A2 RESULTS GUIDANCE
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On Thursday 15th August 2024 at 9am, you will be receiving your A-Levels results through your Gibraltar College Email.
After two years of hard work and dedication, the moment you've been waiting for has finally arrived. Receiving your results can bring a mix of emotions, as it feels like your future hinges on this moment. There will be a lot of unanswered questions like:
Will I'll be accepted into my first choice university?
Do I need to explore Clearing to secure a place?
What happens if I'm still uncertain about my next steps, what should I do?
No matter how you're feeling, remember that you're not alone. Many students have faced this situation before and have successfully found their own paths. You will too, so try not to dwell too much on the worst-case scenarios.
The key to handling results day is preparation, and ensuring you get a good night's sleep beforehand will help you approach the day with a clear mind. And remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here's how you can get ready:
Results Day Checklist
Results Day Checklist
Remember, your results will be sent via email, so make sure to check your Gibraltar College email. We also recommend having a loved one with you for support, whether the outcome is what you were expecting or not. And if you need additional support, our Student Services team will be available to assist you, both online and in person. Just drop by our offices at Gibraltar College on results day [opening times: 9am - 12pm], or send us an email at karla.imossi@gibraltarcollege.org or shyrene.ignacio@gibraltarcollege.org, and we'll be here to guide you every step of the way.
Have your documents ready
There are several steps you can take to prepare for results day. Being well-organised and having all the necessary information at your fingertips will be especially helpful if your results are lower than expected and you need to apply through Clearing.
Make sure you have the following:
A fully charged mobile phone (phone calls can take a long time, so it's essential to ensure your battery is full)
A notepad and pen.
Details of your conditional offers, university contact information, your UCAS number, and universities' UCAS and Clearing contacts. Your Clearing number will be available on UCAS Hub if you’ve been rejected by your firm and insurance offer, or declined all your offers.
Notes from your research on universities and courses, along with a list of questions for course tutors.
Your personal statement – universities in Clearing could ask you about what you've written, so it's a good idea to refer back to it.
Have a Plan B
Your results may not be what you anticipated, so it’s wise to have a backup plan in place. Consider creating a list of alternative degree programs and universities along with their contact details. This way, once you've had a chance to process your emotions, you can quickly move forward with your next steps.
What should I do if I meet my offer?
Congratulations! If you have a conditional offer and meet the required criteria, your offer will be updated to 'unconditional.' This confirmation will appear in your UCAS Hub, and you will receive instructions on the next steps either from UCAS or directly from the university. For example, some universities may request proof of your qualifications.
If you've used UCAS Extra to add an additional choice and received an offer, you simply need to accept it by the deadline shown in UCAS Hub. Alternatively, if you choose to decline the offer, you have the option to add another choice.
You’ve just missed your grades
It’s natural to feel disappointed, but don’t lose hope—there’s still a possibility that your firm choice might offer you a place.
Check your UCAS Hub to see if your status has been updated to ‘unconditional’ or if you’ve been offered a spot on a different course at the same university. This is called a ‘changed course offer,’ which you’ll need to either accept or decline.
If you prefer to enter Clearing, you can decline the offer.
If you narrowly missed your grades or plan to appeal, you might want to ask your ‘firm choice’ to reconsider, especially if they haven’t made a final decision. If you are unhappy about you exam results and plan to appeal, visit the POST RESULTS SERVICE - JUNE 2024 page on the Gibraltar College website that will help you go through the process.
If your firm offer falls through and the university cannot accept you, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with us. You might consider:
Accepting your insurance place
Applying to other universities through Clearing
Re-siting your A-levels
Reapplying next year and taking a gap year
Going through CLEARING
Clearing is a process within the UCAS application system that helps students secure university places when their original plans don’t go as expected. It’s designed for those who didn’t receive any offers, didn’t meet the conditions of their offers, or decided to apply late in the application cycle. Additionally, Clearing allows universities to fill any remaining spaces in their courses for the upcoming academic year, giving students another chance to find a place. This can be particularly useful for applicants who either missed out on their entry grades or chose not to accept their initial offers.
When exploring Clearing options, it’s wise to begin with courses offered by universities you’ve already researched. This could include some of your other UCAS choices or universities you’ve visited during open days.
When does Clearing open and close?
Clearing starts on 5 July 2024 and continues up until 21 October.
Once you've received your results, you'll be able to make an application through Clearing.
A-level applicants will be able to add a Clearing choice via Ucas Hub on 15 August.
How Clearing Works?
To secure a place through Clearing, you'll need to contact universities directly by phone, and you can reach out to as many institutions as you wish.
It's a good idea to inquire about the courses they have available and whether they would consider you for a place. You may receive verbal offers from multiple universities, giving you options before making your final decision. If this is the case, please ensure you ask them to put it in writing - an email is good enough.
If you receive an offer, the university will provide you with a course code and institution code, along with information on how long the offer is valid—typically up to 48 hours.
Once you've made your decision, inform the university that you’re accepting their offer. After that, go to UCAS Hub, click the 'Add Clearing choice' button, and enter the course details.
How to Find Clearing Places
The UCAS website provides a comprehensive list of all the available places through Clearing, and universities often list their available courses on their own websites as well.
But how many universities can you apply to, and is it possible to get in with lower grades? We’ll address these questions below, along with guidance on how to reach out to universities.
How Many Universities Can I Apply To?
You can contact and receive offers from as many universities as you like, but you can only submit one Clearing choice through UCAS Hub.
Make sure you don't submit your Clearing choice until you've received a confirmed offer via phone or email from a university. If you submit prematurely and the university rejects you, you’ll have to wait until they formally release you before you can apply elsewhere.
Do Universities Accept Lower Grades Through Clearing?
This varies by institution. Some universities may accept lower grades during Clearing, but many will still require you to meet their entry requirements. Acceptance often depends on the course's subject area and the number of places still available.
In some cases, showing enthusiasm for the course or having relevant work experience could help you secure a place even if your grades are slightly lower than the usual requirements.
Contacting Universities During Clearing 2024
The first step is to call universities, but it’s crucial to be well-prepared to make a strong impression.
When you contact a university, you'll need to provide your Clearing number from UCAS Hub, as they won’t be able to access your application without it.
During your conversation with an admissions tutor, take the opportunity to highlight why you're interested in the course and why you would be a good fit for their university.
There’s Another Option: Taking a Pause
If you're not ready to make a quick decision, consider taking some time to reassess your options.
You might want to gain more work experience, retake your exams, or even defer your university place for a year. Taking a gap year can provide you with valuable time to strengthen your position before reapplying next year.
Once you know your grades, you'll have a clear understanding of which courses you qualify for, making the application process much simpler. Additionally, taking a year off can provide you with valuable experiences that enhance your readiness for university.
Results Day Is Over—What’s Next?
Now that you’ve received your results and secured your university place—congratulations! Here are the next steps you need to take to ensure you’re fully prepared for starting university:
Reach out to the Department of Education regarding your grant application. Stage 2 of your application requires you to complete the Mandatory Form B after you have received your A Level results. This form requires you to provide proof of your A-level results and a letter from the University confirming your university place. Visit this link for more information: Scholarship Application Process
Arrange your accommodation as soon as possible, don’t delay, as the best options tend to be taken quickly.
Organise your finances and book flights. Consider the expenses you’ll need to include in your budget and look for ways to reduce your costs while at university.
Familiarise yourself with the area. If you’ve secured a place through Clearing and are moving to a different part of the country, take some time to explore your new surroundings.
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