• Your teachers:
  They do care and should be happy to offer expert advice to you even though you've technically 'left'. Most schools and colleges will have staff on hand in the days following release of 'A' Level results.
• Newspapers:
  The Independent and Mirror make quite a show of their 'clearing' information.
• CEEFAX pages:
  These are updated regularly. Follow the routes from the 'Education' pages.
• The Student Choice Helpline:
  Experts are on hand to give you individual help on 0800 101 901. The call is free and confidential.
• Individual Universities:
  Full contact details are here.
• UCAS:
  Their web site is here, though it seems a little lacking in useful info at present.

If your grades have led to a rejection from both your first and your insurance course, you will automatically be sent a clearing form from UCAS.

CLEARING

You will automatically be sent a clearing form if:

(a) You are not accepted for your first or insurance course, or
(b) You have been rejected from all your chosen courses.

You may list up to four choices of courses - in order of preference - on your CEF. It is important to properly research your prospective courses (see below).

UCAS may ask you to send your CEF directly to your first choice of institution. They will then pass it on to your second choice, and so on, if they are unable to offer you a place. Occasionally, you may be invited for an interview. Final confirmation of your place (or otherwise) comes via UCAS.

RESEARCH

Check that you have the subjects and grades needed through Degree Course Offers and this year's Big Book. Use Which Degree, university websites and prospectuses to make sure that courses are within your capability and that they will interest you.

Don't dismiss Diploma courses. They can set you above the crowd at interviews, and may well lead to transfer to a degree course if you do well.

Once you have gathered all this information you will be ready to apply direct to other universities and colleges. You need to make sure that you're happy with the course and able to answer the questions which the admissions tutor will ask. Keep a list of key points you want to make and questions which you need to ask.

PHONING UNIVERSITIES

1. Have your UCAS number ready
2. Have a pen and piece of paper to hand
3. Be sure of the precise title of the course or, better still, its UCAS code
4. Know your points total (A=10, B=8, C=6 etc. at 'A' Level, A=5, B=4, C=3 etc at 'AS' Level)
5. Jot down any questions you wish to ask before you call
6. Write down the name/extension number of anyone you're put through to so you can prove that the conversation took place!
7. Call form a quiet room.

Remember that the admissions tutor has a say as to whether or not you get your place, so try to sound mature, articulate and, above all, keen about the course!

IMPROVING YOUR 'A' LEVELS

However, many students kid themselves that they will do better next time. Will you really work harder? Are you really capable of increasing your grades from E to B?! Try to get an objective opinion. Parents may not be the best people to ask here. Try your old teachers.

You will probably be able to resit after Christmas. It may not be sufficient to revise from your existing notes. You must consider going back to school/college - or perhaps to a fresh college of FE.

Another option is to do a fresh course - a new subject. You might just hit something that stimulates you. But in doing this, you are committing yourself to a full year's study. This will be quite hard going, especially if you are also doing resits.

JOBS AND TRAINING

Contact your local Careers/Job Centre for details of vacancies. They will be able to give expert info on qualifications - and help you draft a CV. You may well be eligible for Job Seekers Allowance (JSA).

Many of the best employers offer official training schemes. These may be on-the-job NVQs. These may even lead to a degree through night school / day release. But beware that this is probably a harder route than Uni - so don't be too tempted!

A YEAR OUT

'Work Experience':
A really positive step is to do work related to your propsed course. This can really impress! If you've shown an interest in a particular field at the 'lower end' of the ladder it demonstrates real enthusiams for the area. It really could put you ahead of next year's applicants. The Uni may even make a more generous offer once it takes this into account

Travelling:
This can be a positive step if it is designed to broaden your horizons. It is also regarded as character building. More so if it involves some kind of voluntary work. There are organisiations which specialise in this kind of activity.

Try these:

• The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (Tel: 0171 278 4293)
• Community Service Volunteers (Tel: 0171 278 2390)
• Council for International Educational Exchanges (Tel: 0171 478 2000)
• GAP Activity Projects (Tel: 0118 959 4914)
• The Central Bureau (Tel: 0171 389 4004)

There are a large number of publications which deal with this. Consult your local library for details.