Careers-Gateway - Results 'Pukka' or 'Pants'?

The big day

The A Level results day that will leave you feeling either 'Pukka' or 'Pants'. So this article is aimed at those of you who might need to make further decisions if you didn't get the grades you wanted, as well as providing information for those of you taking your A Levels / equivalent qualifications next year and currently planning your Higher Education options.

Time flies!

If you're considering going to University next year you have a lot to think about. The first thing you need to decide is 'What do I want to study?', three to fours years is a long time to be studying something that you're not really interested in. Your next thought may relate to the sort of course that you want to do. These can range from a degree (which can vary in format and course length) to a diploma which usually takes two years but can also vary depending on the course.

There are lots of things you need to consider before making your choices;

What is your favourite subject at the moment?
Do you feel like a change?
Do you want to look at a vocational subject or maybe you might consider a combination of subjects?
Where do you want to study (big city or smaller town) and does it offer the course you want?
Could you make the grades?
Are you aware of the costs involved?

You may also want to consider when you want to start the course, do you want to take a year off to earn some money, travel abroad or do voluntary work?

A lot to think about….and this is just the beginning

The good news is that there's lots of support and information available to help you make these decisions. It is important that you discuss all your options with your parents, teachers/tutors and Connexions Advisers. All these people can help you research and plan your higher education options and your Careers / Connexions Adviser can give you access to lots of resources as well as tips on good websites to help you get even more information.

Have a look on the menu on the left hand side of this article, if you click on 'Higher Education' you will be able to search an alphabetical list of university links. There are many more offering lots of information on courses, virtual campus (take a look round with out leaving your desk), student life, student activities and much more. You will also be able to get some advice on completing your UCAS application form and details or information on grants, loans and other finance issues.

Links to University websites

What to do if you don't get the grades.

Don't panic. It's bound to be disappointing if you don't do as well as expected, however, all is not lost and you can go through the 'clearing' process. Before you do anything, speak to your Careers / Connexions Adviser or tutor who can discuss all the other options open to you including clearing. In previous years approximately 50,000 people went through this process, so don't feel alone!

Clearing gets underway from mid-July, the date that qualification results start being announced such as GNVQ's or for those who didn't apply on time. Clearing Entry Forms are then issued (CEF's) and vacancies are then advertised. In previous years the Official Clearing Vacancies appeared in the following publications: The Independent on Sunday, The Mirror UCAS Website and BBC2 Ceefax. So make sure you are aware of this year's arrangements nearer the time.

You will then have the opportunity to contact the university (this may take time and will need patience as many other people will be doing the same as you) and quote your clearing number printed on the CEF. If they are interested in you they will ask you to send your CEF (original, not a copy) for consideration. It is important that you do this quickly so that you do not lose your possible place. If you are accepted, accommodation can be sorted out along with other domestic arrangements. You can still decline the offer, but remember that you will have to go through this process all over again.

Whether you are waiting for results or planning for next year, you need to be prepared. Speak to your Careers / Connexions Adviser or tutor, use the resources in your local careers library and check out the many informative websites. If you are organised now, before you know it you'll be writing assignments, gaining new skills……….and becoming well acquainted with the student union bar!

Jennie Glitherow
Lincolnshire Careers and Guidance Services Ltd.

At school or college? Look out for Jennie's future articles which we'll have here for the first Monday of each month, and which we'll link to the best sites we can find on the Web. Why not bookmark us now?

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