A-level results day is nearly here - this is how you can be ready

With A-level results day fast approaching, preparation will be key for thousands of students awaiting their university fate across the country.

With just over two weeks to go, many students will be wondering what to expect on the morning of 13 August, whether opening their results online or in person.

Recalling his journey two years ago, University of Warwick student Stefano Di Rico, said the most important thing is to have a plan for the day.

"Understand what you want from the day and what your next steps are," he advised. "Do you like your insurance offer, are you happy with your course, and what feels right for you?"

Di Rico, 20, said he found the morning of results day to be fast‑moving, with websites often crashing early.

He advised students this year: "Don't panic when you open your results, especially if you're doing it online.

"Different websites crash on the morning of results. Stay calm, stay relaxed."

Di Rico said, while sleep might be difficult, it is important to be well rested. He also advised students to have their college's contact details on hand.

"You might get your results before your university offer, but that's normal," he said. "Go in prepared, speak to people around you, those you live with.

"Contact your school, teachers you trust. They're used to this and have been through something similar. Remember to be kind to yourself."

In the official process, most results are sent to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) and your chosen universities or colleges automatically.

The Ucas hub is expected to update from 08:00 BST on results day, confirming whether students have met their firm or insurance offers.

But universities get notice of the grades in advance, so many decisions will already be made before students even open their envelopes, virtually or in person.

Di Rico said he visited his insurance university choice ahead of results day and had already decided when the day came that it would not be a good fit for him.

He said it "took away the burden" on the morning he received his results, as he had already made the choice to go through with clearing had he not got into his first choice.

Rachael Ashton, deputy head of admissions at the University of Worcester, advised students to reach out for support.

"I would also recommend trying not to make quick decisions," she said.

"Take your time and think about what's best for you. If you can, talk through your options with a trusted friend or family member, and you can always contact us if you're not sure.

"No matter what your results, be proud of what you've achieved and how far you've come. The life skills and experience you've gained will take you through into university life and beyond."

Ucas advises that universities or colleges may be flexible, especially if students have narrowly missed their offer.

Students who need to apply for places through clearing can do so until 19 October, a spokesperson said - with personal ID numbers, clearing numbers and grades to hand.

To be eligible to use clearing you must:

• Be applying after 30 June
• Did not receive any offers or none you wanted to accept
• Did not meet conditions of your offers
• Declined your firm place by using the 'decline my place' button in your application

Yes there is, a spokesperson for Staffordshire University said, and students should be encouraged to reach out to universities they are interested in as soon as possible after they get their results.

"Universities need to speak directly with the applicant, so they'll have to handle the communication themselves," they added.

They also urged teachers to ask their pupils to get a list of questions ready that they might want to ask about the university, preferred courses or student life.

"It's important to reassure your students. Clearing can sometimes carry misconceptions, but there's absolutely no stigma attached to it," they added.

Universities like Harper Adams, in Shropshire, have also in the recent past held clearing open days in August.

"Clearing offers a wide range of opportunities," their admissions manager, James Whitehouse, previously said.

"It doesn't matter if you've changed your mind about where you want to study or perhaps realised after the initial Ucas deadline you wanted to go to university.

"Maybe you've done better in your exams that you thought, or missed out on your firm or insurance choice

"Whatever the reason is, we're here to help you and guide you through the process."

In her case, Ashton said the University of Worcester's phone line would open from 08:00 BST on results day but if students have questions ahead of that, they could call the same number to speak to the admissions team.

From Ucas' point of view, their chief executive, Dr Jo Saxton, said they would aim to support all students and their families.

"With guidance available online, over the phone and through social media, and a wide range of courses available in clearing, students will have plenty of opportunities to find the right option for them," she added.

Despite not making his grade requirement, Di Rico was accepted at his first choice, the University of Warwick.

The student, who is also a mental health campaigner, said: "The main thing to realise, this is a day that can feel really big.

"It can feel really heavy. It's something you poured a lot of time and energy into. Whatever grades you get - pause a second and be grateful for what you did achieve.

"Remind yourself 'this is not the thing that defines you'. It's everything else around that. There's a lot more to you than your grades."

Lifestyle therapist Susan Leigh said students should consider exploring different alternatives to university.

She said: "Whatever your results are, it doesn't determine who you are or what your future is.

"Students are also focusing on trades, instead of going to university. Take a step back and explore apprenticeships and internships.

"You can develop in other ways and not rely on results.

"Degrees can often be out of date or far removed from work life, whereas on the job training is relevant and 'real' as well as allowing skill, reputation and relationships to be built in the workplace."

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