This exam series has been incredibly stressful. First A-Level students did not get the grades they deserved and lost places at university. Then there was a long wait over the weekend until Monday, when it was announced that both A-Levels and GCSEs would be decided not by an algorithm but by teacher predicted grades.
As an A-Level student, I now have some clarity on what will be happening with my grades – but for those waiting for GCSE results, the anxiety is only growing. So I’m going to share with you how I got through both my GCSE results day and A-Level results day.
Before GCSE Results Day
This is often the most stressful time as waiting for results only increases anxiety. It’s difficult but my advice would be to stay off social media. The constant stream of headlines about what exactly will happen on results day isn’t helpful at all (trust me). On the night before try putting your phone on do not disturb. Whilst it is important to be there for your friends that can add extra (and unneeded) pressure and anxiety. Put a film or your favourite TV show on and just relax. Try listening to music as you go to sleep to stop your mind at rest. Sleeping the night before will be difficult but try to get as much rest as possible.
GCSE Results Day
If everything goes to plan results day will last about five minutes. Getting your results will either happen online or at your school. However, you can choose who is with you, whether that be a parent, sibling, friend or you open them by yourself, do what makes you feel calm. Once you’ve got your results (hopefully the ones you need!) it’s time to celebrate (safely) with friends and family. If your results are not what you expected or need to progress the first thing to do is to speak to your school. They will be able to help with information about appeals or how to get in contact with the college or sixth form you want to go to. No matter what happens on Thursday be proud of yourself and what you’ve achieved during your time at high school.
After GCSE Results Day
Once you have your results it’s time to prepare for your next steps in life! This part is super exciting. Whether you’re going to a college/sixth form or into an apprenticeship you are about to meet loads of new people (virtually or in real life).
For those going on to study A-Levels, my advice is to make sure you pick subjects you like or are passionate about. Get organized! I had two separate (different colored) folders for each subject. One stayed at home (with all my notes and past papers) and the other came with me to college (with my homework and class notes for that week). My time at college allowed me to truly discover what I liked, build my confidence, make friends, and have fun.
Remember to breathe, have fun, and relax if you can!
Orla McAndrew
Tweet to @OrlaMMcAndrew2
Feature image from Margarida Afonso via Unsplash
Orla McAndrew
Orla McAndrew is a co-founder of Empoword Journalism and also a features and Instagram editor. As a freelance writer she has written for Stylist Magazine, The Yorkshire Evening Post, The Indiependent, The Hysteria Collective and SmallScreen. Currently she is an intern at Screen Yorkshire, and in September she was be starting her English Literature degree at the University of York.