A day of level results is always nerve-wracking. After months and months of stamping, cue cards and exam stressyou finally get the envelope that hides your fate.
Whether you plan to go to university or not, many people still hope that the results on their final exam papers will reflect the effort they put into their studies.
For those considering further education, the pressure can be even greater as you still have to wait and see whether you get the grades needed to get into your desired institution.
If you don’t quite get the numbers you expect or need, it’s not the end of the world. There are still plenty of options, including the clearing process.
Here we explain how to get your A-level results, the status of your application to Ucas and how to apply if you didn't get the right grades.
What time does Ucas open on the day the A-level results are announced?
The Ucas hub will open at 8:00 am on Thursday, August 15Simply log in with your existing login details and check the status of your application.
Students will also receive an email from the admissions office confirming whether they have secured a place at the university and suggesting next steps.
How do I get my results?
Although Ucas informs students about their university application, A-level results are published directly by colleges and sixth forms.
It is advisable to contact your institution in advance, but most colleges will personally announce the results at 8am.
If you are unable to attend in person, please contact your college or high school and arrange for someone else to pick you up if you are absent.
What do I need to bring with me when I pick up my results?
Firstly you will need your Ucas number. You can find this number on the Hub and at the top of all the messages you have received.
When you enter Clearing you will also need your Clearing number which you can also find on the Hub. It is also in the email that Ucas sent you.
Finally, if you are applying to Clearing you will need to have your A-level results to hand.
What is Clearing and how does it work?
Clearing is the process of matching candidates with university places that have not yet been filled.
Although 79% were admitted to their first choice university Last year, not everyone got the results they hoped for – and sometimes they just change their minds once they open that envelope.
You are eligible for Clearing if:
- You have not received any offers
- You have received offers, but you do not want to accept them
- You do not meet the terms of your offer
- You have paid the £27.50 application fee for multiple choice questions
- You have rejected your permanent place
- You submitted an application after June 30
You can find available places using the Ucas search tool.
Once you have found a course and university that you like, you can call them to check if there are still places available and if you meet the requirements.
The next step is to click on the 'add Clearing choice' button on the website and fill in the application form. You must complete this process by the date given to you by the university.
Applicants can only add one option at a time. If your application is not successful, you can add another option.
You can also use the Clearing Plus option. This option will help you with the matching process based on your grades, your previously selected subjects and universities and the requirements set by the university.
How can I appeal my results?
Should you wish to challenge your A-level results, your college or sixth form can help you contact the relevant examination board to request a review of the assessment of your examination entry. Individual candidates can contact the examination board directly.
If your grade is not changed as a result of the appeal, you may have to pay a fee.
The deadline for the appeals process varies, so it is important to check this directly with the examination board to ensure you do not miss the opportunity.
Once your appeal has been submitted, the examination board will review your submission and check for errors in the assessment. However, please note that this may increase or decrease your final grade.
How to Deal When You Don't Get Your First Choice
Gemma Connell, Student Recruitment Officer at the University of Stirling, previously shared these tips with Metro.co.uk on how to use Clearing and deal with unexpected results.
How to deal with Clearing
1. Don't panic: You’re not alone in applying through Clearing. Check vacancies for your chosen courses at Ucas, visit each university’s website for more information about Clearing and be prepared to call Clearing helplines.
2. Be prepared: Make sure you have your Ucas personal ID number, results and Ucas Personal Statement to hand before you call each university. You may be asked questions about your personal statement or what motivates you to take a particular course, so try to think about this before you call.
3. Ask lots of questions: Once the Clearing process begins and you start talking to universities, things can move very quickly. Make sure you fully understand everything that is being said to you – if you don’t, ask. You are committing to studying (and staying) at a university for a number of years, so you should ask any burning questions about the university, clubs and facilities or accommodation before you accept an offer.
4. Keep an open mind: You may not get the course of your dreams, but there is sure to be another one out there for you… talk to the Clearing Helplines about your options.
What you need to do now:
- Compare the quality of the course by searching its statistics on Discover Uni and comparing rankings and ratings on The complete university guide.
- Compare the cost of living. Student housing varies by as much as £100 per week (£4,000 per year). Or consider studying closer to home and save around £20,000 on accommodation costs by living with your parents. Visit Save the student for a list of cheapest unis and budgeting tips.
- If your grades weren’t as good as you’d hoped, you can start with a two-year HND (higher national diploma) and progress to a degree. The added benefit is that the fees are much lower. Or you can start with a foundation year – or Year 0 – to prepare you for the academic rigours of a degree. You can find these courses by searching for Ucas.
- Call your choice of firm and insurance company as well. If your numbers were only slightly lower than expected, you can make your case for a spot.
- Print out your personal statement in case you are asked questions such as: 'Why do you want to take this course?'
- Write down the questions you want to ask. For example: 'Are Clearing candidates offered a room in a student house?
(By Niki Chesworth)
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