Students who are not sure what to do with their CAO offer are being advised to explore the other options this week.
More than 79,000 young people received an invitation for a place in college yesterday afternoon, but the points requirements for many courses rose compared to last year.
The deadline for acceptance is Wednesday afternoon, with round two offers coming the following week.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast with Susan Keogh, careers consultant Lynda Barry outlined some other opportunities young people can explore.
She said: "If you didn't get those results, what are the other avenues you can consider?
"So obviously, repeating is one of the avenues, looking at sitting your Leaving Cert in November 2020, or else looking at post Leaving Cert courses.
"I would say to sit down and really try to get informed, maybe reach out and get some advice around what your options are.
"Yes the Leaving Cert is absolutely super important but there are back doors and plan Bs that are there for you to access.
Ms Barry said students who got results need to "stay in their own lane" and avoid comparisons with others.
With regard to how COVID-19 has impacted the world of work, Ms Barry said she has seen a lot of focus on career changes.
She said people have had more of headspace to consider their options and whether they are happy in their role.
