Across the country, students are waiting (im)patiently to receive their A-Level results, bringing a much-appreciated end to two years of intense studying.
For those hoping to enter higher education, the results will determine whether or not they get into to their university of choice.
And whilst not everyone will get the grades they hoped for, it’s important to remember that you have many options for university and beyond.
As the big day fast approaches, here’s everything you need to know:
When is A-level results day?
This year A-level results day is on Thursday, August 15.
Remember to check timings with your school if you are going to collect them on the day, but you can usually pick them up from 6am.
You can also ask for them to either be sent by post, ring in for them or nominate a friend or family member to pick them up on your behalf, but this will need to be arranged with the school beforehand.
When are A-level results released?
UCAS updates Track around 8am, which means you will probably find out if you got a university place before you get your results.
If your place is confirmed, UCAS will send you your AS12 letter via email which will explain your next steps.
What is UCAS Track?
UCAS track is an online system through which students submit their university or college applications.
It then allows you to follow the progress of your application and will let you know on the morning of results day whether you got into your chosen institution.
What to do if you get better grades than you expected?
If you're interested in applying to a different university then you can go through UCAS' adjustment process.
You'll need to call up any universities you're thinking of swapping to, let them know about your circumstance and see if they have any places available.
What happens if I don't get a university place?
If you don't get a place for your firm university choice, you might be offered a place with your insurance choice depending on your results.
You could also be offered an alternative course by the university, which you will need to accept or decline.
But neither your firm or insurance is successful, you'll be entered into clearing.
What is clearing and do I have to do it?
Clearing allows students who have not received any offers, missed the conditions or rejected all their offers to apply for courses at universities that still have places available.
You'll need to register and make an application as normal to do so, including your personal statement - but you don't have to apply through clearing.
If you're successful, you'll simply have a place a different university.
What to do if you don't get the grades you wanted?
If are not successful or don't want to go through clearing, you have options:
- retake your A-Levels and apply again next year
- get a job, take a college course or do a traineeship or apprenticeship
