'Nervous, very nervous' 'I was a mix between nervous and excited' 'AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!'
As thousands of students across the country experience the ups and downs of collecting their A Level results on Thursday, they could be forgiven for reflecting on August 16 being National Rollercoaster Day.*
Results day can indeed feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and the University of Bradford has put together guidance to help students through the process, giving them information and advice to help them enjoy the ride – as daunting as it can seem.
Reassurance is a big part of helping students through the process, so the University talked to some of its students about what they felt and how they coped – and why not do that on a rollercoaster (courtesy of Flamingo Land)? Here’s what they said:
‘Clearing wasn’t what I expected it to be. I thought it would be courses that I wouldn’t want to do. But I managed to find loads of courses that I wanted to do.’
‘Massive relief, a big weight had fallen from my shoulders.’
‘My first week at Bradford was the best. I managed to meet friends for life.’
‘I was made up really. My access course was great. I was prepared.’
Claire Pryke, the University’s Associate Director (Recruitment Operations), said: ‘”We know what an emotional rollercoaster results day can be for students and their families, but hopefully by reading up on the options and staying calm and positive on results day students will end up on a course they love.”
Clearing is part of the UCAS application system, and another opportunity for some students to apply for a place at university. A published list of available courses features on university websites and on the UCAS website.
Claire added: “Once you have your exam results and when you've found a course you're interested in, you will need to get in touch with the university to find out whether they have a place for you. This might also be an opportunity to find out about new courses you hadn’t previously considered.
“Once UCAS track opens at 3pm on A Level results day, you need to log on and formally accept your offer.”
Call the University of Bradford’s Clearing Helpline on 0800 073 1225 from 6.30am on Thursday 16 August, or register your details and get a call back. For the first time, you can also apply online entering your details to find out instantly whether you are eligible for an offer.
Lines will be open Thursday 16th 6.30am – 8pm, Friday 17th 8am – 7pm, Saturday 18th 10am – 4pm and Sunday 19th 10am – 2pm, and thereafter from 9am - 5pm.
*Rollercoaster Day is celebrated annually on the 16th August. The origins of the celebration are not completely clear, however the most widely believed explanation for Rollercoaster Day is that the date was chosen to mark the 16th August, 1898, which was when the very first patent for a rollercoaster ride was issued. The date has been marked by fairgrounds and fans of rollercoasters all over the world since the eighties.