Keep calm and carry on (From The Northern Echo)

Keep calm and carry on

11:58am Tuesday 16th August 2011 in Echo Woman

A-level students who get poor results next week should look positively on their many options. Lisa Salmon reports.

WITH record numbers of university applications this year, competition for places is going to be tough when the A-level results are published on Thursday.

On top of the fact that nearly 670,000 people have applied to get into university, careers advisors predict that competition will be extrastiff because students want to start their course this year, before tuition fees shoot up in 2012.

Last year 209,000 would-be students missed out on a university place, and as applications are 1.9 per cent higher this year, even more are facing potential disappointment.

Those who miss out on their chosen university place are advised to act quickly if they want to get a place through Clearing.

A spokeswoman from Connexions, which gives careers advice to teenagers, says: “In the past if you had decent grades there was a good chance you’d get something through Clearing. But last year we found places were going really quickly, and it will probably be the same this year, so you need to act fast but be thorough.

“If you’re quick, you know what you want and you’re flexible about where you go, you may be successful.

If you don’t get on with it early, you could miss out.”

Those who aren’t lucky enough to get a place through Clearing may choose to resit their exams in January or June – although if their new results secure them a 2012 place, they’re liable for tuition fees of up to £9,000 a year, depending on the university.

“That’s why we’re thinking that places might fill up quite quickly this year, as students will want to avoid next year’s course fees,” she explains. “It could be quite manic this year.”

Those who miss out on a full-time degree course could apply to do a part-time degree, or do an Open University course and work part-time as well.

There are also two-year Foundation degrees, which usually have a vocational element. Students may only need one A-level for such a degree, and at the end there could be an option of studying for a few more years to get a full degree.

Those who abandon their university dreams altogether may opt for employment or an apprenticeship.

Local Connexions centres can give guidance on both routes, but as far as jobs go, the careers advisor warns: “It’s tough out there. You have to be very proactive and it’s not an easy option.”

She advises: “Don’t panic if your results aren’t what you expected.

Look at your situation carefully, and don’t just pick the first option that comes your way.”

Another popular choice for the post-A-level period is taking a gap year, with a view to either going to university or getting a full-time job afterwards. But Richard Oliver, chief executive of the Year Out Group, which helps people plan gap years, points out that a gap year doesn’t always mean just travelling round the world.

“Backpacking and having a year of sun, sand and sangria doesn’t cut much ice,” he warns. “If you have a structured gap year, picking up skills and experiences, you’re likely to arrive home refreshed and focused. You’ll have grown up, and you’ll have more to offer a university or employer.”

HE says structured gap years can include going on a course to improve skills in areas such as languages, sports instruction and so on, volunteering in the UK or abroad, and group expeditions.

“There are likely to be nearly a quarter of a million people who face taking a gap year by default,” he points out. “They should look upon it as an opportunity, not a disaster.

You have a certain amount of freedom before going to university or taking a full-time job when you take a gap year.

“This is the time to start making that transition from dependence, mainly on your parents, to independence.”

Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, says teachers are expecting the scramble for university places to be tough this year because of the 2012 rise in tuition fees. But he stresses: “It’s going to be very difficult this year, but we don’t want young people to give up.

“The pressure on results day is immense, and often the disappointment of lower grades than you expected can be devastating. But there are many opportunities open to you and the important thing is not to over-react.”

He says young people who get disappointing results should take a step back, talk to their teachers and a career advisor about their options, and then get on the phone and follow up any possible opportunities.

“Keep trying, and look positively at all opportunities,” he stresses.

“You’ll be surprised at what you find.”

􀁧 For more information about options after A-levels, visit ucas.com. For more on gap years, visit yearoutgroup.org