A-level exam results day can bring a mix of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. It’s easy to feel disheartened if you’re calculating your exam results and they aren’t what you expected or don’t add up to enough UCAS points.
However, this is just one chapter in your academic journey, and there are many positive steps you can take to find your way forward. Here are ten practical tips if you’re unhappy with your A-level results to help you navigate the next steps with confidence and optimism.
- Take a Moment to Breathe
- Seek Support
- Review Your Results Objectively
- Contact Universities
- Explore Clearing
- Seek Professional Advice
- Consider Alternative Courses
- Think About Deferred Entry or a Gap Year
- Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
- Focus on Resilience and Flexibility
- Helpful Resources and Links
1. Take a Moment to Breathe
Step 1: Allow yourself to process your emotions. It’s natural to feel disappointed, angry, or confused. Taking a moment to breathe and gather your thoughts can help you approach the situation more calmly.
2. Seek Support
Talk to family, friends, or school counsellors. Sharing your feelings can provide comfort and perspective, and you might gain valuable advice from those who care about you. And we’ve listed some resources available for general emotional support at the end of the page.
3. Review Your A-level Results Objectively
Look at your A-level results with a clear mind. Are they far off your expectations or just slightly below? Understanding this can help you determine your next steps more effectively. If you didn’t get your first-choice university because of your grades, you’ve always your second choice uni to consider.
4. Contact Universities
If you missed your conditional offers, reach out to the universities. They may still have places available or provide advice on next steps. It’s worth a try to see if there are any flexible options.
5. Explore Clearing
If you are in Clearing there’s no need to worry. Clearing exists to offer you available spots on courses that still have vacancies and universities will start listing courses with places as we get closer to 5 July when Clearing starts. It’s definitely worth exploring Clearing beforehand as you can research and think about courses on offer – you might find a great fit you hadn’t considered before.
6. Seek Professional Advice
Careers advisors in your school or college can offer guidance tailored to your circumstances. They can help you reassess your options and find a new path that suits your goals.
7. Consider Alternative Courses
It’s worth searching for courses in Clearing that are related to your initial choice. They might align with your interests and career goals, and some might have lower entry requirements or different selection criteria.
8. Think About Deferred Entry or a Gap Year
If you’re really unsure about your next move, you could review is university or an apprenticeship the best choice or maybe even think about taking a gap year. You could find valuable work experience, opportunities to volunteer or travel.
9. Exam Results Got You Stressed? Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Step 9: Facing unexpected results can be stressful, but mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce anxiety and improve your mental well-being. Here’s some university students sharing tips on how they manage stress.
10. Focus on Resilience and Flexibility
Adapting to change is key in times of uncertainty. Stay positive, embrace new opportunities, and be willing to adjust your plans. Use this challenge as a learning opportunity to build resilience and adaptability.
Conclusion
Unexpected A-level results can be challenging, but they do not define your future. By following these ten positive steps, you can navigate this period successfully and find new paths to success. Remember, this is just one step in your academic journey, and many roads can lead to your goals. Stay confident, stay positive, and you’ll find your way!
Additional Resources
National Careers Service: Offers career advice and support. Call 0800 100 900 or visit National Careers Service.
The Student Room: A student community offering advice and support. Visit The Student Room.
Mind: Mental health support and resources. Visit Mind.
Samaritans: Provides 24/7 emotional support. Call 116 123 or visit Samaritans.