In this in-between time, when exams are over but you’re waiting for your results, it can be super stressful to know what you’ll do if things don’t turn out the way you were expecting. What’s done is done; you did the best you possibly could on the day, and there’s no changing things now. But if you don’t happen to get the A-level results you want, need or are hoping for, here’s what you can do!
Appeal for a re-mark of your A-level results
If you’re certain that your exam result should be higher than it is, then it can be worth getting your paper re-marked. The deadline is September 21st, and you should hear within 20 days – get in quickly if you really think it will make a difference and allow you to still attend your chosen higher education institution. However, be aware that your amended mark can be higher OR lower than the original, so it’s worth considering if this is the way to go.
Go through Clearing
It may be daunting, and it may not be what you want to do, but Clearing is a great system that allows you to still go off to university and further your education despite not necessarily getting the A-level results you wanted or needed for your original first choice(s). Clearing is also fantastic if you either missed the application deadline, you’ve changed your mind about the course you want to do, or you’ve actually done even better than you thought and want to swap to a different course or university.
Everything happens for a reason, so don’t be upset about a last-minute switch to a different university. You’ll be able to make amazing memories and complete a course that changes your life for the better!
Clearing can be a hectic process; there may be multiple people vying for a place on the same course, all in the same position of having not received the results they were hoping for. It can involve lots of phone calls and emails, waiting to hear back, researching and more – don’t allow this to overwhelm you on A-level results day, or you’ll be starting your new course already on the wrong foot.
Think about a different path
There are plenty of other paths you can choose – though we (of course) hold a torch for the classic university route, why not consider an apprenticeship or even a hybrid degree apprenticeship? It might not be what you had your heart set on, but these are both perfectly valid routes towards your dream career. You’ll benefit from hands-on work experience and plenty more to boost your CV as you progress into adulthood.
It can be scary when you don’t quite get the A-level results you wanted, or things don’t go to plan – but remember as one door closes, another door opens and everything will turn out okay in the end. We promise! There are plenty of opportunities in life to turn things around, so see where the journey takes you…
