Queen’s offers advice for A-level results students 
12 Aug 2014
Queen’s has issued advice to those students who will be receiving their A-level results this week (Thursday, 14 August).
Jennifer Dwyer, Head of Queen’s Admissions and Access Service, said: “This can be an anxious time for A-level students and their families and it is important that they have as much information as possible so they can make informed decisions.
"Queen’s receives A-level and AS-level results directly from UCAS so candidates do not need to communicate them 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.”
Decisions made by Queen's, UU and Stranmillis University College are posted on a website (www.qub.ac.uk/ucas) hosted by Queen's on the morning of Thursday 14 August and updated twice each day. This is the simplest way to find out about the status of an application and Clearing vacancies. Details are also published on the UCAS website at www.ucas.com.
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 AS12 letter to find out what action they need to take. This varies depending on the preferences of individual universities.
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 http://www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/undergraduate/results/better-than-expected.
Students who average out or narrowly miss the grades required may still be accepted for their original choice and this has been more common in recent years because of the changes to Student Number Controls, which have resulted in additional places becoming available at a number of universities. However, it may be a few days before this can be confirmed because of the fluidity of the situation.
Queen’s has provided all students holding offers with an Enquiry Form. This should be returned to the University as soon as possible if individuals want to be considered for an alternative course, in the event that they are unsuccessful for their original choice. Assuming Queen’s can help, a changed course offer would be made. This is simpler than going through 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 2015 entry. Any student considering this option should check with the institution concerned about receiving an offer as a repeat candidate, and remember the entry requirements may be different.
Ms 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 Employment and Learning.”
Advice Lines
Queen’s will operate telephone advice lines following publication of results to ensure that students receive the guidance they need.
The phone number to use is 028 9097 3838 (multiple lines) and on Thursday 14 August, lines will open from 9.30am to 6.00pm.
Further information on opening times for subsequent days can be found online at http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/NewStudents/
On Monday 18 August, a personal advice session will be held in the Sir William Whitla Hall at Queen’s University between 2.00 pm and 5.00 pm. On the same day, a short presentation for Medical/Dental applicants, followed by a question and answer session, will also take place in the Lecture Theatre South in the Medical Biology Centre on the Lisburn Road (adjacent to the Belfast City Hospital site), commencing at 2.30 pm sharp.
Full details and FAQs are available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/NewStudents/
Media inquiries to the Communications Office. Tel: 028 9097 3091 or email comms.office@qub.ac.uk
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