Concerned about making your grades? Plan ahead and know your backup options!

The release of IB and A Level results are imminent, which means that it is now a really good time to start thinking about what you are going to do once you receive them. It is useful to plan early so that you know and understand what your options are, so that you can make the right decision about where to study when the time comes.

We all hope that we will meet or even exceed our predicted grades, but occasionally, this might not happen. If this is the case, there is no need to worry, as there may be alternative options for you. UCAS Clearing is available to students who do not have any offers from any universities that they’ve applied to, or their place is not confirmed after exam results are published. A number of institutions lower their entry requirements during Clearing, meaning that students who have not made their top choices are able to re-consider their options. Clearing is also suitable for students who have not submitted any applications to UK universities and who want to apply late in the cycle, after the 30 June.

On the other hand, you may find that your results are much better than you expected, and you may wish to consider universities who have entry requirements higher than you thought you would achieve. This is possible through Adjustment; where you can submit new applications to universities which you initially thought were out of your reach. Top ranked universities often have limited places on their most popular courses, however, you may be able to find something which is more suited compared with the initial choices you made.

How We Can Help

Here at Hands On, we have excellent relationships with UK university representatives and can help you find suitable options, whatever situation you find yourself in.

With 12 years of experience in placing students at UK universities, we know that Clearing can be a daunting process for students. However, we will work with you to ensure that we make the process as easy and simple as possible.

• Hands On are a UCAS Centre
• With five dedicated, native English-speaking staff with UK university experience, Hands On can guide you through the Clearing process
• Hands On represent over 100 UK universities, and have a close relationship with all of them, allowing us to help you find alternative choices quickly
• We can help identify universities who are accepting scores higher or lower than advertised
• We will also help with your visa and accommodation

We recommend that anyone concerned about gaining entry to their preferred UK undergraduate degree come to one of our Hands On offices to speak to one of our counsellors before results day, or fill out the enquiry form on this page.

Our Testimonials

“When my IB result came out, I missed the requirement by one point so I came to Hands On right away to seek help. Hands On staff contacted the university for me and sorted out the problem so I finally got into my first choice university. Hands On staff also helped me to prepare documents for the visa and told me what to expect during the interview. This was very helpful and made my visa process go smoothly.” – Sitanan

“I had taken the IB diploma in Switzerland and when my results came out, I was one point away from my insurance choice and 2 from my first choice. I decided to approach Hands on because of its reputation and the various universities it represents. Not only did Hands on actively talk to various universities on the behalf of me, but also it assured me that everything was going to be alright. This was very important for me mentally because I was very frustrated at the situation I was in as I needed to also wait for A levels.” – Devraj