Results Day: It’s Okay to Feel Nervous
It’s results day tomorrow and if you’re reading this while waiting for your results, I know there may be a lot of emotions running through your mind. But before anything else, congratulations. Getting to this point has taken so much hard work and resilience, and that deserves to be recognised. Whatever you’re feeling is completely normal. Feeling nervous does not mean you aren’t ready, it just means you care.
The night before results day
This time last year, I was waiting to receive my A-Level results and I remember feeling every emotion. I kept trying to find things to distract myself because sitting with the “what ifs” felt difficult. I had chosen a different route to a majority of my friends, which I feel added an extra layer of uncertainty.
Looking back, I wish I reminded myself that nerves are not something to be ashamed of. It’s a big day and it makes sense to feel emotional about it. You are allowed to care and you are allowed to feel unsure.
What to do before results day
The day before results day, try to be gentle with yourself. Whatever is in that envelope has already been decided, so overthinking every possible outcome really isn’t worth it. Do something that helps you feel calm or distracted, for me that was going for a walk and seeing my friend but maybe for you that could be watching a comfort show, getting an early night or spending some time with your family.
Preparing things the day before can also help. You can do this by:
- Making sure your phone is charged
- Checking how and when you will receive your results
- Having any important details ready if you need them.
- If you’re applying to university, keep your UCAS information close by.
- If you are considering other routes, make a short list of people or services you can speak to for advice.
On results day
When the moment arrives, take a breath. You don’t have to open your results immediately. You also don’t have to react in the same way as everyone around you. Some people cry or laugh and others may go quiet and take some time to let it all sink in. However you respond, it is okay.
If your results are what you hoped for, celebrate them. Be proud and allow yourself to enjoy the moment. If they aren’t what you were expecting, try not to panic. Speak to a teacher, parent, carer, careers adviser, college, university or someone you trust before making any big decisions. There are always next steps, even if they are not the steps you first imagined.
After you receive your results
Once you have your results, give yourself time to process them. Results day can feel like everything has to be decided straight away but many next steps can be talked through with support. Depending on your plans, you may want to look into university options, Clearing for example, or a completely different route.
One thing I’ve learnt is that there is no single “right” path. Choosing a different route from my friends was definitely scary, but it also led me to something that’s much better suited to me.
A reminder for anyone feeling nervous
If you are anxious about results day, please know that you are not alone. It is okay to feel nervous. It is okay to feel proud and scared at the same time. And it’s most certainly okay if your journey looks different from someone else’s.
Whatever happens, take a moment to recognise how far you have come. You showed up and made it to this point. That deserves to be acknowledged. Congratulations on receiving your results.
Need someone to talk to after Results Day?
We’re here for you, if you’re feeling unsure about where to turn or simply need someone to talk to. Please reach out. You don’t need a referral – we are an open access service and have a range of counsellors to suit your needs.
You can click here to contact your closest centre.
