How to Prepare Before A-Level Results Day
- Revision Notes
- Jul 31
- 18 min read
Updated: Aug 17
Preparing before A-Level Results Day will not change your grades.
It can, however, make a huge difference to how calmly and confidently you handle them.
Good Results Day preparation means knowing:
How you will receive your results
When UCAS Hub will update
What your firm and insurance offers require
What the different UCAS statuses mean
Which universities you might consider through Clearing
Who to contact if something is missing
How reviews of marking work
What could happen to accommodation and student finance if your plans change
You do not need to predict exactly what will happen.
You need a sensible plan for the main possibilities.
For 2026 entry, A-Level and other JCQ Level 3 Results Day is Thursday 13 August 2026. UCAS Hub becomes available from 08:00, while eligible applicants can add an agreed Clearing choice from 13:00. Clearing opened on 2 July and remains open until 19 October 2026.
The best Results Day plan is not an enormous colour-coded document covering every theoretical disaster.
It is a short collection of accurate information, realistic alternatives and useful contact details.
Results Day Preparation at a Glance
Check your application
Sign in to UCAS Hub.
Record your UCAS Personal ID.
Check your contact details.
Review your firm offer.
Review your insurance offer.
Check every condition attached to each offer.
Find out how your qualifications reach the universities.
Prepare your options
Research possible Clearing courses.
Check alternative subjects and foundation years.
Save university admissions numbers.
Compare campuses and accommodation.
Decide what you would do with higher, expected or lower grades.
Learn what each UCAS status means.
Prepare for possible grade concerns
Find your school’s post-results policy.
Record the exams officer’s details.
Ask how to access marked scripts.
Check the school’s internal review deadlines.
Understand that reviewed marks can rise or fall.
Prepare the practical essentials
Confirm when and where results will be issued.
Test your UCAS login.
Charge your phone and laptop.
Prepare identification if required.
Save important numbers.
Arrange support.
Pack water, food, chargers and something to write with.
When Is A-Level Results Day 2026?
A-Level Results Day for 2026 is:
Thursday 13 August 2026
UCAS Hub starts updating from 08:00. Your actual grades are normally issued separately by your school, college or awarding organisation. UCAS Hub shows your application status, but it does not display your examination grades.
Eligible students can add an agreed Clearing choice from 13:00.
Your school or college decides:
What time you can collect results
Whether you need to attend in person
Whether results will be available online
Whether results will be emailed
Which members of staff will be available
Do not assume your school follows the same arrangements as another school, an older sibling’s school or something mentioned in a video from three years ago.
Start by Understanding What Results Day Actually Does
Results Day brings together two separate pieces of information:
Your qualification results
Your university admissions decision
These are connected, but they are not identical.
For example, you might:
Miss your firm offer but still be accepted
Meet your insurance offer but be accepted by your firm
Receive a changed course offer
Have a university decision still pending
Become eligible for Clearing
Meet every condition and see your place confirmed
UCAS recommends preparing for several possible statuses rather than assuming your grades alone reveal the final outcome.
Read What Happens on A-Level Results Day? before the day so that the wording in UCAS Hub does not feel completely unfamiliar.
One Month Before Results Day
Check That You Can Access UCAS Hub
Sign in before Results Day.
Make sure you know:
Your sign-in email address
Your password
Your UCAS Personal ID
Your account-recovery details
Your Personal ID is the ten-digit number used to identify your application.
Store it somewhere you can access without needing to sign in first.
You might:
Save it in a secure notes app.
Write it in your Results Day folder.
Save a screenshot that does not expose sensitive information publicly.
Do not rely on remembering which variation of your email address and password combination you used several months ago.
Update Your Contact Details
Check that UCAS has your current:
Email address
Telephone number
Postal address
You can update relevant contact information through UCAS Hub. UCAS also recommends checking these details before Results Day so universities and UCAS can reach you when necessary.
Also check:
Your university applicant portals
Accommodation account
Student finance account
A changed telephone number on one system does not necessarily update every other organisation involved.
Check Nominated Access
Your UCAS application belongs to you.
UCAS will not normally discuss it with a parent, carer or other supporter unless you have given that person nominated access.
Nominated access can allow a named person to contact UCAS on your behalf and discuss the status of your application, although universities may still prefer to speak directly to you about course choices.
Consider adding nominated access when:
You may need communication support.
You have a disability or health condition that could affect the day.
You want a trusted adult to help if you become unavailable.
You would find it reassuring to have backup support.
Giving somebody nominated access does not mean they should automatically take control of your application.
Review Your Firm Offer
Write down:
University
Course title
Course code
Campus
Offer conditions
Admissions telephone number
Applicant reference, if different
Accommodation contact details
Check the Exact Conditions
Your offer might require:
Three named A-Level grades
A particular grade in one subject
A UCAS Tariff total
A practical endorsement
GCSE English or mathematics
An admissions test
English-language evidence
Health or disclosure checks
Proof of qualifications
For example:
Offer: ABB, including grade A in ChemistryResults: A*AB, including grade B in Chemistry
The overall grades are higher than ABB, but the specific Chemistry requirement has not been met.
The university could still accept you, but the original conditions have technically been missed.
A conditional offer means that requirements still need to be met, usually through examination results or another specified condition.
Check the Course and Campus
Make sure you understand whether your firm course includes:
Foundation year
Placement year
Study-abroad year
Integrated master’s
Separate campus
Partner college
Different entry point
This will help you identify whether the course shown on Results Day is the one you expected.
Review Your Insurance Offer
Repeat the same process for your insurance choice.
Record:
Course
Code
Campus
Conditions
Accommodation rules
Contact details
Your insurance choice is not guaranteed to accept you if your firm choice does not.
The insurance university must still:
Confirm that you met its conditions, or
Decide to accept you despite missing them
Check Whether the Insurance Choice Is Actually Safer
An insurance choice is most useful when its conditions are realistically lower or more flexible than your firm offer.
For example:
Firm offer | Insurance offer | How useful is it? |
AAB | BBC | Clear academic backup |
AAA | AAB | Some protection |
AAB | AAB | Limited grade protection |
ABB including Maths A | BBB including Maths A | Still depends on the same subject condition |
Even when the grades are similar, the insurance university may still be useful if you prefer its course to the alternatives likely to appear in Clearing.
Check How Your Results Reach Universities
UCAS receives many qualification results from awarding organisations and sends them to the universities holding your choices.
However, it does not receive every result.
If UCAS does not receive a particular qualification automatically, you may need to send evidence directly to the university.
Check this especially when you have:
International qualifications
English-language tests
Access to Higher Education results
Older qualifications
A qualification not listed in UCAS’s automatic-results service
Additional GCSE results
Independently taken qualifications
Make sure the details on your application match the details held by the examination board.
A mismatch involving your:
Name
Date of birth
Qualification
Awarding organisation
Candidate information
could delay the matching of results to your application.
Understand the Main Results Day Outcomes
You do not need to memorise every possible UCAS phrase.
You should understand the main routes.
Your Firm Place Is Confirmed
This means the university has accepted you.
You may have:
Met the offer
Exceeded it
Missed it slightly but still been accepted
Check the exact course and campus.
Your Insurance Place Is Confirmed
Your firm university did not confirm you, but your insurance university did.
The insurance choice becomes your confirmed place.
Your Decision Is Pending
The university may be:
Reviewing your grades
Waiting for another result
Checking a specific condition
Considering an alternative course
Processing its decision
A pending decision does not automatically mean rejection.
You Receive a Changed Course Offer
The university may offer:
A related course
A foundation year
Another campus
A different start date
Another entry point
Do not accept without checking the details.
You Are Eligible for Clearing
You do not currently hold a confirmed place and can begin contacting universities with vacancies.
Read Clearing Explained and How Clearing Works before Results Day.
Prepare a Clearing Shortlist
You do not need to expect to use Clearing in order to research it.
A Clearing shortlist is a backup, not a prediction.
UCAS recommends exploring vacancies in advance and favouriting courses or universities you might still be happy to consider.
How Many Courses Should You Research?
Aim for around five to ten realistic possibilities.
Include:
A few close alternatives to your original course
At least one foundation-year option where appropriate
Universities in more than one location
Courses with requirements close to your expected grades
Options you would genuinely attend
Do not create a shortlist containing twenty-seven courses you have no intention of studying.
Record the Important Details
For each course, note:
Information | Details |
University | |
Course title | |
Course code | |
Campus | |
Indicative requirements | |
Admissions number | |
Accommodation available | |
Accreditation | |
Placement opportunities | |
Why you would consider it |
Search Beyond the Exact Course Name
Potential alternatives might include:
Joint honours
Foundation year
Placement-year route
Integrated master’s
Related subject
Another campus
For example, a student originally applying for Politics might consider:
Politics and International Relations
Politics and Economics
Politics with a foundation year
International Relations
Public Policy
Similar course names can hide important differences.
Check:
Modules
Assessment
Accreditation
Course length
Teaching location
Learn How a Clearing Call Works
You do not need to make a Clearing call before Results Day unless you are already eligible and hold your results.
You can still prepare what you would say.
A typical Clearing conversation involves:
Giving your name
Providing your UCAS Personal ID and Clearing number
Giving your achieved grades
Naming the course
Explaining why it interests you
Answering admissions questions
Asking whether you have an offer
Confirming the course code and deadline
Prepare a Short Script
Hello, my name is [name], and I am calling about Clearing places for [course name and code].My UCAS Personal ID is [number], and my Clearing number is [number].I achieved [grades] in [subjects]. Could you tell me whether you would consider my application?
Prepare two or three brief reasons you like each course.
You might mention:
Specific module
Accreditation
Placement
Career connection
Teaching structure
Subject interest
Check Accommodation Before Results Day
Accommodation can become urgent when:
Your insurance university confirms you
You accept a changed course
You find a place through Clearing
Your campus changes
Check Your Firm Accommodation
Find out:
Have you applied?
Has a room been offered?
Is the offer conditional on attending?
Is a deposit or advance payment due?
What happens if you attend your insurance university?
What cancellation rules apply?
Check Your Insurance Accommodation
Ask:
Can insurance-choice students apply before Results Day?
Is accommodation guaranteed after confirmation?
How quickly must you apply?
Are rooms allocated first come, first served?
What private alternatives exist?
Check Possible Clearing Accommodation
For shortlisted universities, research:
Halls availability
Typical rent
Contract length
Campus location
Private halls
Commuting options
You do not need to choose a room before you have a course.
You should know whether a safe and affordable option is likely to exist.
Check Your Student Finance Application
Log in to your funding account before Results Day.
Check:
Application status
University
Course
Tuition fee
Living arrangements
Bank details
Evidence requests
Payment schedule
Student Finance England applicants starting courses between August and December 2026 can apply now. Students who change university or course through Clearing can update the application through their online account.
A UCAS change does not remove the need to update student finance separately.
Student Finance England says changes such as a new university, course or living arrangement must be reported, and processing a university or course change can take several weeks.
What If You Have Not Applied Yet?
Apply as soon as possible.
You do not need to wait until your university place becomes unconditional.
Use your most likely course details and update the application if your plans change.
Prepare for a Possible Review of Marking
You do not need to assume that your grades will be wrong.
You should know what to do if a result appears surprising.
Find Your Exams Officer’s Details
Record:
Name
Email address
Telephone number
Office location
Results Day availability
Find the School’s Post-Results Policy
Check:
How to request a marked script
How to request a clerical re-check
How to request a review of marking
Who makes the final decision
What fees may apply
How consent is collected
Internal deadlines
Internal appeal process
Ofqual advises students who think there may be a marking mistake to speak to their school or college. The centre can use Access to Scripts and request a review of marking where appropriate.
Understand the Risk
A review can lead to a mark or grade:
Increasing
Remaining unchanged
Decreasing
The awarding organisation cannot add marks simply because:
You are close to a grade boundary
Your predicted grade was higher
You need the grade for university
A genuine marking error must be identified.
Know the Priority Deadline
For summer 2026 A-Levels and eligible Level 3 qualifications, the awarding organisation must receive a Priority Service 2 review request by 20 August 2026.
The service has a target completion time of 15 calendar days.
Your school may set an earlier internal deadline.
Save the Contact Details You May Need
Create one Results Day contact list.
School or college
Exams officer
Head of sixth form
Careers adviser
Subject teachers
Reception
Firm university
Admissions
Course department
Accommodation
Applicant portal support
Insurance university
Admissions
Accommodation
Course department
UCAS
Save the official contact route and keep your Personal ID ready.
UCAS’s normal telephone hours are Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 18:00, and it plans to open from 08:00 on Thursday 13 August 2026.
Student finance
Save the appropriate details for:
Student Finance England
Student Finance Wales
Student Finance Northern Ireland
Student Awards Agency Scotland
Use the provider relevant to where you normally live, not necessarily where the university is located.
Discuss Results Day with Your Supporters
Decide who you want involved.
This might be:
Parent
Carer
Friend
Teacher
Careers adviser
Sibling
Ask for the Support You Actually Want
You might want someone to:
Travel with you
Wait at home
Sit nearby during calls
Research courses
Take notes
Bring food
Give you space
Say this before Results Day.
It avoids a situation where one person expects to run an emergency admissions command centre while you were hoping to open your results quietly with friends.
Decide Who Can Be Told
Discuss:
Whether results can be shared with relatives
Whether anything can be posted online
Whether photographs are allowed
Whether you want time before announcing your university
Do not share screenshots containing:
UCAS Personal ID
Candidate number
Email address
Accommodation details
Account information
Make a Plan for Each Main Outcome
Your plan can be brief.
Plan A: Your Firm Place Is Confirmed
You will:
Check the exact course and campus.
Save the confirmation.
Read university emails.
Confirm accommodation.
Check student finance.
Celebrate.
Plan B: Your Insurance Place Is Confirmed
You will:
Check the course carefully.
Contact accommodation.
Update student finance.
Compare Clearing only if you genuinely do not want the course.
Plan C: Your Decision Is Pending
You will:
Check messages.
Confirm whether results are missing.
Contact admissions.
Record what the university says.
Research alternatives while waiting.
Plan D: You Receive a Changed Course Offer
You will check:
Course title
Foundation year
Campus
Length
Accreditation
Accommodation
Deadline
Plan E: You Enter Clearing
You will:
Collect all your grades.
Speak to a school adviser.
Search official vacancies.
Contact several suitable universities.
Record offers.
Compare course, campus and accommodation.
Add only an agreed choice.
Plan F: You Think a Grade Is Wrong
You will:
Speak to the exams officer.
Check component marks.
Ask about the script.
Contact the university.
Discuss the risks and deadline.
Continue exploring backup options.
Decide What Matters Most to You
Results Day decisions become easier when you know your priorities.
Rank factors such as:
Course content
Professional accreditation
Placement opportunities
University location
Distance from home
Accommodation
Living costs
Campus style
Student support
Career prospects
Identify Your Non-Negotiables
Examples include:
Must be professionally accredited
Must have affordable accommodation
Must be within commuting distance
Must offer a particular subject area
Must have accessible accommodation
Must support a specific health need
Identify Your Preferences
Examples include:
City university
En-suite accommodation
Placement year
Study abroad
Particular society
Small campus
Non-negotiables should shape the decision more strongly than preferences.
A university having a climbing society is lovely.
It is not normally enough to compensate for the course lacking the accreditation required for your intended career.
Prepare Questions for Universities
Write down the questions you would ask a Clearing or admissions team.
About the offer
Are you offering me a place?
Is it unconditional?
What conditions remain?
What is the deadline?
Will you confirm it in writing?
About the course
What is the exact course code?
Is a foundation year included?
Which campus is it taught at?
Is it accredited?
Is a placement available?
How is it assessed?
About accommodation
Are rooms available?
Are Clearing applicants guaranteed accommodation?
What is the total rent?
When is the application deadline?
What private alternatives exist?
About next steps
When should I add the choice?
Which campus code should I use?
What documents do you need?
When should UCAS update?
Who should I contact if it does not?
One Week Before Results Day
Confirm the School Arrangements
Check:
Opening time
Collection location
Online portal
Required identification
Staff availability
What happens if you cannot attend
Test Every Login
Test:
UCAS Hub
School results portal
University applicant portal
Student finance
Email
Check your spam folder settings and storage capacity.
A full inbox choosing Results Day to stop accepting messages would be a deeply unhelpful contribution.
Download Important Information
Save:
Firm offer
Insurance offer
Course codes
Accommodation correspondence
Scholarship information
Clearing shortlist
Student finance status
Do not rely entirely on websites remaining fast and available during the busiest morning of the admissions cycle.
Recheck Current Clearing Information
Clearing vacancies change.
A shortlist made several weeks earlier is a starting point, not a guaranteed list of available courses.
UCAS advises using its search for current vacancies and checking important information directly with universities before making decisions.
Prepare a Call-Notes Template
University | Course | Adviser | Offer | Deadline | Accommodation | Next step |
Print or save several copies.
The Day Before Results Day
Charge Everything
Charge:
Phone
Laptop
Tablet
Power bank
Headphones where useful
Find the chargers and place them with your other essentials.
Prepare Your Results Day Bag
Include:
Phone
Charger
Power bank
Laptop where useful
UCAS details
University contacts
Clearing shortlist
Pen
Paper
Identification
Water
Snack
Medication
Confirm Your Travel
Check:
School opening time
Route
Parking
Public transport
Where you will meet supporters
Leave extra time.
You do not need a delayed bus to become the emotional headline of the morning.
Choose Comfortable Clothes
Results Day is not an interview unless you have been specifically told that a university interview may take place.
Wear something comfortable.
You may spend time:
Travelling
Waiting
Sitting at school
Making telephone calls
Looking at course pages
Stop Researching at a Sensible Time
Do not spend the entire night:
Reading grade-boundary speculation
Comparing predicted grades
Searching for Results Day horror stories
Refreshing UCAS before it can update
Analysing every examination answer you can remember
Your results have already been determined.
Rest is more useful than a 01:30 investigation into whether one examiner might have interpreted your third paragraph differently.
What Not to Do Before Results Day
Do Not Assume the Worst
Preparing alternatives is sensible.
Treating Clearing as inevitable is not.
Do Not Assume the Best
Confidence is excellent.
Knowing your UCAS password is still advisable.
Do Not Decline a Place in Advance
Keep your current choices while you wait for the actual decisions.
Do Not Commit to a Clearing Course Before Seeing Your Status
Your firm or insurance university may accept you.
Do Not Sign New Accommodation Without a Confirmed Plan
A speculative room can create a real financial commitment.
Do Not Promise to Change University If Your Grades Are Higher
Stronger grades do not automatically make your original course the wrong choice.
Do Not Tell Other People What the Student Will Do
Leave space for the person receiving the results to make the decision.
Do Not Rely on AI or Social Media for Live Vacancies
AI can help organise questions and explain processes, but UCAS says live availability, current entry requirements and application decisions must be checked with official sources and universities.
How to Prepare Emotionally for Results Day
Practical planning helps, but Results Day can still feel intense.
You may experience:
Excitement
Fear
Relief
Disappointment
Confusion
Numbness
Pressure to react immediately
Give Yourself Permission to Pause
You do not have to:
Announce your grades immediately
Smile for photographs
Make a major decision in thirty seconds
Comfort everybody else
Know exactly how you feel
Take a few minutes.
Eat, drink and move somewhere quieter if necessary.
Separate the Grade from the Next Step
A disappointing grade may change the route.
It does not remove every destination.
Possible next steps may include:
Original university
Insurance university
Clearing
Foundation year
Review of marking
Resit
Gap year
Apprenticeship
Employment
Reapplication
Work to Real Deadlines
Ask:
When does this offer expire?
When does the university need the document?
When is the school’s review deadline?
When must accommodation be accepted?
Do not create extra urgency because the morning feels urgent.
Printable Results Day Preparation Checklist
UCAS
☐ Sign in successfully☐ Record Personal ID☐ Check contact details☐ Check nominated access☐ Save firm offer☐ Save insurance offer☐ Check every condition☐ Check course and campus codes
Results
☐ Confirm collection arrangements☐ Check whether results are sent automatically☐ Prepare additional certificates☐ Find exams officer’s contact details☐ Read the post-results policy
Clearing
☐ Understand how Clearing works☐ Create a realistic shortlist☐ Save admissions numbers☐ Check course modules☐ Check accreditation☐ Check campuses☐ Check accommodation☐ Prepare a call script☐ Prepare questions
Accommodation
☐ Check firm booking☐ Check cancellation terms☐ Research insurance accommodation☐ Research Clearing alternatives☐ Check likely rent☐ Check contract lengths
Student finance
☐ Check application status☐ Check university and course☐ Check bank details☐ Check evidence requests☐ Know how to update the application
Practical preparation
☐ Test all logins☐ Charge phone☐ Charge laptop☐ Charge power bank☐ Prepare identification☐ Pack water and food☐ Prepare pen and notes☐ Check transport
Personal preparation
☐ Decide who will support you☐ Agree privacy boundaries☐ Plan for different outcomes☐ Identify course priorities☐ Stop researching at a sensible time☐ Get some sleep
Results Day Preparation Timeline
One month before
Check UCAS details.
Review offers.
Research Clearing.
Check finance and accommodation.
Find the school’s post-results policy.
Two weeks before
Create your course shortlist.
Save contact details.
Prepare questions.
Check how every qualification reaches the university.
One week before
Confirm school arrangements.
Test logins.
Download important information.
Update the Clearing shortlist.
Prepare call notes.
The day before
Charge devices.
Pack essentials.
Confirm travel.
Agree support arrangements.
Stop researching.
Sleep.
Results Day morning
Eat breakfast.
Check UCAS from 08:00.
Collect your actual grades.
Read the exact status.
Speak to an adviser.
Follow the relevant plan.
Add an agreed Clearing choice from 13:00 if eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for Results Day
When is A-Level Results Day 2026?
A-Level and JCQ Level 3 Results Day is Thursday 13 August 2026.
What time does UCAS Hub open?
UCAS Hub starts updating from 08:00 on 13 August 2026.
Does UCAS show your grades?
No. UCAS Hub shows your university application status. You usually receive your grades from your school, college or awarding organisation.
What time can you add a Clearing choice?
Eligible JCQ applicants can add an agreed Clearing choice from 13:00.
When does Clearing open?
Clearing opened on 2 July 2026.
When does Clearing close?
The final date to add a 2026 Clearing choice is 19 October 2026.
Should you prepare for Clearing even when you expect to meet your offer?
Yes. A small amount of research gives you a backup plan without assuming anything about your results.
How many Clearing courses should you research?
Around five to ten realistic options is usually manageable. Focus on courses you would genuinely consider.
Can you contact Clearing universities before Results Day?
You can research and make general enquiries. Universities may need your achieved results and Clearing eligibility before making a formal offer.
Should you decline your current offer before researching Clearing?
No. Keep your current choices while researching alternatives.
What should you check about your firm offer?
Check the grades, subject-specific requirements, GCSE conditions, practical endorsements, course, campus and additional requirements.
Is an insurance offer guaranteed?
No. The university must still confirm that you met its conditions or decide to accept you despite a near miss.
What if your grades are lower than your firm offer?
Check UCAS Hub first. Your firm university may still have accepted you.
What if your grades are higher than expected?
You can keep your confirmed course or investigate alternatives. Higher grades do not require you to change university.
Should you prepare a Clearing call script?
Yes. A short script can make the call easier when you are nervous.
What information do you need for a Clearing call?
Prepare your Personal ID, Clearing number, achieved grades, relevant GCSEs, course code
and reasons for choosing the course.
Should you check accommodation before Results Day?
Yes. Research the rules at your firm, insurance and shortlisted Clearing universities.
Does university accommodation transfer to another university?
No. You need to make separate arrangements with the new institution.
Should you apply for student finance before your place is confirmed?
Yes. Use your most likely course and update the application if your circumstances change.
Does UCAS update Student Finance England automatically?
No. You must update the finance application separately when your university, course or living arrangements change.
What should you do if a result looks wrong?
Speak to your school or college about accessing the script and the appropriate review service.
Can a reviewed grade go down?
Yes. A reviewed mark or grade can rise, remain unchanged or fall.
What is the priority review deadline in 2026?
The awarding organisation must receive an eligible A-Level Priority Service 2 request by 20 August 2026. Your school may set an earlier internal deadline.
Should you give a parent nominated access?
Only when you want them to be able to speak to UCAS on your behalf. The applicant should normally remain in control of the decision.
What should you take to Results Day?
Take your phone, charger, UCAS details, university contacts, Clearing shortlist, identification where required, pen, paper, water and food.
Should you stay up waiting for UCAS to update?
No. UCAS applications are unavailable from 18:00 on 12 August until 08:00 on 13 August while the service prepares for Results Day.
What if you cannot attend school?
Contact the exams office in advance and ask how your results can be provided securely.
Should you post your grades online?
Only when you want to. Avoid sharing screenshots containing personal or application information.
What is the best way to prepare emotionally?
Make a practical plan, choose your support person, limit speculation and remember that several routes may remain available.
Final Thoughts on Preparing Before Results Day
The best Results Day preparation is simple:
Check your UCAS login.
Understand your firm and insurance conditions.
Confirm how you will receive your grades.
Research a small number of realistic alternatives.
Save useful contact details.
Check accommodation.
Check student finance.
Learn how reviews of marking work.
Prepare your devices and documents.
Make a plan for each likely outcome.
Ask for the support you want.
Get some sleep.
You do not need to decide in advance what you will do before you know the result.
You do need enough information to make the decision once the result arrives.
Results Day is much easier when your UCAS login works, your phone is charged, your offer conditions are written down and your backup options involve courses you might actually enjoy.
It is considerably harder when the entire plan consists of opening an envelope, hoping for the best and asking a parent to find “a good university with spaces” while you attempt to recover a password attached to an email account you stopped using in Year 12.
Prepare the information.
Leave the decision until you have the facts.
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