What do I do now?
Low results are worrying and upsetting. But don't panic, there are lots of options open to you. Don't rush into anything - make the right decision for you.
Factoid Only 45% of predicted grades are accurate UCAS
Can I resit some of them?
You can resit your exams in January or in the following summer. Many people do much better second time around. Before resitting, have an honest chat with your teachers about why your results were low. If they don't think you can improve them it might not be worth resitting. Resitting can also be lonely if all your mates are going on to do other things.
Can I get qualifications without resitting or going to uni?
Yes. BTECs and OCR Nationals are work-related qualifications available in a wide range of subjects. They offer a mix of theory and practice and you can do them with lower grades. BTECs and OCR Nationals are recognised in many areas of employment and with some of them you can get into university.
Will I be able to get a job?
Yes, but find out if your results will get you the sort of job you want. If not, can you work your way up? If you have the right attitude and personality some employers will offer you training so you can earn money and gain qualifications. Everyone has to start somewhere - Sir Alan Sugar's first job was selling cigarette lighters!
Written by Naomi Stevens
Last updated February 2009
Further help and advice
The clearing process explained
A guide to work-related qualifications
Job search and careers advice
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dave, 17
i really underachieved this year at My AS levels, it ahs shown me that if u really want something u must put in all th work!
jodie, 17
My marks are suspected to be wrng too and nw i have to pay alot of money to get them remarked! its scary and worrying!
Sharon, 17
Hey! Got my AS Results 2day, & didnt recieve what I had expected! Not overally fussed on heading to university because I know there are so many jobs out there that dont honestly need a degree to enter! So, it's all good!
Gladys, 17
I received my AS results today. In English Lit i got an A in unit 1, an A in unit 2 and a U in unit three. My results range from U-A with everything in between. I am extremely disappointed as I got all A's and A*'s for my GCSE's. I will apply for a re-mark in a few of my units. I want to study Law next year and I need history to study Law. I will have to re-take. It's not the end of the world. It's the beginning of it and realising the hard work needed to get somewhere in life.
Lauren, 17
I recieved my AS level results today and got completely different results to what I was expecting. In my most hated subject I got the best mark. This I dont understand! Another thing, I know I got a terrible mark in my coursework for Psychology, yet my teacher said it was fine. Again Im not happy - but its not the end of the world, I know this. And Im going to study harder.
Katie, 17
My results were lower than I wanted so I thought I could not get on the Publishing Course at University, but I phoned them today and they have accepted me! My advice is not to give up and phone!
Hannah , 17
I have recieved my certificate this weekend and have not got the results i was expecting, I have actually now found out that they have marked my work wrong so i have to appeal for them to remark as i am wanting to go to university.I am very upset about this but my parents are helping me through!
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