Jobhop Jobhop's blog : Didn't Get the A-Level Results You Wanted? Don't Worry!

After years of study, revision and exams, this year's lot of A-level students are about to get their results...

Thousands of pupils will endure the nail-biting trip to school as they wait to find out whether they've achieved what they need to move forward with their university or work plans.

Not everyone will succeed in getting a place at university on A-level results day. There will, sadly, be some students who are left disappointed. But there are plenty of things you can do if you don't get the grades you want on Thursday.

Today we're sharing some of the options available after A-level results day...

Go through Clearing

Clearing is a way that universities fill any places that they still have on their degree courses. If you're able to be flexible and have a decent set of exam results, there is a good chance you'll find a course.

You can approach as many universities as you like during Clearing, so don't feel like you have to take the first offer. To apply through Clearing, visit the UCAS website and click on 'Clearing', from here it will allow you to see which courses still have places remaining. Clearing usually runs between July and September every year.

Research universities and the courses that are of interest to you and look into the type of content that's covered in the course to make sure you'd be happy studying that subject. Remember you don't have to stick to the subject choices you originally made. You might find that there is a vacancy on the clearing list that suits you better on the basis of the grades you've got.

Gap year

Taking a year out is a great way to consider your future and reevaluate your options.

A gap year doesn't necessarily mean travelling to the far-east to discover yourself. While travelling the world is a fantastic way to spend a gap year, most peoples funds don't allow for this. Taking a year out of studying, or a year to decide on what you want to do next, can also be a great way to enhance your CV.

You can apply for jobs in the field you may want to work in or gain valuable work experience to make applications to universities, colleges or jobs stronger in the future.

A gap year can also be a great way to save money to finance further studies, or just to save money generally.

Read our recent blog posts on the 10 Best Place to Spend Your Gap Year and 10 Digital Nomad Jobs to do During Your Gap Year.

Get an apprenticeship

Many decent careers can come out of apprenticeships. Big companies like the BBC, ITV, Lloyds Banking and British Gas frequently take on apprentices, and most companies love being able to train someone from the very beginning

An apprenticeship will allow you to study for your qualification while gaining valuable experience working in your chosen field, which is a big advantage over those who have studies more academic courses but have no real-world experience. Plus, you can earn money!

Apprenticeships usually last for 1-2 years and you'll generally study one day per week and work the rest of the time.

You can find apprenticeship vacancies on the National Apprenticeships Services website.

Appeal your grades

If your mark is unexpectedly low, or on the border between two marks, you may want to have your paper remarked by a different examiner. If your university place is pending you submit for a priority review of marking, which must be done before 24th August.

If you're applying for a remark because you've missed your university grades and didn't get your place, be sure to let the university know that you're applying for a remark, they may be able to hold the place for you until you know either way,

It's worth noting that your mark could go down as well as up, and if your grade doesn't change, you will have to pay a fee for the remark.

Consider re-sitting

If your grades were pretty low, because you failed some exams, or if you need specific grades to get into a competitive course, it may be more appropriate to consider re-sitting your exams or taking different A-levels in the next academic year to boost your results or aim for a different degree.

The Student Room has lots of specific advice about re-sitting.

Become an entrepreneur

This may seem daunting, but there's plenty of support out there for young entrepreneurs who have a good business idea.

Starting a business obviously requires a huge commitment and a massive amount of planning, but history is littered with examples of success.

Government backed loans of between £500 and £25,000 are available for great business ideas. More information is available here.

Rethink your career pathway

Is university essential to what you want to do with your life? It may be necessary for the career you had in mind, but you may decide to consider if other careers might appeal to you now.

Sometimes people feel pressured into going to university and when they get over the disappointment of not getting the grades they wanted, they feel slightly relieved that they don't have to do something that was other people's dreams, but not theirs.

You may be interested in volunteering somewhere close to home or overseas, taking a gap year, doing a traineeship or starting your own business.

Next steps

One last time. You're not a failure. You haven't done anything wrong. This isn't what you planned or expected, but it doesn't mean you can't cope with it nor that it won't all work out.

You do have a future. And even better, you have the chance to think about what that might be. Something that's right for you.

If your A-levels don't come back with your desired results, there are so many other options for you to move onto the next step. Don't panic when you open that envelope and be prepared by understanding what options you have. University doesn't have to happen right now, it will always be there waiting for you regardless of your age.