Results day can be extremely stressful for many students, especially those hoping to attend university. The best advice given to me was: everything happens for a reason.

Here are some simple tips on how to survive results day.

Tip 1: Prepare yourself for the day ahead

It may seem very predictable, but having a healthy and clean breakfast is the best way to start the day. Being realistic, many students are likely to have a Mcdonalds breakfast or a traditional bacon sarnie. But anything is better than nothing on stressful results day! It’s likely most students will be tossing and turning the night before the big day, yet having a good night’s sleep is key to fully prepare yourself. One good traditional tip, is to have a non-caffeinated bedtime beverage like a hot chocolate the night before results day, as that is sure to have you dreaming in no time.
Burger on a plain bun with bacon and cheese and a side of french fries in a basket lined with paper
Photo by Brandon Morgan / Unsplash

Tip 2: Your first choice isn't everything

Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the grades needed for your first choice university. This is why you have your first and second choice when applying;if you do not get an offer from your first or second choice then you may want to consider clearing. To find out more about clearing look at tip 3 below.
Two "one-way" signs with arrows going different ways on a street in New York
Photo by Brendan Church / Unsplash

Tip 3: Do your research

Every student dreads the thought of going through clearing on results day. However, you have no need to worry if you do your research. Clearing can be stressful as it could become one big rush. Yet, you can get ahead of the game and research some other universities before A-Level results day, by picking your top three clearing institutions (and rank them, if you’re feeling extra organised) so therefore if you have to go through clearing (hopefully you won’t) then all areas are covered and you are fully prepared to make your phone calls to the universities for acceptance.
A book with a magnifying glass on top of it, next to a pen, and globes on a desk in Cianorte
Photo by João Silas / Unsplash

Tip 4: Make sure you use UCAS Track

If you do not get the grades you expected, make sure you check your UCAS Track account first. This is because some universities will still accept your conditional offer, even if you haven't achieved the exact grades. Therefore, don’t jump to conclusions once you get your grades, check UCAS and if no offers have been made then go through clearing. To add, some universities and colleges will release your offers the morning of results day, before you have picked them up, but your grades will not be seen on UCAS.

Tip 5: Adjustment

If you have the pleasant surprise of getting higher grades than you expected on results day, you can always adjust your offers, and potentially apply for universities with higher entry requirements.

Tip 6: Going on holiday?

If you are out of the country for results day, someone can pick them up for you. Yet, you need to provide a source that gives them permission to pick your results up for you,on your behalf. Also, try your best to have internet and phone access on results day, as only you can track your offers and speak to universities, not a relative or friend on your behalf.

Photo by Ryan Christodoulou / Unsplash

Best of luck to all A-Level students receiving their results on Thursday 16th August. And remember that everything happens for a reason!

Pearson Business School has limited clearing places available in Business Management, Accounting and Law and Escape Studios has limited clearing places available in VFX, Games and Animation.