By Natalie Humphrey
Thousands of students received their A-level results this month. Many will be celebrating their grades and confirming their places at their universities of choice, but others will inevitably face the stress and uncertainty that comes if things do not go as planned.
Those who could not reach their anticipated grades should explore new possibilities and redefine their path. The road to successful careers is rarely linear, and academic scores alone do not shape a student's future.
So, what can you do?
First and foremost, pause and breathe. While it is an emotional time, it is important to take a moment to reflect on your performance. Evaluate your present situation and plan for the future. A clear-headed assessment will allow you to make informed decisions.
Adjusting to the given circumstances is a valuable opportunity for students who may not have met their initial university offers. If your preferred course is out of reach, consider alternative programs or universities that align with your interests and skills. The right course might be at a different institution or within a new field entirely.
Here are some tips and suggestions for students considering their next move:
Consider a foundation year: Many universities offer foundation years, which can serve as a bridge between high school and undergraduate study. Even if initial grades are below expectations, universities accept students onto foundation years, which help prepare students for their chosen degree courses. This is a good option if you are sure of the course you want to take.
Consider other universities: You may not have secured the grades for your first-choice university, but don’t let this dampen your spirits. The UAE is home to some of the world’s best and most competitive universities offering courses that will equip you for the most promising and critical sectors, including Computer Science, AI, Engineering, and Business Administration.
Build experience: Gaining practical experience through internships, work placements, or volunteer work can enhance your CV/resume and help you decide on your future direction. This experience can make your university application even stronger for the next time around or even open the door to new opportunities or industries you may not have previously considered.
Seek expert, impartial guidance: Reach out to educational counselors, your school career advisor, or university admissions teams. These experts are dedicated to supporting you in times like these and will help you navigate your options.
Reassess your goals: Use this time to reassess your goals and aspirations. What you may see as a setback can often be a catalyst for growth, and there is no harm in taking this opportunity to explore other potential career paths. You should consider your passions, strengths, and skills and think about how they apply to different areas and industries.
Use your network: Keep in touch with all the universities you are interested in to stay informed about admissions updates and new opportunities. Your preferred university should be supportive of its prospective students, offering a range of options and support services.
Keep your head up: Success is rarely a straight path. Most modern career journeys follow undulating paths, and what is important is that you stay resilient and maintain a positive mindset to ensure you get to where you want. You may not even know yet where you want to end up, and keeping your options open is likely to see you following your interests and passions.
A-level results day may not go as planned, but often the most successful individuals are those who have had to overcome setbacks and adapt to unplanned situations.
What if my grades are even higher than anticipated?
On the other hand, you may find yourself in the enviable situation of having achieved higher-than-anticipated grades. This is a fantastic opportunity to secure a spot at a more competitive university with higher entry requirements than your current choice. If this happens to you, you can contact your preferred university directly during the clearing/grade confirmation period with your transcript to inquire if there are spaces available.
With some of the best universities in the world to choose from, there are few better places to over-achieve than in the UAE.
The writer is a Deputy Director of Operations, at the University of Birmingham Dubai.