Get prepared for A-levels Results Day 2020

Group of students walking around the loch

So you studied hard, but now comes the countdown to A-level Results Day. We know waiting can feel like agony especially if you need certain results to get your place at university.

First bit of advice – don’t panic. Whatever happens with your results, there’s still going to be plenty of options for you. Clearing is now a very common way of applying to university.

When is A-level results day 2020?

A-levels results day is Thursday 13 August 2020.

Students in Scotland get their SQA results on Tuesday 4 August 2020.

Get prepared ahead of A-levels Results Day

  • Have plans for best and worst-case scenarios
  • Stay focused and think about your options:
    • Is it the course or going to a particular university that is more important to you?
    • Are there other courses you could do at your university of choice?
    • What other universities have similar courses to the one you wanted to do? See the available courses at the University of Stirling.
    • Is going to a further education college or starting an apprenticeship an option?
    • Have a gap year and re-apply for university the following year
  • Get all the details of what Clearing is by reading our guide to UCAS Clearing.
  • Make a shortlist of the universities you are interested in. It’s likely you’ll be able to register your interest in Clearing with each of your chosen universities.
  • Note down the Clearing phone lines of the universities you want to contact. The University of Stirling’s Clearing hotline is 01786 466166.
  • To see what it’s like to study at your chosen universities make sure you follow them on social media. You can follow Stirling on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

What happens on A-levels results day?

You’ll receive your results from your school or college. As soon as you’ve got them you can log into UCAS track to see the status of your offers. It’s important you don’t just assume you’ve automatically lost your place if you haven’t achieved all conditions of your firm or insurance offer.

UCAS track will also tell you if you’re eligible to go into Clearing. You can then start searching for available university places.

Start early

Call your shortlisted universities as soon as you know your results. We want to speak to you directly so please don’t get someone else to call on your behalf unless you’ve given them nominated access.

How to get the best out of your phone call:

  • Make sure you’ve fully charged up your phone the night before.
  • Ensure you have a note of your results, UCAS personal ID and Clearing ID.
  • Read over your UCAS personal statement and CV and have them to hand. The university may ask you questions around your motivations for study.
  • Make a list of any questions you want to ask about the university, the courses you’re interested in, or any aspect of student life such as accommodation, travel and support services.

What happens next?

If you get an offer over the phone, Congratulations!!

Congratulations image

You’ll be able to go onto UCAS track to formally accept the offer. Then you’ll be able to start an application for accommodation as well as student funding.

What happens if I get higher A-level results than expected?

If you’ve met and exceeded conditions for your conditional firm choice, you could potentially use UCAS Adjustment to find a course at another university with higher entry requirements. See how you can apply to the University of Stirling through UCAS Adjustment.

Remember that Clearing can be a rewarding, positive choice for many students. Hear from some of our students talking about their experiences of going through Clearing.

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