registered UCAS account. For more information on clearing, take a look at our guide to university clearing.
Check your A level results via your UCAS account to see any status updates which will confirm whether you are eligible for clearing or have a confirmed offer.
Research your options to find suitable universities and courses that have vacancies. You can use the UCAS website or university websites to find available courses.
Contact your chosen unis even if you have been turned down a place, you can still try for another offer. Especially if you have your heart set on the the university.
Find ideal courses/ universities that match your interests and skillsets. Take your time and don’t choose a course for the sake of it, make sure it’s something you want to study.
Contact your new choices as early as you can. Places will be limited and there will be many students going through the same process. Read more about applying for clearing.
Clearing is open from 5th July and closes on 17th October, leaving you enough time to decide what your next options are.
During the clearing process, universities may lower their grade requirements for certain courses to fill up any remaining vacancies. This is great if you don’t meet original choice requirements. It is important to bear in mind that not all universities will lower their grade requirements and the availability of such opportunities may vary each year.
If you are eligible for clearing, your clearing number will show on your UCAS account under your ‘Application Status’.
As an international student, you can use Clearing in the same way as a UK student, providing the following:
Yes. Clearing is a great option if you have got higher grades than expected and want to study something else. It is also a great chance if you have missed the deadlines to apply or changed your mind on university at the last minute.
An optional service for students who meet and exceed the conditions of their firm choice. It gives them an opportunity to reconsider where and what to study, without losing their secured place.
Lizzy Yarnold, Gold Medallist
Has won multiple gold medals in the Winter Olympics, yet didn’t get the grades for her first choice university. By going through clearing, the now OBE got a place at the University of Gloucestershire to study Geography and Sport Exercise Science.
Dr Alex, Love Island
Didn’t originally get the grades for medical school but reapplied the following year. Proof that a year out and try again can allow you to reach your goals through hard work and dedication. Today, Alex is the UK Mental Health Ambassador and an A&E doctor.
Steven Spielberg
Rejected from the University of South Carolina twice! Instead, went to Cal State Long Beach where he dropped out of university before graduation due to a movie deal.
Clearing can be a blessing in disguise and one of the best choices you may make for your life ahead. Once you have your confirmed university offer, we are here to make booking your student accommodation as easy as possible with some of the best deals available! We want to hear your clearing success stories, so share your journey with us today.