How to prepare for A-level results day

With results day fast approaching I’m sure many students – and their parents – will be feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves as they wait to see if their months of hard work have paid off. One thing I remind them all is you don’t need to wait until results day to explore other university options.

Prepare to do better than you thought – double-check those courses you believed were out of reach. At the same time prepare for things not going to plan because now is the time to find which other universities might be of interest to you. You might even have just quite simply changed your mind – the campus or the course that seemed so perfect when you applied may have lost its appeal. 

This is where clearing can play a vital role. In my view, clearing is one of the most valuable parts of the university admissions process because it helps students find the right path, regardless of how their results day unfolds. Every year, tens of thousands of students use clearing to secure a place at university, and it provides an opportunity to explore courses starting this September that might be a better fit for your ambitions and interests.

My biggest piece of advice is simple: prepare in advance. Taking some time before results day to research your options can make a huge difference and help reduce your anxiety on the day.

Spend time exploring university websites before you get your results. Look at which courses might be available through clearing, familiarise yourself with entry requirements and find out how each university can be contacted. Many institutions offer virtual tours, accounts from actual students and opportunities to gain a real insight into campus life to help you with your choice. At Nottingham Trent University (NTU) we also offer in-person campus tours throughout July and August. And we hold a separate clearing visit day during which expert advice is on hand from our finance, student support, careers and admissions teams, as well as course tutors.

Finances is another area that students should consider as part of their planning. Understanding student finance, the process of applying for loans and the cost of living in different locations can help you make a more informed choice. Thinking about these practical considerations early can give you greater confidence when it comes to making decisions about your future.

It’s also worth finding out what support different universities provide to help students find accommodation. It’s a good idea to look into what support there is ahead of results day to minimise concerns about finding somewhere to live.

On the day, make sure you have everything you need on hand, including your results, a pen and paper, a fully charged phone and information about any courses that interest you.

Although university admissions staff will generally need to speak directly to the student, having a supportive family member or friend nearby can be incredibly reassuring. I recommend taking notes during conversations with universities, and asking for any offers or important information to be confirmed via email. That gives you the opportunity to review everything carefully before making a decision.

At NTU, we know how important it is for future students to hear from people with first-hand experience. That’s why we offer opportunities to chat to our current students about everything from course content to student life in Nottingham. These conversations can be invaluable in helping students decide whether a university feels like the right fit for them.

We also offer a service called NTU Priority that’s designed to help applicants feel informed, prepared and confident throughout the clearing process. Those who sign up get regular email updates with practical advice in the weeks leading up to results day. 

Although results day can feel overwhelming, preparation really is the best antidote to anxiety. So above all, I would encourage students to be prepared and stay calm. Remember, results day is just one part of a much bigger journey. So take a breath, focus on the options available to you and remember that there is support on hand throughout the whole process.