A disappointing results day, an incredible university experience

As results day approaches, I want to share my slightly unusual experience in the hope that my story will reassure anyone who is feeling concerned about coping when things don’t go to plan on that very daunting day.

The whole of last summer, for me, felt like a countdown to A-level results day. An A*AA offer from Durham, two years of intense work, and the high expectations of teachers who had told me that I was going to get the highest results in the sixth form created a ridiculous amount of pressure.

A year on, I’m so glad that things happened the way they did because I can’t imagine being as happy as I am now at another university

Now, the fact that I’m writing this article for Warwick’s student newspaper probably gives you a hint that things didn’t quite go to plan. But, a year on, I’m so glad that things happened the way they did because I can’t imagine being as happy as I am now at another university.

A year ago, I read articles like this one – about people who had gone to their insurance choice, and about people who had found places through clearing and had been very happy in the long term. But I wasn’t reassured. It didn’t seem like a reality. And, honestly, I didn’t believe that that would be me.

Results day came around. I felt sick on the way into sixth form. I opened UCAS and saw the news I had been dreading and fearing all year. I had not made it into my first choice, and I was heartbroken.

Things got more complicated when I sat down with my teachers who informed me that I was 1UMS off my offer and that I needed to apply for priority remarks. There was a confusing possibility that I would still be accepted at Durham.

I opened UCAS and saw the news I had been dreading and fearing all year. I had not made it into my first choice, and I was heartbroken

After considering the offer all weekend, pondering my options and my future, I made the determined decision that I was going to go to my insurance choice, regardless of what my remarks said.

I can honestly say this was the best decision I have ever made. Two weeks after results day, I got my remarks back and I finally got the grades that I needed to get into Durham, but I am endlessly glad that I made the decision to stick to Warwick. Needless to say, I was so happy to get those remarked grades, because I knew that I had worked hard for them.

Something just felt right about Warwick. The Warwick open day had been my favourite and I had felt a distinct sense of belonging. After results day, I was so excited about what Warwick had to offer. And, after I found out I had been placed in the accommodation I wanted, everything seemed to fall into place.

If you don’t get the results you want, there are so many options

I didn’t write this to scare anyone waiting for results. I wrote it to be reassuring. This was a slightly unusual situation, but I want everyone to realise that things happen for a reason and you will, very likely, end up where you are meant to be.

If you don’t get the results that you want, there are so many options. I helped friends go through clearing who are now happier at their university than they ever would have been elsewhere. Everything happens for a reason and you will go where is best for you in the long term. Good luck to anyone expecting results, but make sure to enjoy your summer free from revision in the meantime!