Seven things to discuss with your teenagers before Results Day
Parents have a crucial role in helping young adults take the next steps, including preparing for a successful transition which can often involve making a Plan B for when they get their exam results.
We find applicants really benefit from talking through their options with the people they most trust.
Here are seven key things it can be helpful to talk about in the run-up to receiving exam results:
1. Most young people will get their first choice this year
At UCAS, we expect the majority of applicants will be placed at their first choice university or college, making 2022 a great year to be entering higher education.
2. Around 30,000 courses will be available in Clearing
Young people still looking for a place after receiving results need not worry – they will be able to choose from around 30,000 courses in Clearing. Last year 41,000 early applicants went on to find a course in Clearing, as did another 15,000 who applied directly.
This means if they did not receive or accept an initial offer, missed their grades, decided to change direction and use Clearing to secure a new offer, or if they are a first-time applicant, there is a very good chance they can get what they want in Clearing.
3. ClearingPlus makes it easier than ever to find the right course
With so many different courses available, we know it can be hard to find the right option. To speed things up, we’ve got a tool that takes what we know about a student and what universities are looking for, to suggest some courses. With ClearingPlus, a student without a place can express an interest in a course in the UCAS Hub and university or college can contact them directly. For people still unsure of what or where they want to study, ClearingPlus can help them find a good fit.
4. CareerFinder proves there’s more than one way to do higher education
A traditional full-time degree is no longer the only way to study at university. UCAS’ CareerFinder can help young people explore their full range of options.
Degree apprenticeships, across a wide range of disciplines, have become increasingly popular. These can give students the technical skills, on-the-job experience and networking opportunities they need to excel in their chosen field. Young people should also look at the newly launched Higher Technical Qualifications to find opportunities for high-level vocational courses.
Encourage your young adult to use CareerFinder to see what courses are available in their area of interest.
5. Think carefully before taking a year out and reapplying in 2023
Young people who don’t get their first choice may be tempted to defer for a year in hopes of getting that place in 2023. However, when thinking through this option, its important to remember that birth rates have led to a larger population of 18-year-olds in 2023, a trend that is set to continue each year until 2030. This means students who choose to apply next year will be trying to gain their preferred place when there will be more competition for places.
6. Your first choice is not the only choice
It is easy for young people to set their hearts on a preferred course at a particular university or college and missing out can be deeply disappointing. But it is worth reminding them that their first choice isn’t their only good choice. There are careers open to them that didn’t exist a generation ago, along with more pathways to pursue their chosen field.
Between now and exam results day, encourage your teenager to explore CareerFinder and other UCAS resources to make a Plan B. This could be in a field they hadn’t considered before, or at a university or college in an entirely new place. If they can begin to envision these different pathways, they will be well prepared just in case they don’t get the results they want.
7. Listen to the Clearing Choices podcast series
Clearing Choices is UCAS’ podcast series with all the answers to common questions about grades, applications, offers and Clearing. Click here to listen now.
