Jobhop Jobhop's blog : 12 Ways to Prepare for Your Exam Results Day
Results day - for students across the country this is what all of the hours of studying and hard work comes down to.
If your results day is looming, no doubt the nerves will be running high. The best thing any student can do ahead of the big day is to get organised and have a solid plan in place. With the right preparation, you will be able to make the best choices, no matter what happens when you open that envelope.
Here are 12 ways you can be fully prepared for your exam results day...
1. Remember that you've done everything you can
All of the hard work has been done, so there's no use in worrying now. Tell yourself that you've done everything you can do at this point and the outcome is now out of your hands. Whatever will be, will be, and you will be more than ready to handle it.
2. Do your research
If you think there is a chance that you won't hit your expected grades, then don't panic, there are plenty of options available to you. Even if you feel confident about your results, it's wise to do your research and talk through all of your options with your friends, family and teachers. Courses with vacancies will be on the UCAS website, so go through the current vacancies and make a list of universities, course codes and their phone numbers ready for results day, just in case things don't go to plan.
3. Ensure you have everything you need on the day
A couple of days before, root out your UCAS login details, a working mobile phone and contact details for your chosen universities. This is bound to make everything easier and fuss-free.
4. Get a good night's sleep
It might be difficult to fall asleep the night before results day, but feeling well rested is essential if you're going to be making big decisions clearly. Try staying off social media at least an hour before your go to bed, as this is bound to make you feel more restless and reading people panicking about their results is the last thing you want to do.
5. Start the day right
Results day can be highly stressful, an experience that can exhaust you emotionally and physically. The best way to kick things off is with a hearty and healthy breakfast. You can't celebrate or make clear decisions about your future on an empty stomach.
6. Getting friends or family to pick up your results
If you're away on results day, you can arrange for friends or family to pick up your results for you. Just make sure you let them know who's coming in on your behalf. Take your UCAS login away with you and have someone back home who also has access so they can check it for you if you can't access the internet.
If you get the grades...
7. Make sure you read your confirmation letter carefully
Congratulations, you've been accepted! Read your confirmation letter carefully as it may contain important information from your chosen university about what to do next. You should also double check that they've got the right contact details you've registered with them so that any communications from them go to the right place.
If you missed your grades by a little...
8. Speak to your chosen university
If you missed your grades by just a few marks, contact your chosen university and explain. They may still let you in, or at least offer you an alternative course, which you can accept or decline via UCAS.
If you didn't get the grades you wanted...
9. Prepare a list of backup universities
Not getting into your chosen university can feel less than ideal at first, but many people end up feeling that everything worked out for the best. Before results day, do some research into backup universities you would genuinely consider going to, as well as similar courses to your own that you would be happy to accept.
Deferring your place...
10. Prepare a good reason for deferring your place
Whether or not you get accepted, you may decide to defer your place until next year. This could be to travel, do work experience or re-sit any exams to get the grades you want.
11. Keep your options open
Remember that university is only one pathway. There are lots of great alternatives out there, from apprenticeships or internships, to taking a gap year, or going straight into employment. Take time to consider all of your options.
Last but not least...
12. Relax!
You can't change anything now, so there is no point in worrying. There's no point in thinking 'my life is over' - because it isn't. Just relax and enjoy your holidays. As long as you're prepared for any outcome, you'll be fine!
Above all, Jobhop wishes all students the best of luck!
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