CONGRATULATIONS! 15th August is here. A huge well done to all students who are off to university after receiving their results today. I have really enjoyed seeing the students get their results at Brampton CollegeThis is where I have been helping sixth formers with their university applications this year, as well as all other aspects of UCAS. Also, I loved witnessing all the high spirits with the majority of students getting their places at their first choice of university. Some students miss the mark by one or two grades, but thankfully they were still given a place. I am always heartened that UK universities are in a position to take students who do not quite get the full entry requirement. Courses have to be filled and universities always look favourably at applicants who are just short of the mark.
Why the Personal Statement counts: In a tie break situation the personal statement may be the difference between gaining a place or not. If there are only a few places to fill admissions tutors might use the personal statement and academic reference to make their decision. I am sometimes asked by teachers whether the personal statement really counts. The truth is I have heard two stories. Some university departments do not pay too much attention to them, whilst others make offers based on them.
Dropped grades: In today’s Independent, this year’s dropped grades are evidence of students finding the new linear A levels more challenging than the previous modular exams. 2019 is the first year for the reformed maths A level and results show that only 55% was needed for students to achieve a grade A. Grade boundaries are no longer published as this is deemed a ‘pointless exercise’ by Geoff Barton of the Association of School and College Leaders. According to Geoff, students used to loose sleep over the grade boundaries on the eve of their results, trying to work out what this would mean for them.
Next steps: Whatever the grades – students must confirm their accommodation NOW with their universities. Nearly all UK universities guarantee accommodation for first year undergraduates, and hopefully students will have visited and know where they want to go. You will have so much to organise before freshers week. Maybe term starts in October and there will be an opportunity to go travelling or squeeze in another summer job to bump up that bank balance.