It’s the day you’ve all been waiting for, and regardless of your results, you’re guaranteed to be in your feels. It can be a really anxious time, but if you’re mega-prepared, it can help.

What happens on A-level results day?

On Thursday 15th August, your results will be available to collect from your sixth form or college, usually from around 8am. UCAS begins updating records from 8.15am and you’ll be able to see if you’ve made it onto your course or have been prompted to go through clearing.

12 ways to be prepared for results day

1. Get some rest the night before

The night before can be a bit of a struggle. The countdown is on, but it can still be a longgg night as you await your results. Relax at home, stick a comfort film or TV show on and try and get as much rest as you can.

2. Get all your login details ready

You’ve probably memorised or saved them at this point, but just in case—make sure you’ve got your UCAS login details at the ready, and any other logins that you may need during your results day morning.

3. Plan your results day morning

Meeting your BFF? Going with family? It’s good to have a rough plan so you know where you’re meant to be and when! Don’t forget to have some breakfast and charge your phone, it can be a wild morning and you don’t want to be hungry or without power.

4. Get to know the clearing process

It’s good to be clued up on clearing, just in case. Some people even like to pinpoint some clearing courses that might appeal so you’re one step ahead. Do some research and read our no-panic university clearing guide to learn more.

5. Have your backup plan ready

Remember, you have options! From clearing or deferring to going into full-time work or an apprenticeship, it’s good to start thinking about other options. Have a backup plan to avoid a results-day-induced existential crisis, but it’s good to remember that you don’t need to have it all figured out either.

6. Plan how to celebrate

Regardless of your results, it’s sooo important to celebrate. Don’t forget about the journey you’ve been on in the last couple of years, that’s definitely worth celebrating!

Plan a big night out with friends, treat yourself to your favourite takeaway and have a celebratory night in, or go out for a meal. Do some research, as you might find some results day freebies too—yes plz!

7. Consider every possible outcome

To stop yourself from worrying, think about every possible outcome ahead of results day.

• How would you deal with that outcome?
• What would your next steps be?
• What would you recommend if it happened to a friend?

And just remember, what if it all went “right”?

8. Any questions?

Got some burning questions for your sixth form, college or uni? Write them down in your notes app so they’re ready to go on the day. No question is a silly question.

9. Confide in someone you trust

How are you feeling, really? It’s such an intense time, and having someone on your team who can be a sounding board can be really helpful. Talk about your worries and anxieties with someone who you trust, even better if they’ve been in your position before.

10. Keep note of helpful numbers and email addresses

You don’t wanna be scrambling around for the contact details of your uni and UCAS on the day, so make sure you have every contact detail written down.

11. Consider going offline in the lead-up

The “noise” and anticipation around results day can make things worse! Maybe stick your phone on aeroplane mode or avoid social media apps, or mute certain words for a little while.

12. Keep calm and stay positive

The best thing you can do in the lead-up to results day is stay as calm as possible, and stay positive! You’ve done your best, and you’ll be able to deal with whatever your results day throws at you.

It’s giving ✨prepared and ready for whatever results day brings✨