Sixth-formers who miss out on their predicted A-level grades should not dwell on the disappointment, and realise the situation could be worse, according to an academic.

Dr Matthew Smith, a senior lecturer in psychology at Buckinghamshire New University, said the best way for students to cope is to accept their results and start looking for other opportunities.
Exploring other options helps people to ''move on'' from their failure, he suggested.

His advice comes the day before students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland learn their A-level results.

Would-be university students can log into the Track service on the UCAS website from 8am tomorrow to see if they have secured their degree place, or if they are eligible to enter clearing.

Dr Smith said: ''The best way to cope with disappointment is acceptance. Look to get it out of your system as soon as possible and look on the bright side. One of the first and most important steps is acceptance and accepting that you have not achieved what you wanted to achieve.

''This is not easy and can be quite challenging and it comes as a shock to people that they have not achieved what they wanted and immediately wish things had gone better. Here, acceptance must come in as quickly as possible.''

''For a long-term strategy for coping with disappointment, counterfactual thinking can be useful. Look at what has happened and realise that it could have been worse.

"For example, if you hoped for three As in your A-levels and have ended up with three Cs, think that it could have been worse and that you could have three Ds. Adopting this way of thinking helps you look on the bright side quicker and to move on.''

Dr Smith added: ''Ultimately when dealing with disappointment don't dwell on it. Realise that there are plenty of other opportunities and go out and grab them. There is no point in dwelling on it as you make it worse in the long-run.''

It is thought that a number of leading universities will enter the clearing and adjustment process this year to offer last minute places to students who score at least an A and two Bs, as changes to higher education mean that there is no limit on the number of students above this threshold that they can recruit.

Maybe your results are better than you expected?

If they are, and you have exceeded your first choice offer, you can use Adjustment to apply to a different course or university. You apply through Track – see www.ucas.com for details.

If you’ve applied to university but haven’t met your offers: 

  • Start by ringing your first choice offer, they might still take you. Then try your insurance offer.
  • Check Track – if you’re eligible for Clearing you will be entered automatically and Track will show your Clearing Number. Clearing runs until the end of September and vacancies are constantly updated at www.ucas.com
  • If you do need to use Clearing, don't panic and don't make any snap decisions.
  • Check to see if there are any related courses at your first choice university or is there a relevant Foundation Degree? You could look at different subjects and it's worth ringing to ask about a course you’re interested in, even if it doesn't appear in the vacancy lists. BUT make sure you’re clear about what it will involve and where it could lead.

If you find a vacancy, think before you ring the university: 

  • Check the course details - is it really what you want at the place you want? Will it lead to the career you want?
  • Be ready to explain why you want to do this course at this university
  • If you can, go and visit the university to make sure it feels right for you.

See www.ucas.com for details of how to use clearing.

Alternatives

  • If you don’t get the right university place you could take a year out and apply again. Use the time to improve your skills. If you’re considering retakes ask your teachers if it’s possible.
  • Think about voluntary work or do some work experience or shadowing to make sure the career you’re considering is right.
  • Get a job. It doesn’t need to be directly relevant to what you want to do.
  • Is university the right choice for you? Go to www.notgoingtouni.co.uk to research other options and go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk to find out about apprenticeships.

Follow our rolling coverage of results day tomorrow from 7.30am at bournemouthecho.co.uk. You can join in using the Twitter hashtag #bmthresults or by emailing digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk.