What to Do After You Get Your Exam Results

There's no denying that advanced-level qualifications exams, or A-level exams, can be stressful for anyone. Of course, the process of studying and taking one of these exams can be stressful enough, but waiting for your results can be a nail-biter, especially considering what the results entail.

Once you've received your results, it's understandable if you didn't necessarily get the grades you wanted. People work hard and don't always get the desired results, and it shouldn't be something that keeps you down. Here's what you can do after you get your exam results.

1. Retaking A levels

Retaking your A levels might feel like something of a waste, especially due to the amount of time you've spent, but the decision isn't to be taken for granted. The students that decide to push through with retaking A levels are to be commended, as it shows just how committed they are to getting the grades they want. There are those who decide to retake the A levels even when they manage to pass with a reasonable result that opens plenty of doors.

Of course, to retake the A level, you'll have to take a few things into account. Some universities are stricter when you retake A levels, so it’s a good idea to commit fully to the effort. The good news is that a surprising number of students raise their exam results by a large margin when retaking, making it well worth the effort for those who are serious about their academics.

2. Taking the opportunity to speak with your university/college

Unexpected grades are to be expected, strange as it might sound. However, there are also situations where you narrowly miss the cut, which means it might be a good idea to speak with your university/college regarding your options. For the most part, many are willing to be more flexible with exam results, especially if you missed what you wanted by a narrow margin. Narrowly missing your offer isn't necessarily the end of such an offer, as you could potentially still appeal your grade.

For those who aren't planning to retake their A levels, even with an unexpected grade, it's well worth the effort to speak to your university/college regarding your options.

3. Tackling the world of apprenticeships and alternatives

If things don't work out the way you want and your chosen university/college isn't offering what you want, there are other methods to get the desired results outside of retaking your A levels. For example, there are apprenticeships that offer a salary for those studying, all the while paying for the course, provided you can find an apprenticeship. There's also no shame in taking the year off and finding work to figure out what you want from life.

Getting your exam results can be stressful, especially if you've only made plans for when you succeed. It's a good idea to work toward many different scenarios, as not everyone will get what they want. So long as you're willing to work hard and are consistent with your studies, you'll easily find more opportunities to thrive.