A-Level results Day

A-Level results day has arrived (Thursday 16 August 2012).

Applicants can log in to Track on the UCAS website from 8am to see if they have been accepted or are eligible for clearing. 

Students should also check their email and the post for confirmation letters.

Students who want to consider a clearing place can start looking at courses with vacancies from early in the morning on the day and they should discuss courses that interest them directly with the universities and colleges as soon as possible.

Courses with vacancies are listed on the UCAS website (ucas.com) and in the Telegraph. 

Formal applications to clearing courses can be made through UCAS from 5pm.

Mary Curnock Cook, UCAS Chief Executive, offered this advice to applicants:

"The majority of applicants with conditional offers will have their place confirmed on results day. 

"The UCAS website has all the information you need about what to do."  

The UCAS social media team answer queries on Twitter and Facebook and will be available from 6am today.

The helpline is open from7am to 7pm on 0871 4680468

What should I do on results day?

• Read through the information at ucas.com/clearing to find out how Clearing works and for helpful advice.
• Look on Track on the UCAS website from 08:00 to check the status of your application and to get your Clearing number, if you become eligible. This year you will also receive an email either confirming your place, or letting you know if you are unplaced.
• Make sure that you are available to speak to universities and colleges - treat your Clearing application like a job application - deal with it yourself. Don't leave it to your parents or friends to sort out.
• Start contacting the universities and colleges about the courses that interest you as soon as you can. An institution that is interested in you will ask for details such as your Clearing number and your Personal ID. You will probably also be asked questions about your exam results.
• Vacancies are listed at ucas.com and also in The Telegraph from Thursday 16 August. Make sure that the content of the course meets your needs, and check the entry requirements.
• If your exam results are better than you expected you may be able to use Adjustment. This service is accessed through Track and allows applicants who meet and exceed the conditions of their firm choice to reconsider where and what to study study while retaining the option of their original place. For more information visit the UCAS website.
• Visit UCAS Connect which brings you the digital side of UCAS. It's the home of our online advice and tips about applying to university. Why not try following @ucas_online or @ucasclearing on twitter for the latest updates?
• If you need help applying through Clearing or have a query about your application, you can contact the UCAS helpline on 0871 468 0 468. Lines are open from 07:00 - 19:00 from results day.
• For independent advice on the full range of post-exam options, you can call the Exam Results Helpline on 0808 100 8000. Lines are open from 08:00 - 20:00 on results day.

ChildLine offers support to young people in North Yorkshire

ChildLine is offering support to those who are feeling anxious, worried or upset about their exam results.

Christine Mellor, ChildLine area manager said:

"We hear from lots of young people each year who are worried or panicking about their results, so we want to let them know that they are not alone and that ChildLine is here to listen to them."  

ChildLine has the following top tips for young people who don't get the results they had hoped for:

• Tell someone how you are feeling - a parent, carer, friend or teacher. Or if you want to speak to someone anonymously you can contact ChildLine in confidence.
• Look at the options that are available to you such as re-sitting, going to another university or college or changing to a similar course.
• If you are able to re-sit, think about what you would do differently - you may need more help with revision or there might be one area that you need to concentrate more on.
• Don't think that your whole future will be determined by your exam results - it's not. There are lots of things out there for you to do and gain experience in. Speak to your guidance councillor or even a career advisor about the options available to you.
• There is also lots of help, advice and fun things to do on the 'Beat exam stress' section of the ChildLine website by visiting http://www.childline.org.uk/explore/schoolcollege/pages/examresults.aspx

Young people can write on message boards where they can talk to other young people waiting for results and offer support to each other. They can also use the creative tools to express their feelings and watch videos.  

The helpline is also available to anyone who wants to speak to a counsellor about their results on 0800 1111.