Parents often ask us what they can do to be helpful and supportive on results day and throughout clearing.
Here's our top tips on how you can support someone that is waiting for A-level results and be a valuable resource if you have to find an alternative place in Clearing.
Results day is around the corner and it’s likely to be an emotional day for many reasons. Hopefully, all the years of hard work have paid off and you’ll soon be waving them off to start their next chapter in higher education. But if things don’t go exactly to plan, they might have to make some last-minute changes in order to secure their place at university. There are lots of things you can do to support them in the run up to results day, and post-results day if necessary. Here are a few ways to help make sure they are ready for all possibilities and have a stress-free results day experience.
What can we be doing ahead of results day?
- It always helps to be prepared – even if you’re confident they will get the results they need. Here’s a few things you could do together in preparation for results day:
- Get familiar with the Clearing process and what to expect on results day. Have a read of our Ultimate Guide to Clearing which explains the process and cuts through the jargon.
- Take a note of the Clearing contact numbers for the Universities they’ve applied too just in case you need to get in contact with them.
- Make sure they have their UCAS Account username and password ready and check they can login without any problems.
- Talk about other options and do some preliminary shortlisting on other places or courses of interest. It could save you some time on results day.
- Make sure they read over their personal statement and are ready to answer questions about their experience, skills and qualifications if asked.
- Practice a Clearing call and list some questions they might want to ask.
- Encourage them to get plenty of sleep and eat as they will need the energy.
- If you have any questions or want to know more about Clearing – get in touch at [email protected].
How can I support on results day?
The most important thing is to be available to support in any way you’re needed. It’s possible they’re going to have to make some big decisions and might need to discuss their options with you. There are many other things you might be able to help with including:
- Listening for calls to be answered as you could be on hold to several places at once.
- Using the online search tool to find available courses and the contact details for the provider, all of which are on the UCAS website.
- Make sure you have a pen and paper at the ready. Have any conversations on loud speaker if possible so you can take notes.
- Charge devices – you might have multiple devices on the go so make sure they stay topped up with charge.
- Be reassuring – it can be quite stressful and confusing time so try and stay positive and provide reassurance.
- Play devil’s advocate – make sure they don’t rush into making a decision without thinking / talking things through. Challenge them and ask questions about their decision.
- It’s likely to be an early start so make sure you’re well stocked up on drinks and healthy snacks to keep your energy levels high.
Your Results Day Checklist
Go into results day prepared. Use this handy checklist to make sure you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips if and when you need them.
- UCAS Personal ID number
- UCAS account login details
- UCAS Clearing number – they will find their clearing number in UCAS account if they’ve not met the conditions of their firm or insurance choice.
- Clearing helpline numbers for universities (UA92 Helpline: 0300 131 9292) they’ve applied to or have their eye on – you can usually find these on their websites
- Pens and paper – there’ll be lots of information to take in so always a good idea to jot things down.
- Phone and laptop chargers plus a good WiFi /4g signal or internet connection.
- Personal statement – universities they speak to about Clearing will be able to see this and may ask you questions based on this
- GCSE results – they might come up.
Remember, if you have any questions about clearing we are more than happy to help.* You can speak to an advisor from 8am on Thursday 18 August by calling 0300 131 9292 or email [email protected].
*Please note we are unable to discuss any UA92 applicant details between Friday 11 August and 8am on Thursday 17 August due to the UCAS embargo.