11th August: the big day is approaching, and if you’re reading this the chances are you’ve got some big news coming your way – here’s how to handle it…
It’s D-day for thousands of students as they get their Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) results for May/June 2016 exams session and progress on their career path.
Many will get the grades they need for university, but lots of others will be left disappointed.
If you’re one of them, it’s vital to remember that you still have options.
While the clearing system may help to find you a university place, you may want to consider another route to work.
That could be vocational training or the chance to learn and earn on an apprenticeship. There are even opportunities which allow you to get a paid job and study for a degree at the same time.
Here’s how to negotiate the tricky path of Cambridge results day.
When is results day?
Results day for A-levels is Thursday August 11th 2016. All Cambridge results will be available from 05:00 a.m. British Standard Time (i.e. 09:00 a.m. Pakistan time).
Please go to the following link to access Cambridge’s June 2016 Results Guide
What do I do on results day?
Although you might feel like you’ve been waiting all summer for this day – some of you with dread – it’s remarkable how quickly everything unfolds.
The best thing to do is get to school early with all the details you might need. Go armed with information about your component results as well as O-level grades, your UCAS Clearing number and UCAS personal ID.
I’ve received my results – what happens now?
The first thing to do is check Track – the name of UCAS’ online tracking system where you can see how your application is progressing. Here you can reply to offers and make amendments like changing your email address.
Track is available from 8 am on Thursday August 13, and UCAS can’t speak to anyone else about your application details – unless you’ve given them nominated access to speak on your behalf.
My grades are much better than expected…
If you had a conditional firm offer you met and exceeded, you might be curious about courses with higher entry requirements.
If so, you can see what’s available in the UCAS Adjustment service.
My grades are not exactly what I need, but still OK…
Hopefully you’ll get the grades you need, but if you just miss out, the university or college of your choice might accept you anyway.
You might get a place on either your firm or insurance choice, depending how well your exams go.
You might be offered an alternative by the university/college – a ‘changed course offer’ (which you’ll need to accept or decline).
You might not get a place, but you can search through the Clearing service to see what courses still have vacancies.
If no decisions are showing, give your universities or colleges a call to find out more.
My grades are a massive letdown…
If you search through the Clearing service you’ll see what courses still have vacancies.
Find out about exam re-marks – you’ll need to try to arrange the re-mark as quickly as possible, and keep in touch with your university or college to keep them up-to-date.
If you can’t see anything suitable in Clearing, look into other options – like a gap year, work or an apprenticeship – either instead of higher education, or just while you reapply for next year.
If you’ve got a place…
Congratulations! Your confirmation letter should appear in Track five to seven days after your place is confirmed. Your letter is not emailed or posted to you.
Make sure you check your Confirmation letter carefully – it will say if there’s anything else you need to do, or if your university or college will be in touch with further instructions; maybe to provide proof of your qualifications or medical requirements for example.
The key things to remember
Look at all your options and don’t be afraid to consider an alternative route that you may not have thought of before.
Research all your options carefully – university isn’t the only route to success.
Don’t sit back – get involved in whatever you’re doing.
Be prepared to work hard.
Keep an eye out for opportunities – you never know where they may come from.
Contact MRC to schedule an appointment with one of our experts:
19 D Faisal Town
Main Boulevard
Lahore, Pakistan
O: +92 (423) 517 008-9
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