Results Day FAQs! Navigating UCAS and University Choices
Results Day FAQ: Navigating UCAS and University Choices
As results day is here, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, especially with the worries about which University you will attend, if you choose to at all. The UCAS process can be intricate, and everyone's situation is unique. To help ease your concerns, I've compiled a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions I receive about results day. If you have any specific queries, please don't hesitate to reach out via email or through my social media channels!
1. I’ve achieved the grades for my firm choice but now prefer my insurance choice. Is this possible?
First of all, congratulations on your fantastic results! The short answer is that it might be possible, but it's not guaranteed. Your firm choice will have reserved a spot for you based on your results, but your insurance choice might not have, as they received your grades a few days before results day.
To explore this option, contact your insurance choice directly as soon as possible to see if they have any available places and if they can accommodate you. Act quickly, as spots are often filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Also, remember that you may have missed opportunities like booking accommodation, so consider all aspects before making a decision.
If transferring isn't feasible and you’re certain about your preference for your insurance choice, consider taking a gap year to reapply or ask if they can defer your place by a year. Importantly, do not decline your firm choice on UCAS Track before confirming with your insurance university, as this action will void both offers.
2. I didn’t meet the grades for my firm or insurance choice, or I exceeded my expectations and want to explore other options. What can I do?
Previously, UCAS had two separate processes called Clearing and Adjustment. However, this year, Adjustment has been incorporated into Clearing. If you didn't get into your chosen universities or want to consider other options, you can enter Clearing. This process allows you to search for available courses and apply for them.
Clearing Plus is another avenue, available if you were unsuccessful in your initial UCAS application or are applying through Clearing for the first time. It acts like a matchmaking service, suggesting courses that suit your grades and interests.
Time is of the essence, as both processes operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you don’t find a suitable course, consider deferring for a year or taking a gap year to reapply with your current grades.
3. I’ve received my grades and secured my firm or insurance choice, but I no longer wish to attend university. What should I do?
If you've decided that university is not the path for you, you can decline your place, regardless of whether it's your firm or insurance choice. To do this, log into UCAS Track and select the option to decline your offer.
Keep in mind that UCAS Track might be slow on results day due to high traffic. If your decision isn’t urgent, waiting an hour or so might make the process smoother.
4. What should I do if I want to appeal my grade?
If you believe there’s been a mistake in the marking, you have the right to appeal against the grad you’ve received.
The first step is to request to see the marked paper, then request the marking be reviewed. A review of the marking means the paper will be re-marked by a second examiner.
There are a number of key deadlines for A level grade appeals; a deadline to request a priority copy of the marked paper - one date for those with a university place pending and the second for those who are deciding on next steps - and then a deadline to request a review of marking. Make sure to check with your relevant exam board to see when these dates are.
I hope this guide addresses your primary concerns. Remember, I'm here to help with any further questions you might have. Good luck to everyone on results day!