Your results day plan

You can't predict exactly what your results will be, but you can be ready for the different possibilities. Spending a little time planning now can help you feel clearer about your options and more confident about your next steps, whatever happens.

This guide will help you prepare, step by step – from knowing where to find information and who to contact, to understanding your options if your plans change.

Step 1: Know where you stand

Start by making sure you understand your current application. Before results day, check that you know:

• your firm and insurance choices
• the conditions of your offers (if any)
• how to sign in to your UCAS Hub
• when you'll receive your results
• how your exam results will get to colleges or universities – and whether you need to send them yourself

Checking these details now gives you one less thing to think about, helping you stay focused on the decisions ahead.

If you have questions – or anything’s not feeling quite right – don’t wait. Reach out to your chosen university or college. They’re there to help, and having those early conversations can make a big difference in helping you feel confident and clear about what’s next.

Jess, UCAS Coach

Step 2: Think about different situations

It's natural to focus on the outcome you're hoping for, but it's worth thinking about the other possibilities too.

Ask yourself:

• What will I do if my place is confirmed?
• What if I'm offered my insurance choice instead?
• What if I don't get the grades for either offer?
• What if I do better than expected?
• What if I decide I want to explore different options, like an apprenticeship?

Thinking through your options now can make it easier to make informed decisions if you need to act quickly on results day.

Step 3: Explore your options

Even if you're confident about meeting the conditions for your first choice, spending a little time researching alternatives means you’ll have options.

You could:

• reconnect with your firm choice university and find out what support and options are available
• chat to students already at the universities or colleges you’re considering
• revisit your original five choices
• look at similar courses or subjects with vacancies
• explore different universities or colleges
• picture yourself studying there for the next three years or more
• make a shortlist of courses that interest you in your UCAS Hub

If your plans change on results day, you'll already have somewhere to start and a clearer picture of the options available to you.

The most important part of your plan is to explore some courses that are available in Clearing now. You might want to refer back to your original research if that will help. You’re aiming for a list of course options at unis where you’d be happy to study. That way, if you need it, you’re ready to act.

Jess, UCAS Coach

Step 4: Know who you might need to speak to

Results day isn't something you have to navigate on your own. Think about who you might contact if you need advice or information. This could include:

• your school or college
• a parent, carer, or someone you trust
• a university or college admissions team
• UCAS

Having important contact details ready before results day can save valuable time if you need them.

As well as getting a list of key contacts together, check your contact details are up-to-date so you don't miss important updates. If you'd like someone to be able to speak to UCAS about your application on your behalf, contact us to give them nominated access.

Step 5: Know where to find trusted information

Before making any decisions on results day, make sure it’s supported by information from reliable sources.

UCAS is the only place to find the most up-to-date Clearing vacancies, as well as information about courses, entry requirements, and admissions decisions. 

If you're using search engines or AI to help you research your options, remember that it may not always show the latest information or vacancies. Use it to help you explore options, but always check important information with UCAS or the university or college directly before making decisions. 

Step 6: Get your results day essentials ready

A little preparation now can make the day itself much simpler. Before results day, make sure you have:

• your UCAS Hub sign in details
• your UCAS Personal ID
• details for how your school or college will share results
• a fully charged phone and somewhere to make notes
• contact details for any universities or colleges you might want to speak to
• bookmarked links to the UCAS Hub and Clearing pages

Having everything in one place means you can focus on making decisions rather than searching for information.

Whatever happens, you’ll have options – this is about being ready for them.