QUEEN'S OFFERS ADVICE FOR A-LEVEL STUDENTS 

18 August 2016

Queen’s has issued advice to students who will receive their A-level results today (Thursday 18 August 2016), including telephone hotline numbers, useful web addresses and details of a 'drop in' personal advice session.

Jennifer Dwyer, Head of Queen’s Admissions and Access Service, said: “I know from personal experience how anxious a time this can be and we understand at Queen’s how important choosing the right university and course is. This is why it is essential that students and their families have as much information as possible at this time so they can make the decisions which are best for them.

"The University receives A-level and AS-level results directly from UCAS and candidates do not need to communicate their results to the University. Students will be contacted if any results appear to be missing. Those who did not take an examination listed on their application should let the University know without delay.”

University decisions

Decisions made by Queen's, the Ulster University and Stranmillis University College are posted on a website hosted by Queen's, updated twice each day. This also carries the most comprehensive details and is the simplest way to find out about the status of an application and Clearing vacancies. Details are also published on the UCAS website.

Applicants who achieve the exact grades or points specified in their conditional offer should have their place confirmed through UCAS following the publication of results. These applicants do not need to telephone the University or College. The only official notification is through UCAS which will advise applicants by email that there has been an update on Track. Successful applicants must log into Track to read their letter to find out what action they need to take. This varies depending on the preferences of individual universities.

Did you do better than expected?

Students who do better than expected can, through the Adjustment process, hold their offer while they look for an alternative course. It may be difficult, however, to find a vacancy on a high demand course. Full details are available on the UCAS website.

Students who average out or narrowly miss the grades required may still be accepted for their original choice but, though this is dependent on the competition for places in individual subjects and on government funding which determines the number of places available for NI and EU students.

The priority of universities is to communicate decisions as quickly as possible and every effort is made to accommodate as many applicants as possible on the course of their choice or a suitable alternative.

Enquiry form

Often universities, including Queen’s, have an Enquiry Form available on their website. This should be returned to the University as soon as possible if they want to be considered for an alternative course in the event that they are unsuccessful in their original choice. Assuming that Queen’s University can help, a changed course offer would be made. This is simpler than going through Clearing.

Clearing

Any student unable to gain admission to either their firm or insurance choice, and who is not offered an acceptable alternative course, will be eligible to participate in the Clearing process. Details of Clearing vacancies appear in the national press, on www.ucas.com and on university websites. Students must be pro-active, as Clearing vacancies usually disappear quickly.

Alternatively, some students may decide to repeat one or more subjects and reapply for 2017 entry. Any student considering this option should check with the institution concerned about receiving an offer as a repeat candidate. It is important to remember that the entry requirements may be different.

Urging people to think carefully about their choices Jennifer Dwyer added: “It is crucial to make decisions sensibly at this time of year and not to accept alternative courses, or Adjustment or Clearing places without careful consideration. There are many people who can help. Students unsure about which option to pursue should discuss their situation carefully with their parents, their school or college or the Careers Service of the Department for the Economy.”

Telephone Support Lines

Queen’s operates Telephone Support Lines to ensure that students receive the guidance they need.

The telephone number to use is 028 9097 3838 (multiple lines) and lines will open from 9.30am to 6.00pm on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August.

Further information (including weekend opening times) can be found online.

Personal advice session

On Monday 22 August, a personal advice session will be held in the Sir William Whitla Hall at Queen’s between 2pm and 5pm.

Visit qub.ac.uk/clearing for more information.

Full details and FAQs are available at qub.ac.uk/sites/NewStudents/

Media inquiries to Queen’s Communications Office, tel: 028 9097 3091.

 

 

 

 

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