Exams might be at an end, but while prospective students can certainly afford
to take it easy for a couple of weeks, you also shouldn’t ignore the fact
that Results Day will arrive sooner than you expect.
There is certainly plenty you can be doing over the summer to prepare, not
only for the big move to university in September, but also for the day
itself on August 14.
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Aside from your subject knowledge, there are many factors that can affect how
exams turn out; some of which, including bereavement and illness, may be
taken into account in the marking process, as long as this was made clear to
teachers.
Other factors could play a part in whether you have a great day, or an awful
day in the exam hall. Uncomfortable chairs, lack of sleep, temperature, the
amount of liquid consumed pre-exam, and the absence or presence of a lucky
charm – all could mean the difference between getting your predicted grades,
exceeding your predicted grades, or unfortunately, not getting the grades
required by a conditional offer.
In this situation, having done some previous research about alternative
universities and courses could prove helpful when you check Ucas Track on
Results Day.
Whether you find yourself searching through the Telegraph’s
Clearing listings, or calling universities to ask about places
through Adjustment, thinking about these eventualities now and getting to
grips with the process, could lessen the stress on the day itself.
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To help you get to grips with what you should be thinking about between now
and Results Day, the Telegraph held a webchat with Amy Smith from Nottingham
Trent University and Jo Rackstraw from Ucas. Here are some of the most
useful questions put to the experts by prospective students.
Is there anything I should be doing over the summer? I have my firm and
insurance choices but do I need to do anything before Results Day?
Amy Smith: Taking a well-earned rest after your exams should be a
priority. If your Firm choice university has any requirements of you
pre-enrolment (e.g. a criminal records check), they will be in touch to
explain these. Contacting your institutions for any pre-reading is also a
good idea. On Results Day, your first point of call should be your Ucas
Track.
Jo Rackstraw: Just make sure you have sorted out accommodation if
required, and have your finance forms completed. Also, make sure you have
all your Ucas track login details available as you will be able to access
this on Results Day to see your confirmation decisions.
I haven't started my application for university yet – am I too late?
Will I have to wait for Clearing now?
Jo: You can still apply as a late applicant until the 30th June. You
will need to check whether the universities you wish to apply to have still
got vacancies before you submit your Ucas application. If you are unable to
find a vacancy at this stage then if you send your application from the 1st
July you will be entered automatically into the Clearing system.
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If on Results Day you get slightly lower than your offer, can you still
get on your course?
Jo: It will all depend on the university, I would suggest if you are in
this position, check with them directly by calling admissions when you have
your results, it is still possible you may get a place.
Is it possible to withdraw from an offer (turn down a uni) after results
day?
Jo: You would need to contact your university directly if this is the
case and request to be released, which could take some time. We can withdraw
your application at Ucas anytime. However if you would like to apply to a
different university through Clearing it will be up to the university if
they are willing to put you into the Clearing process to apply elsewhere.
What happens if, when I get my grades, I want to have them remarked?
What do I do if my university has already rejected me?
Amy: We make our decisions at Confirmation based on the grades achieved
at that time. If you subsequently have your qualification remarked and your
grades/points change, you can submit a request to us directly to be
reconsidered for your chosen course. This is subject to there still being
vacancies on this course. You will need to contact your university directly
and see if they are willing to reconsider the application whilst you wait
for your remarks to come through.
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I deferred a place last year. Can it be deferred again?
Jo: It can be deferred more than once at the universities discretion.
You should contact your institution to explain your situation in detail,
there may be some flexibility to defer you again, however this is not
guaranteed and you may need to reapply.
If I don't get into my firm choice, do I have to go to my insurance?
Could I go into Clearing instead as I'm having second thoughts about the
university?
Jo: If this is the case and you do not meet the conditions of your firm
choice offer, then you can ask your insurance choice university to release
you into the Clearing process, this will then enable you to apply elsewhere.
I don't think I am going to get my grades, can I start calling
universities now to talk about getting a place through clearing?
Amy: You can contact universities to ask them about applying through
Clearing, however most of them will not have finalised which courses will be
going into Clearing at this stage. In order to go through Clearing, you need
to have achieved your qualifications, therefore you will not be able to
refer yourself to an institution through Clearing until you have received
your results.
I've been sent forms about accommodation for my firm choice but if I
don't go to my firm choice will I be able to live in halls at my insurance
university?
Amy: If you do not go to your firm choice and go to your insurance
choice, you should be able to apply for accommodation as soon as your offer
is confirmed. You should check Ucas Track on results day in order to check
the status of your offers. Accommodation on campus or in halls can be
subject to availability, so I would advise you to inquire/apply as soon as
possible.
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On Results Day, if my offer is confirmed, do I have to do anything
between that day and starting my course. Apart from turn up?
Jo: You just need to check all your accommodation and finance
information is in order, the university will be in touch before you are due
to start with information on activities and further information you may
need.
If I do better than my predicted grades, I have heard about Adjustment.
Is there a list for this? Like Clearing? Will I lose my place at my firm
choice?
Jo: As long as you meet and exceed the conditions of your offer, you
can register for Adjustment on Track as soon as your offer has been
confirmed. You will then have 5 days to find an alternative place by calling
institutions directly. If you do not find a place then you will keep you
current offer.
Check out the Telegraph's
University Course Finder or sign up to be the first to hear about
the Telegraph's
Clearing app – which will include up-to-date listings on
Results Day