2022 IB exam results: 4 scenarios to consider if you plan on studying in the UK

If you’re one of the thousands of students who recently received your 2022 IB exam results last week, give yourself a pat on the back for surviving the challenging two-year programme that is recognised by universities worldwide.

The period between receiving your results and ensuring that you have a course or university placement, however, can be one of the most daunting times in your academic pursuit.

You might be bogged down if you do not receive your firm — or first choice — leaving you in limbo on what to do next. These circumstances should not demotivate you as there are options to consider, even if you did not secure your firm or insurance choices.

Whether you’ve received your 2022 IB exam results or will be sitting for the exam in the near future and would like to know the next steps to take, here are some of your options.

If you have applied to universities via UCAS, ensure that you check regularly for any updates via the portal. Source: Patrick Domingo/AFP

IB exam results: What to do to get into a UK university

I have applied to UK universities. What now?

You can check your UK university application via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) “Track” page, which will show you whether you have been made an offer, invited to an interview or rejected.

UCAS notes that applicants are no longer presented with an “AS12” Confirmation letter once their place is confirmed. Instead, expect details of what to do, and when, through your application, or directly from your university or college.

If you didn’t get the grades you expected and have no confirmed places, you can find another course through Clearing.

Find out more about the decisions universities and colleges can make here.

My results exceeded expectations. Can I change my firm choice?

If your results turn out better than expected, and you exceeded the conditions of your conditional firm offer, you can decline your firm and insurance choices and opt for Clearing, notes UCAS.

If you use Clearing Plus, you will be signposted to relevant universities with spaces whose entry requirements match your results.

What happens if I don’t meet the conditions of my university offer?

If your 2022 IB exam results have not met the conditions of your offers, either one of two scenarios could happen.

You may still be accepted by the university or college you apply to, though you may be required to wait a few days before these institutions make a final decision. They may be waiting to verify certain information such as confirmation of your exam results or non-academic information.

Alternatively, you may be given a change of course, date of entry, or point of entry offer, which will be shown in your application. You are not obliged to accept this, but must accept or decline the change within five calendar days.

If you are not offered a place at any of the universities you have applied to, consider getting your papers remarked, or resit some of your exams which you fell short of the required score, either in November or during the May exams next year. If you insist on going to university, you can check out the Clearing process.

IB candidates can opt for Clearing if they did not meet their university offer. Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP

Can I go through Clearing?

Got your 2022 IB exam results but did not get your firm or insurance choices? You can go through Clearing. Find out if you are eligible here.

Clearing allows you to access courses which still have open spots for students to take. You may apply for Clearing from July 5, 2022 until October 19, 2022, provided that you are not holding an offer from any university or college.

You can use Clearing Plus to view a list of courses you have personally been matched in your application, by clicking the “My matches” button. Alternatively, you may use the search tool, with official Clearing vacancy listings.

If you have any doubts or require assistance with Clearing, consider enlisting the help of an expert such as an agent, who can help with the process.