What if I Don’t Get the Grades for Uni?

“What if I don’t get the grades for uni?” If you didn’t get the A Level results you were anticipating and you’re not sure what to do next, follow these steps:

1. Talk to Your University

  • Before making any decision, talk to the University – they’ll be able to clarify your options.
  • These may include deferment, a foundation year, or, if your grades were close to your offer, they may still give you a place.

2. Do you think your results were fair?

No
Appeal Your Results

  • You can appeal your results if you don’t think they were fair.
  • The first thing to do in this case is to talk to your school or college, then make sure you keep your University informed.
  • Follow this government link to get more information.

Yes
Keep Reading

3. Are you willing to change course or university?

Yes
Clearing

  • Universities use clearing to fill vacancies on courses.
  • If you don’t have your heart set on a particular course, this may be the best way to get into Uni.
  • Start by talking to your school or college, then look for available courses through UCAS.
  • Be aware, the courses available will change over time.

No
Resit your A Levels

  • Start by talking to your school or college about the best way to go about doing this and what support they can give you.
  • Then, make sure you talk to your university – it may still be possible to defer your offer.
  • You can resit in autumn or summer in England or summer in Scotland and Wales.
  • Think (and get advice) about the best way to spend your time, and when to resit, to give yourself the best chance to pass.

I don’t know
Take a Gap Year to Consider Your Options

  • Preparing for your A levels can be stressful and you may feel you need more time to consider your future.
  • If you decide to take a gap year, don’t waste it! Look for opportunities to try the career you’re thinking of, to earn some money to help at Uni, to volunteer or to travel. These might help you make a decision.
  • If you decide you still want to go to university you will need to reapply for next year.
  • If not, consider some of your other options.

Don’t forget to read even more of our blogs here and you can find our main Daily Maths Revision Page here! You can also subscribe to Beyond for access to thousands of secondary teaching resources. You can sign up for a free account here and take a look around at our free resources before you subscribe too.

Leave a Reply