Results day 15th August is now with us and teenagers across the country will find out whether or not they have got their CF or CI degree choices. The vast majority of students will be happy with their final destinations, but there are always those who need to either pick up a place through UCAS clearing or if they have excelled their predicted grades, move into UCAS adjustment. Some of the top universities have places in clearing too but there are a few things to remember such as telephoning them as soon as the hotlines open at 8am on results day.
UCAS clearing
Around 12.5% of university degree places (UCAS 2018) were taken up in UCAS clearing in the 2018 cycle, including some at the coveted Russell Group universities. For 2019 the numbers entering clearing promises to increase as universities fill their places on a wide variety of degrees. If a student find themselves in UCAS Clearing without having researched their options beforehand (UCAS Clearing opened on 5th July 2019), then it is still best to make a considered and well thought out decision. Take the time to read through the modular content of a degree before choosing. Remember that students still have to spend 3 or 4 years of their lives with this university / degree choice.
UCAS adjustment
Far less students exceed their grades and have the opportunity to make a different choice, moving towards a degree that is more competitive. I would always advise making sure that this really is the right move. Going from grades AAB to AAA may sound as if the student should be on a more competitive course. However sometimes I think that a raised grade may be an indicator that the student will thrive rather than survive academically. Sailing into a degree, knowing that a student has achieved more than the entry requirement, I believe gives the student confidence. On the other hand if there is a leap from AAB to AAA or A*AA even, then I think a more competitive degree is worth considering. In my experience, students may only get 4 out of the 5 offers – perhaps due to a less competitive application. The raised grade may persuade the all important 5th choice – that didn’t give an offer in the first place – to have a rethink and look at the student again.