With results day just around the corner, it’s natural to feel a bit nervous. You might be worried about whether you'll get your predicted grades or if you’ll get into your chosen university. If you’re searching for answers like “what to do if I fail my A Levels” or “options if I don’t get the grades I need,” you’re in the right place. We’re here to help you plan ahead and explore your options, no matter what your results might be.
38,000 students either decided they wanted to do something different or didn’t do as well as they thought last year and got their place at university through Clearing.
If you’re worried about your exams, try and turn a negative into a positive and follow these steps:
1. Take a deep breath and stay calm
First things first, it’s important to stay calm. Worrying won’t change the outcome, but it can affect your mental health. Practice some deep breathing exercises to help reduce anxiety. Remember, you’ve worked hard, and it’s okay to feel nervous.
Useful links for mental health support
If you'd like more information about mental health and self-care strategies, there are a number of useful places you can visit:
2. Talk to someone you trust
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a friend, family member, teacher or someone else you trust. Sharing your worries can make a huge difference and help you feel supported. They might offer valuable advice or simply provide a listening ear, which can be incredibly comforting.
3. Know your options and next steps
It’s good to be prepared with a plan B. Here are your options:
- Clearing: If your results aren’t what you hoped for or you didn't get into the university you wanted. This process allows universities to offer open spots in various courses, often with slightly lower grade requirements. Research what courses will be in Clearing at the universities you're interested in, or look for universities offering the course you want on UCAS. Doing your research before results day means you'll be prepared with your backup plan and feel less stressed on the day.
- Retakes or other qualifications: If you’re determined to pursue a specific course or career, you might want to consider retaking some of your exams. Additionally, look into other qualifications like BTECs, apprenticeships, foundation years and HNDs, which can also lead to fulfilling careers. These alternatives can provide practical experience and open up new opportunities.
4. Don't blame yourself
When something doesn't go right, it's easy to blame and criticise yourself. We create a situation where ‘catastrophic’ thinking takes over - we get things out of proportion so they seem worse than they really are. If this happens to you, it's important to recognise it for what it is.
Six top tips for dealing with catastrophic thinking
- It's ok to say ‘stop’ to yourself, to try and interrupt negative thoughts
- Remember that catastrophic thoughts are typically irrational, i.e., they are not based on facts or your usual experience
- Think about alternative outcomes: a bit like re-writing your own story
- Identify what you like about yourself and your successes, and remind yourself of them regularly
- Acknowledge that sometimes unwanted things happen, but that doesn’t make you a bad person
- Practise self-care strategies: things you like doing, such as spending time with friends, exercising and eating well.
5. Focus on the bigger picture
Your A Level results are important, but they don’t define your entire future. Many successful people didn’t get the grades they initially wanted but still found their way to rewarding careers. Focus on your strengths, set new goals, and keep a positive mindset. Your journey is unique, and there are countless paths to success.If you want some help with your plan B, find out more about Clearing here.
