UCAS tips for A-Level results day

This morning, thousands of students across Cumbria will be finding out their A-Level and other Levels 3 results.

For many it decides whether or not they get into the University and onto course of their choice.

For some they might be left disappointed, missed the original application deadline or did better than they thought they would, and now want to make a last minute change.

This is where UCAS' Clearing comes in, its where universities attempt to fill empty spots on their courses, and allows students to look for alternative courses or universities.

UCAS says they have more than 27,000 courses to pick from and its open till mid October, so don't panic.

Key tips from UCAS' Head of Clearing

We spoke with Courtney Shepard, whose the Head of Customer Contact at UCAS and looks after Clearing, he wants to reassure students "there are plenty of options for you."

He added, that before you pick the phone and start the clearing process make sure you "research the different course types, to see which ones are available, research the university or college you are interested in and make a shortlist of them.

"Then, get all of that information written down, in terms of contact details and other stuff.

"Get your own UCAS information and personal statement ready, so your ready to treat the conversation that you will have with the university as if it was a mini-interview."

If your still nervous or wondering what to do, Courtney says "There's support available, we at UCAS are trained up, we are ready.

"I've spoken to thousands of students over the years, I've been on the end of the phone, I've heard the anxiety, the emotion.

"We know what you'll be going through and use us, use the support network to make an informed decision."

If you're still set on your original first choice, but have missed out, UCAS recommends calling the University up and see if they might be willing to let you in.

((news))