The arrival of A level results, out today (15th August) can herald a particularly stressful time for both students and parents alike.

It isn’t always a case of lower than expected grades that can lead to consternation as to what to do next, often better than expected grades pose an equally difficult conundrum.

Finding the right solution requires some fast thinking and an in depth look at what might be possible for the start of the next academic year. This is something that many find hard to do given the complexities of dealing with the university UCAS clearing system.  Expert help is also on hand for checking the availability of suitable places for re-sits.

Independent advice regarding your education options

Gabbitas’ strength lies in providing independent, unbiased advice with the student at the core of the discussions – no one solution fits all. Tailored made professional advice to help students who miss their firm and ‘insurance’ offers, those wanting to upgrade or change their minds about their choices, have not had any offers or have missed the UCAS deadlines entirely!

Re-takes, gap years, IB, BTEC and more

The consultants will review the choices often made well in advance of the results, look at new course options, and help, if necessary, in withdrawing from the UCAS process to do re-takes or to take a gap year. The same level of help is available to GCSE students who do not get the grades for their chosen places for A level studies or who want to look at alternative options for their future, such as apprenticeship schemes International Baccalaureate or BTEC.

Next steps

Gabbitas has a great deal of experience in identifying a way through the many options. Help is at hand even if the timelines are tight!

Please contact us to explore the right steps for the future, whatever today’s news has delivered.

As results day draws nearer, the panic about what if you have not done as well as you had hoped start to build. Should this happen, what do you do next?

Every year tens of thousands of students find a place at a UK university through UCAS Clearing, so you are not alone. However, this can be a daunting and time-pressured process. So, whether you expect to go through Clearing or not, it is best to be fully prepared to make it as stress-free as possible.

In this blog, we look at how you can confidently make a Clearing call, make a good impression and importantly secure a place at the best university for you.

You must call

The number one point about making a Clearing call is that it must be you that calls. The university wants to speak to you directly, not your parents or teacher. So be brave, prepare and get ready to make a great impression.

It could be an interview

Whilst the call could be simply confirming your grades and checking availability, it is more likely that you will be asked some questions to test your suitability. Therefore, it is important that you prepare for what could be an informal interview.

Do your research

In advance of the call make sure you do some research about the course and university. The person on the other end of the phone wants to see that you’ve done your homework and are serious about applying. Look up what modules are offered, what common career routes are after graduating and other key factors that interest you about the course.

You will likely be asked ‘Why do you want to study this course?’ so make sure you know! Have some notes prepared on why this course and university appeals to you. Also, have some questions ready for them, the call it is just as much figuring out if you want to study there.

It can be easy to rush and immediately call the university after receiving your grades. But taking your time to prepare and conduct a bit of research in advance will really help you sell yourself when you’re on the call.

Practice

Before making any call, have a run through of the common questions you will be asked and practice to ensure you sound natural. Gabbitas advisers can be on hand on results day to help you with this and conduct a mock Clearing interview to ensure you are prepared before making the call.

Before the call

Before picking up the phone, make sure you find a quiet room, your phone is fully charged and make sure you have the following at hand:

• Your UCAS Personal ID and Clearing number – this will be the first thing they ask for
• The codes of the courses you’re interested in
• Your grades including GCSEs
• A copy of your personal statement (having re-read this in advance!)
• Notepad and pen to make notes
• A positive attitude!

During the call

Remember, the phone lines at universities during clearing can be busy so don’t panic if you’re on hold for a while. However, if you can’t get through, don’t dwell and move on to the next university on your list.

Make sure you ask the name and phone number of the person you are speaking to – in case you need to call them back.

Be confident, honest and sell yourself. Remember, the person on the other end wants to help you so take your time and go through the reasons why you would be a great fit for the university and course.

If you are offered a place, ask about how long the offer is guaranteed and what happens next.

After the call

When you have received your verbal offer, you will most likely also receive this in an email. Once you’ve made sure that you want to go to that university, then head to UCAS Track to update your place. Next you will need to make sure to sort out your accommodation and update your Student Loan. After that, it is time to get excited! Start researching the city, things to do, public transport etc.

Remember, this process it is just as much about finding out whether the course and university it is a good fit for you. Be positive, proactive and get ready to sell yourself. Remember thousands of students go through this process every year and find a spot at a fantastic university.

Gabbitas advisers are here to support you every step of the way through Clearing.

Contact us today to see how we can help leading up to results day.

The excitement or tension is mounting as results day creeps ever closer-suddenly you are trying to recall all that information that your Careers teacher gave you. Don’t panic! Here is our clear guide to what the UCAS terms mean, and how to act on them on the day.

Firm

This is your top choice University, the one you picked back in May when you made your final selection of two. If you get the grades they offered you then you will automatically be accepted into this University and this is where you will be expected to enrol. For most people this is the dream result! If you narrowly missed your grades, then it is still worth giving the admissions team a call, sometimes they can be quite flexible

 

Insurance

Earlier in the year you were allowed to pick two universities. Your second choice, or Insurance offer, was your back up, in case you did not get the grades for your Firm choice. If you miss your Firm grades but achieve the grades for your Insurance offer you will automatically be offered a place at this University.

 

Clearing

If things have not turned out as well as expected and you miss the grades for both your Firm and Insurance offer, then you will be entered into Clearing. The Clearing system is a very efficient way of letting you see which Universities still have vacancies on their courses. This list is already up online so if you have any worries about your results it is worth checking it out ahead of time. Make a list of Universities and courses that could be of interest, then if you do go through Clearing, you will be ahead of the game.

 

Adjustment

If your results have exceeded your expectations and are way better than you needed for your Firm offer, then you can use Adjustment to trade up. Once it opens you need to follow these steps:

1) Register on Track that you are going through Adjustment
2) Check for vacancies; best way to do this is to call the Universities themselves
3) Check if there is an offer you want to accept (Make sure you do not accept an offer over the phone when all you called to do was gather more information!)
4) You have a 5 day period to do this from the time you register.

Very competitive Universities are unlikely to enter Adjustment and so in some cases a reapplication may well be a better plan. If you try Adjustment but don’t find anything you will still keep your place on the original course.

 

Whatever happens never be afraid of calling the university and talking directly to someone in the department you want to study in. University staff are only to happy to talk to you and it shows them that you are interested and enthusiastic about your choices.

Above all – Good luck! And if you are confused – call us at Gabbitas – we are here to help!