The run up to results day can be a difficult time. Even if you are feeling confident about your results, it’s a good idea to research your options and make a plan for the day, so you can take control depending on the outcome.

We’ve put together a list of tips to ensure that you’ve considered all possible outcomes on results day and are prepared whatever happens. Alongside this, we’ve also enlisted the help of our Student Bloggers to share their own experiences of results day, as well as their best pieces of advice, whatever the outcome!

Step 1. Understand your options

As you approach results day, it’s worth researching universities that offer courses you are interested in and creating a list of them with different entry requirements to your existing offer. If you’d like to see what courses might be available through clearing and adjustment at Loughborough, search our courses online now.

If you get the results you wanted then congrats! If not, don’t panic, and speak to whoever you think will give you the best advice such as teachers or parents and consider all options such as resitting, clearing, or pausing your education to make the choice that is right for you!

Caroline, BA English

Step 2: Rank your list of preferred universities and courses

Once you have researched your options, it’s time to start thinking about the universities and courses that appeal to you the most. Think about the things that matter to you, such as the ranking and reputation of the university, the facilities and support services, or the overall student experience.

Talk through your options with family and friends and let them know your preferences depending on the outcome of your results. Opening up to loved ones will help you to feel in control of your options and will reduce the fear of missing your offer.

It’s a good idea to make a note of these universities and how you will contact them on the day. Many will offer a clearing or adjustment phone number, so jot this down and keep it in a safe place so you have it to hand.

My advice would be to try not to spend weeks worrying about results day, what will be will be. You can’t change the outcome, so relax and take everything as it comes. Everything happens for a reason and I have many friends who were disappointed and went through clearing, yet now they’re delighted at the university they ended up in! Things will work out in the end.

Emma, BA Graphic Communication and Illustration

Step 3: Find out what to expect on results day

To ease any uncertainties in the run-up to results day, it’s a good idea to understand what the day will entail so you can act quickly and decisively whatever your results. Hear from our staff and students in this video, as they explain what you can expect from results day.

You need to trust in your work and believe that things will work out for the best because often they do whether you see it now or not.

Kathryn, BSc International Business

Step 4: Receive your results and take action

If you find that you have not achieved the grades you needed, don’t panic! Applying to a university through clearing is simple if you have a plan in place. By putting in the time to understand your options before results day, you can make sure you are one of the first in line to enquire about the courses you are most interested in and stand a better chance of getting a place at the university you most want to go to.

You have put in immense effort over the last few months, don’t let that be defined simply by your marks. YOU are more than that! If you truly want something and are passionate about it, then let that determination and dedication speak and help you achieve what you desire!

Disha, MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology

Adjustment

If you exceed your offer, you will have the opportunity to trade up to a university or course with higher entry requirements through Adjustment. By researching your options and making a list of preferred universities that you’d like to go to, you will have a clear idea of which universities to contact if your grades are higher than you expected.

Results day checklist

Have you:

• Found out what time your school/college opens to collect your results
• Organised your UCAS documentation into one folder?
• Made a list of preferred courses with different entry requirements
• Arranged access to a computer or device to search for clearing and adjustment vacancies online?
• Made a list of university clearing and adjustment contact details?
• Arranged access to a mobile phone or landline?
• Limited other commitments on the day?

Clearing and Adjustment Top Tips

If you are thinking about applying to Loughborough through clearing, take a look at our top tips to make sure you are ready to take action as soon as you receive your results. These are intended to help you stay calm and plan for results day, and can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

We also know that you may have lots of questions about the Clearing and Adjustment process in general and what happens once you have got your examination results. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the process which can be found here. We hope they will provide you with the answers you are looking for!

If you would like more information about the process, as well as more general information about results day, take a look at our Clearing and Adjustment website to find out how clearing works sign up to receive our clearing updates.

The most important thing to remember on results day is to stay calm. If you didn’t get a place at your preferred university, don’t be disheartened. There are lots of great universities out there that will offer you the opportunity to make new memories and study a subject you love! Good luck!