A-Level Results Day GUIDE

If you're ready for Clearing you'll likely have a list of the universities and contact numbers you need to hand. But phonelines can be busy on the day, and for some of us we prefer taking the online route. There a few different ways you'll be able to get hold of us on the day:

• You can call us and discuss your options with one of our team, the number you need is 0113 812 3113
• Our team are also available on live chat to speak to you about the courses on offer and help you with your application
• Our chatbot Becky is available 24/7 to walk you through the process and make you provisional offer

Clearing is part of the UCAS university application process. On Results Day, UCAS Hub opens at 08:00. Whilst you won't be able to see your grades on UCAS Hub, you will be able to see if your application status has been updated. Some people prefer to get their grades then look at UCAS Hub, and others prefer to do it the other way round, so do whatever feels best for you. 

Clearing referrals can be made from 13:00. However, you don't have to wait until this time to contact universities. It's important not to rush into any decisions, but the earlier you can contact the universities you're interested in, the better. 

You will have lots of support available to you. You'll have your teachers and advisors from school / college on hand, as well as your parents, friends, and lots of friendly university staff ready to answer any questions you have. Don't be afraid to use these support networks, and to ask any questions you may have when speaking to universities. Remember, if it's important to you, then there are no silly questions. 

This will help you during your conversation. This should include having your UCAS ID and Clearing ID, if released, to hand. You should also make notes on the course you want to study – what has attracted you to it? Are there any details about the course you’d like to know? Now is the time to ask any questions you might have.

You'll need to be able to sign into your UCAS Hub account once you've made your decision. It's also handy to be able to check any further details of courses or universities that you’re interested before making your final decision.

Remember, the person on the end of the line wants to help. They will be speaking to hundreds of people in your position. They know you're nervous, and they'll do everything they can to try to put you at ease. Be prepared though, the lines may be busy. You may have to wait a few minutes before being connected to a telephone operator.

However much you might want a parent or teacher to pick up the phone and do it on your behalf, this is something you need to do yourself. Due to Data Protection regulations, we cannot take phone calls from them without your expressed verbal consent. At the same time, however, it is good to remember that you'll be the one studying at university for the next three years or more, so it has to be your decision.

If you're ringing around a lot of universities, it can be easy to get confused. Make sure you know exactly what you've been offered from each university, and the details of their courses. Record any essential contacts, email addresses and telephone numbers which you may need for future reference.

It might not sound important in the grand scheme of things, but taking time to have a healthy and hearty breakfast really is worth it. Getting your results can be intense, so make sure you're properly fuelled, and you'll be in a better position to make the most of the day. 

Whilst it is a good idea to pick up your results with friends or family, don't feel that you have to open your results in the company of others. They're your results, and if you want to open them on your own, that's okay.

It might also be a good idea to avoid social media for a little bit, as lots of people like to share their results online. This can be disheartening if you see people with higher grades, but try and remember to judge your success against your own standards. It's more accurate than competing with others anyway!

If you need a stress-buster on results day, something as simple as taking a walk could do the trick. Exercise is a great way to counteract stress, and if you're nervous or need to make a decision, sometimes stepping away from it for a moment can make it easier... 

...or sometimes, the opposite is true. If you're entering Clearing, but are unsure which universities you want to speak to, writing a pros and cons list can be a massive help. Keep in mind things like location and what the student life is like, as well as information about the course. 

Finally, try to keep things in perspective. Results day can feel like a huge deal, and whilst your grades are important, they don't define you. 

No matter what your grades are, there will be an option for you, even if it's not one you'd thought of before. So take a deep breath and research all your options, as who knows what the future has in store!