If you have received your ‘A’ level results, and they were less than you were hoping for it is important to take a step back and reassess the situation. Even if you didn’t acquire the grades for the university course you wanted to undertake, all is not lost and it is important to remember that this is just a setback on your chosen path not the end of the journey.

Before you make any final decisions, consider all the options available so you are best placed to make the right choice for your future career.

Consider Clearing

If your grades were lower than expected but you still achieved solid results opt for the UCAS clearing system as it is still possible you will find a university course right for you. However, don’t take just any course offered to you at this stage. You need to remember your long term career objectives and weigh up whether the degree both interests you and will fulfil your long term aims.

Re-Take Your Exams

If you are set on a particular degree it is worth considering re-sitting your exams and aiming for the required grades. Alongside this you could also work part-time and in the process gain valuable experience to add to your university applications and ultimately your CV.

Study Part-Time

Maybe you could not reach your required grades because you have other draws on your time. This could be paid work, interests or family commitments. If your results made you reassess whether it’s feasible for you to study full-time you should instead look into the wealth of part-time degree courses available.

While studying part-time will mean it takes longer to achieve your degree it comes with several benefits. First, it gives you time to undertake some paid work alongside your degree which means your level of student debt accumulated during the course should be lower. Second, your paid work will be a valuable addition to your CV when it is time to seek full-time employment. This is especially true if you work in a related field to your study. Third, if you have child care commitments or need time for other activities in your life a part-time course offers more flexibility.

Full-Time Employment

Another option is to seek full-time work immediately which will give you further experience to add to your CV and time to decide what you want to do next. One option would be to take work in a field related to your career choice and then see if there are any training options offered by your employers. Many recruitment companies employ specialists who deal with people looking for their first position and will offer advice on your CV and interview technique.

Take a Year Out

If you don’t feel ready to return to further study or paid employment one last option can be to take a gap year while you consider your options. It is important however to do something meaningful during this time, which will be an asset to your future career path. If you wish to travel consider a working holiday, where you can improve your second language skills and in the process your employability, or look at volunteering with an organization such as VSO. This will give you the opportunity to make a difference and increase your professional skills.

While disappointing exam results might seem like the end of the world at the time they won’t be a barrier to you pursuing your chosen career unless you let them be. We have discussed here a range of opportunities available to you which should mean that in a short time your results will just seem like a small detour on your chosen path.