AS, A Level exam results are in - what next?

Exam results day can be nerve-wracking. You may have brilliant results, or they may be a complete disaster, or more likely, somewhere between the two.
On Thursday, 19-year-old student, Adil Rangoonwala, scored an impressive two A*s and a B for Economics, Mathematics and Physics.
But unlike his peers, he was one of few not celebrating. "I needed to score a triple A to go on and study Business at the London School of Economics in the UK."
Though Adil secured two A*s - higher grades than he was expecting - he said the B in Physics could scupper his chances at gaining entry into is top University. As he sat with his school career advisor to discuss the possibility of re-sitting the exam, his hopes remained positive, despite his earlier upset.
Here, Fiona McKenzie, the Head of School and University Placement at independent education consultants Gabbitas, shares her thoughts on the options available if your results do not go according to plan.
"The shock of not meeting the long desired university offer and entry into Clearing is the dread of every UCAS applicant on results day. Once re-marking options and urgent appeals to universities have been explored and the dream of attending a particular university is shattered you may choose to start scanning through the Clearing vacancies.
"Students should take a fresh, objective look at where their future is going. Another option to Clearing is a reapplication the following year either with or without retakes. To reapply does offer the chance for greater reflection on course choice and the process of applying with actual, rather than predicted grades, can often be more straightforward.
Most universities will look favourably on reapplications, although offers may be more demanding if a student is repeating A Levels. For a small number of students who under applied and exceed their original offer Adjustment, the opportunity to trade-up, is another option. In reality though very competitive places will not be in Adjustment and a reapplication would be more appropriate."
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
Ask yourself: Were the wrong subjects selected for study? Is the chosen course really the best option for me? Would an alternative option be better?  For advice you can contact Fiona McKenzie on 044516933 or visit www.gabbitas.ae.