Parents are Stressing Students Out Ahead of Results Day

BRADFORD, England, August 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Over thirty per cent of students say their parents are making them feel worse about results day, according to a new survey by the University of Bradford and the online student community, The Student Room.

More than half of students are "very worried" that they aren't going to get the results needed to get into their first choice university - and 70% said they were not clear on what their options were and still needed help. Sixty per cent of students predict that results day will be the most stressful day of their lives.  

Rory Bourke went to Bradford after going through Clearing and remembers the time well. He said: "The months and days leading up to results day were really stressful. I was panicking I wouldn't get the results and to top it off, my parents were panicking too, which made me worse! Essentially, because neither me or my parents didn't know where to turn to for help, it just made the whole process a lot more stressful than it needed to be.

"Loads of universities have top tips available for what to do, and it's obvious; in the run up to results day research options available; visit universities or give them a call and on the day be prepared to make a lot of phone calls!"

Only 30% of students claimed that they are prepared if things don't go to plan - the rest are "just hoping for the best" (24%) or realise they "still need to do more research" (35%).

Claire Pryke, Head of Admissions from the University of Bradford said: "We've produced a short film which highlights options open to students and the importance of planning ahead, so that results day holds no fear, whatever happens.

Jack Wallington, Community Director of The Student Room, said:

"I would also encourage parents to be particularly mindful at this time. We know parents are among the most influential people in students' lives and can unintentionally add to stress on such an important day."

* The survey polled 460 UK students between 18 May and 15 June 2015.  

Resources:  

The University of Bradford's video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_a8BfTJO3g  

For tips and advice visit http://bit.ly/1KStlG8

Live alerts from universities with places available on results day at TSR Clearing Alerts.