It is A-level results day, and the daily papers are full of happy news. Pictures of popular-looking blonde girls leaping for joy and throwing their results slips in the air cover front pages. Reports of overall pass rates on the rise abound. And it all leaves a slightly bitter taste in my mouth.
First, I was not a popular blonde babe and rather resented those leaping lovelies. And though I was over-the-moon to receive my results (exactly what I needed to confirm my offer at my top-choice university), my own envelope-ripping experience was rather traumatic. I was petrified of failing (and by failing, I mean not getting the marks I needed to go to my uni of choice) and had absolutely no desire to open my results in public. My sixth-form college was reluctant for me to leave the sports hall where thousands of envelopes were stored for collection without me reporting my scores (unreassuringly they told me that they wanted to be there if I didn’t get my grades and needed counselling) and when I finally snuck out of the hall and into the back of my Dad’s car to open the (now a little sweaty) envelope, I did not get a clear answer. Bafflingly, my results were given for each module but an overall mark was nowhere to be found, leaving me to do some panicked mental maths (not one of my A-levels, and not one of my strong points) to check I had the required marks. My poor parents were beside themselves as I desperately counted and recounted my marks. Why some students agree to being filmed as they open their results is totally beyond me – what are they thinking?!
I was terrified of ‘failing’ and my Sixth-Form college (which was brilliant in most ways) helped seat that fear deep in me from the first day I picked my options. And though I succeeded in gaining the marks I needed, I know now that missing the required grades would not have been the disaster I (and my tutors) imagined it could be.
The papers are full of information about UCAS ‘clearing’ today – which is a great option for those students who did not get the grades they needed for their top choice uni (or for those who exceeded their own expectations and want to see if there is a better university that has space for them). Some commentators suggest that students who did not make the grade take a ‘gap year’ and try again. My own suggestion is to look abroad for options too – do not forget that there are thousands of brilliant colleges and universities in other countries – and many have funded options available – making it a more affordable option than British university.
My own American educational adventure began after taking my BA in the UK – to be honest, studying abroad didn’t cross my mind before then. But if I were to offer advice to any A-level student today it would be to look overseas for opportunities. I have written many times about my advice on applying and settling in (see here, here, and here, for example) – and there is plenty more to be found online regarding universities outside the USA.
So if you had a worse day than the bouncing blondes heading to Russell Group Universities via the front pages of Britain’s finest broadsheets – please do not fear. Take a look at UCAS clearing – but if nothing takes your fancy, why not take a year out to work, improve your grades, and travel a little? In a few month’s time start applications to universities a little further afield. Studying abroad opens your mind, broadens your experiences, and (especially in this economic climate) will provide a stand-out talking point for your CV.
Studying abroad was the best move I made – academically and personally. You will not regret it!
Follow Sophie on Twitter @sophiejpitman
