As students across the North East prepare to receive their exam results next week (Thursday 18 August), a new survey has revealed they are more worried about achieving the grades they need than the national average, and more than half of current A Level and BTEC students in the region say they aren’t fully aware of the options available to them since recent changes to the clearing process came into effect.
The research, which was carried out on behalf of Northumbria University in the run up to A Level results day, looked at students’ perceptions of the options available to them after receiving their exam results.
Key findings in the survey of A Level and BTEC students in the North East has shown:
- More than half (58%) don’t know what adjustment is (the option to ‘trade up’ their place to a different university or course if they do better than expected)
- A quarter (25%) are expecting to get better grades than predicted
- More than three quarters (79%) would accept their existing offer even if they got better grades than they expected
- A surprising 79% are worried they won’t get the grades they need, compared to the national average of 59%
- 29% would use clearing if they got worse grades
- 46% said having a happy and healthy life was one of their main aspirations
- The right course (71%) and facilities on campus (46%) are biggest influencers when choosing a university
The findings suggest that students in the region are feeling the pressure before picking up their results, with four in five (79%) worried they might not get the grades they need, compared to 59% nationally. Half of North East students (50%) said they were concerned they won’t get into their chosen university.
While the concept of applying for a place through clearing was understood by 42% of students in the North East, a surprising 58% of those surveyed hadn’t heard of the adjustment process, which has now been available for two years. A further 21%said they were aware of it but didn’t understand what it meant.
Nationally, almost half (46%) hadn’t heard of adjustment and 26% were aware of it but didn’t understand it.
More than three quarters (79%) of North East students said they would accept their existing offer even if they got better grades than initially anticipated, suggesting many students have a clear idea in mind when it comes to their course of choice and institution.
This is backed up by survey findings that the ‘right course’ and a university’s facilities are the most important reasons for choosing a university, with (71%) of students stating they made the decision on the ‘right course’ for them, and 46% selecting their course or university based on facilities on campus.
Meanwhile, more than a quarter (29%) of students said they would go through the clearing process if they got worse grades than expected – with one in 10 (8%) of students saying they are happy to have clearing to ‘fall back on’.
Northumbria University’s survey highlights the importance of students having a full understanding of the options available to them as results day edges ever closer.
Helen Bower, Assistant Marketing Director (Undergraduate) at Northumbria University, said: “The clearing process has changed significantly in recent years and the option to ‘trade up’ now gives students the opportunity to reconsider their original choice if they have done better than expected in their exams.
“At Northumbria, we understand that a lot of students have deliberated long and hard about which university they feel is the right one for them. They have already “mentally moved” to their chosen university, regardless of the results they receive.
“At the same time, we do recognise that there is a lot for students to consider and take in during their final year at school or college. It’s understandable that students can feel confused or overwhelmed by the options available to them on what can be a very stressful day, and the way the clearing process is set-up gives young people more flexibility and potentially opens new doors.
“Our survey highlights the importance of students in the North East having all the options in front of them and being made aware of all the opportunities available to them.”
Helen added: “Preparation is key and students should think carefully in advance about what they’re going to do in all scenarios – whether they get better grades than expected or if they miss out on their first choice and are in a position to take up their insurance choice. It’s natural to think that ‘Plan A’ will work out but this isn’t always the case.
“By planning for all inevitabilities, students will avoid missing out on potential opportunities or making rash decisions when under pressure that they may later come to regret.
“The key is not to panic; to think about what they want carefully and not to be afraid to ask questions. Going to university is a big decision and it’s important that whatever they decide, it’s the right option for them.”
According to the survey, the long-term aspirations for students don’t appear to be driven by financial or material factors, with students placing having a happy and healthy life, successful careers and travel experiences as their main aspirations.
Helen added: “Students want to know the university they are choosing has the quality, career opportunities, study abroad and placement opportunities they are looking for in terms of their experience at university. But what is often just as important is the life experience of being at university; making friends, new social circles, new experiences, new opportunities to travel and that independence of moving away from home for students.
“We’re finding that more and more high achieving students are choosing Northumbria as their preferred option, and our reputation for academic excellence coupled with the all-round experience we can offer, really appeals to students making their decision. On results day, we welcome any students who want to talk to us to get in touch and one of our dedicated team of experts will be able to guide them through the options available to them based on their individual situation.”
Law student Dominika Cudak, from Newcastle, secured her place at Northumbria University using adjustment after exceeding expectations with her A Level results.
The 20-year-old said: “I originally wanted to do a philosophy course and do a law conversion but because my grades were so good I decided to do law straight away.
“I first found out about adjustment just before results day. When I got my results I rang a few universities asking if I could get in. Northumbria said they were really happy to have me with the grades I had and I secured a place really quickly that day.
“For students receiving results this year I would say relax whatever they are. If they are really good or not what you expected, it’s fine. Just get in touch with some universities and see what your options are.”
Northumbria University has a limited number of places available for high quality students through Clearing this summer. For more information, visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/clearing or call the Clearing Hotline on 0800 085 1085.