Many students in the UAE received their A-level exam results on August 15th. Those with high scores will be heading to some of the top universities in the country or worldwide.
While most students, friends, and families celebrated (including myself) and educators hailed the remarkable achievements of their students as they secured places at colleges of their choice, there were also others whose plans did not go their way as they fell short of their desired grades.
Fear not, as there are options that you can choose, (apart from taking a breather):
First, assess your scores; check how you’ve done in individual papers for the course, then you can:
1. Get the Paper Reevaluated: especially when you were a mark or two away from a better grade boundary. These however do cost, with prices varying depending on the board. For more information, check the website of your board, or your school’s exam officer.
2. Consider Resitting: if it is just a paper or two bringing your grade down, you can also resit the paper, however, resit sessions can be delayed until January, especially for Oxford AQA, while some are in October. Charges again vary with some boards offering it for 200 and some for even higher, check with the website of your board.
If you wish to instead skip the stressful aspects of exams, there are other options:
Natalie Humphrey, deputy director of operations at the University of Birmingham Dubai, offers valuable advice for students navigating the clearing and adjustment process. She explains, “Clearing and adjustment provide a great opportunity for students who may not have met their initial university offers. If your preferred course is no longer an option, consider exploring alternative programmes or institutions that match your interests and skills. You might find the perfect course at a different university or even in a new field.”
Natalie shares the following tips for students:
1. Consider Foundation Years: Many universities offer foundation years, which serve as a bridge between high school and undergraduate studies. These programmes help students prepare for their chosen degree courses.
2. Explore Other Universities: Look for universities with different entry requirements that might be a better match for your grades.
3. Take a Gap Year: A gap year can be valuable for gaining work experience, strengthening your future applications, and potentially uncovering new opportunities.
4. Seek Expert Guidance: Reach out to educational counsellors, your school career advisor, or university admissions teams. These professionals are dedicated to helping you navigate your options during this time.
