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What should you do if you haven't obtained the exam grades you need? DON'T PANIC!

UNIVERSITY

If you haven't got the required grades you need for your first choice university, phone the admission tutor for the course immediately. If you have only dropped one, or possibly two grades, the university may still accept you. Universities like to accept people who have put them as first choice. If you have definitely been rejected but are holding a place at your 'insurance' university, you may be accepted here. Again, check with the admission tutor to confirm your place.

If you are not successful you have a number of options:

  1. Re-sit your A level/s. You need to be really motivated in order to improve your grades.
    2. UCAS logo
  2. Apply though 'Clearing' for any of the vacancies available at universities. Details will be listed in various newspapers - The Independent usually carries the official UCAS list - also see the UCAS website www.ucas.com. You could apply for the same subject or perhaps for a new subject. Beware of jumping at the first place offered you - is it really one you want and will you be really happy going to a University/city you had not considered before?
  3. Take a year out (get a short term job, travel, do voluntary work/work experience) and reapply with your present grades.
  4. Apply for a job - looking especially for ones that will give you opportunities for further study.

FURTHER EDUCATION COLLEGE

Many college courses will have expected you to achieve certain grades in specific subjects at GCSE. If you haven't quite reached that level, your options are likely to be:

  1. The college is likely to suggest you start on an alternate course. Find out details of the course - one year or two? - will you be able to move on to the higher course afterwards? Is there another course you would now prefer?
  2. Re-sit the GCSE subjects you did not do well? Are you keen enough to work hard at a subject and syllabus you have already spent two years studying?
  3. Connexions logo Apply for work-based training or a Modern Apprenticeship. These opportunities give you the chance to obtain work qualifications (NVQ's) while getting practical experience - and you will be paid an allowance. For details visit your local Connexions Centre or look at www.connexions-bs.co.uk
  4. Find a job - preferably one where the employer will allow you to go college and improve your qualifications. Make sure you are also being paid the minimum for paying National Insurance Contributions; otherwise you might miss out on certain benefits. If in doubt, ask for advice at your local Connexions Centre or call in at Moseley CDT for information.