The A Level results decoder

31st July 2019 – Tags: A Level Results

With A Level results day just around the corner, UCAS and its inner workings are the topic on everyone’s lips. It can, however, feel like a whole other language, with its terminology and acronyms. Never fear, we’ve compiled the ultimate results day decoder to help you understand the UCAS lingo!

Adjustment

A process available to anyone who exceeds the grade requirement of their firm offer (see Firm offer). You can use adjustment to swap your existing place for one at another university.

AS12 email/letter

A letter sent by UCAS (see UCAS) to confirm your acceptance on a university course

AS12B

A letter sent by UCAS (see UCAS) to confirm your acceptance on a university course and requesting for you to let them know if you are going to take up the place

AS12N

A letter sent by UCAS (see UCAS) to confirm your acceptance on a university course, which only requires you to reply if you are not planning on taking up your place

Buzzword

For UCAS applications, your college or school will give you a buzzword so you can link your application to them

Clearing

If you miss your grades, you can use clearing to ensure you still find a university place in 2019

Conditional offer

A conditional offer is a place on a course subject to specific conditions being met

Deferral

You can defer your course place if you’d like to carry an offer over and start in the next academic year

Exam reviews

These are also known as remarks, where the exam board reviews the grades given

Extra

A UCAS (see UCAS) service you can use to apply for alternative places if you do not hold an offer from your first five choices

Firm choice

An offer you accept as your first choice

HEP

Higher Education Provider

Insurance choice

An offer you accept as your second choice in case you don’t meet the conditions of your first choice

Personal ID

A ten digit number you receive when you first register to apply through UCAS (see UCAS)

Point of entry

The year of the course you start at

Sandwich course

A course with an additional year where you work in the professional you’re studying for

Tariff

The system for allocating point for the different qualifications you can use for undergraduate application

UCAS

The Universities and College Admissions Service

UCAS Track

An online tracking system which allows you to see how your application is progressing

Unconditional offer

An offer of a place which is subject to no conditions. 

If you’re finding A Level results day a confusing time, or are unsure about where to go next, the City College Norwich Advice Shop is open throughout the summer. This expert service offers impartial advice and guidance for anyone considering their career, education, and training options.

Simply drop in to the Advice Shop on the City College Norwich Ipswich Road campus between 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday, or call 01603 773773.