Hi everyone, I’m Amy, I’ve just finished the final year of my Archaeology and Heritage degree. My results day was three years ago now, so I’m here to share with you what I wish I had known three years on.
We’ll start at the beginning: in the morning
I didn’t sleep much the night before as you can imagine. Rather than go into my sixth form college at 9 am, I chose to wait till I heard from UCAS first. My biggest priority on results day wasn’t the grades, but if I had gotten into university. This worked well for me because I knew what the situation was like before I even got into college. I got into my first choice (of course the wonderful University of York). This meant that I was going to collect my results with the knowledge that, whatever they were, it would be okay.
I would recommend doing this if you’re more concerned about the university than the grades. As I ended up not doing as well as I thought I would, there were a few hours between getting my results and hearing from UCAS. So, I would have spent the next few hours panicking. This way the day was much more relaxed and I got to enjoy it much more.
Collecting results
I had to go pick up my results with my friends, teachers and parents watching.
This was the part I was the most nervous about. If I had done badly I would have to pretend to be okay in front of them, especially my friends who did better than me. I’m sure you understand how hard it can be to be happy for a friend’s good grades while also disappointed with your own. Luckily, I knew I hadn’t done too badly as I had already been accepted onto a course. But this could have gone the other way if I hadn’t.
I wish I hadn’t worried so much about this moment. Even though I didn’t do as well as I had expected, It was still fine. My teachers were so supportive and my friends were all busy with their own results. The most memorable part of this day was finding out that I was one mark off an A in classics. This still annoys me to this day!
I wish I had taken photographs at this moment. I have no photos of us all together getting our results, and that’s my biggest regret for this part of the day.
After-party
Of course, we all went out that night. This was my favourite part of the day. I don’t drink and I’m not really a party-goer but I had such a wonderful time. The whole year group was out that night and I got to say goodbye to everyone, even the teachers who came out. Chatting to your English teacher in Wetherspoons might be a bizarre experience but it was also lovely. This was the part where we took lots of photographs! Even if, like me, you don’t drink, I would encourage you to go out if you’re invited.
I didn’t stay the whole night but everyone’s spirits were high. It was such a lovely way to get to see everyone before we all parted ways. It was the last time I would see many people that I had grown close to over my A Levels and I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about it.
What can you learn from this?
The best thing that I did was wait to hear from UCAS before picking my results up. If that’s an option for you I would think about taking it. My biggest regret is not taking enough pictures. Even if you can’t do that yourself or you forget in the moment then ask someone who’s coming along with you to take some. My biggest takeaway from it all is that it’s not as big of a deal as you think it is. I know that’s easy for me to say as I got into the course that I wanted to be on, but try not to worry.
Three years on and results day seems like such a small part of my journey. It was a nice day and I had a good time, but if it goes badly then don’t worry. There are many great options left for you. I know it feels huge now, but in a few short years, it won’t feel as all-consuming. Try to enjoy your time off as best as you can, don’t spend all your time worrying. You’ll do great, I just know it.
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