BTEC students prepare for results day

BTEC students achieving DDD (Triple Distinction) may be in for a bonus! It is perhaps less well known that in the 2012 entry student number controls imposed by the English government, BTEC students who achieve DDD (Triple Distinction) or better also qualify to be outside the 'cap' on the number of students universities are able to recruit – it is not just AAB+ A level students who are in this position.

This means that when BTEC students receive their results in late July (3–4 weeks before A levels) they may be in a position to 'trade up' in Clearing or qualify for scholarships and merit awards from English universities eager to recruit students outside of the cap. If you are a BTEC student with DDD (or better) this year, the advice from The Complete University Guide is to be realistic, cautious and positive. Consider shopping around if you have achieved better grades than expected.

Indeed, universities in the top 30–40 of the CUG rankings welcome DDD grade BTEC students with relevant subjects and a strong GCSE profile for many courses. Clearing does not start with A level results in August but is already in full swing during July. International Baccalaureate (IB) students receive their results around mid-July – IB students with 35 points or better are also outside the AAB cap so may be in a position to look at their options this month.

Before changing course or university always ensure that it is a rational choice and take advice from a careers adviser or other trusted person in your school/college. For example, check that course content is appropriate and that any accommodation guarantees/offers are in place.

Also check out The Complete University Guide pages on Clearing and Results Day. Best of luck!