If you're certain that you want to change, try phoning the admissions tutor. To be fair, if you handle it sensitively, they are often sympathetic.

Your only other alternative is to withdraw from UCAS and reapply next year. This will mean taking a year out.

Next year's UCAS forms are available from September. Use the Big Book to find suitable courses. Remember that this time, you have the advantage of knowing your results!

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 points you wish to make 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 have to take up your place, so try to sound mature, articulate and polite!

JUST DECIDED TO GO TO UNI!

Contact: UCAS, Fulton House, Jessop Avenue, Cheltenham, Gloucs GL50 3SH
or: Tel: 01242 227788

You need to request a clearing form and a UCAS number.

Follow UCAS's instructions carefully and keep a copy of all correspondence. Be particularly careful to hang on to your UCAS and Clearing Entry Form (CEF) numbers. These are vital.

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. You may be invited for an interview. Be sure you can give an impressive answer to the question "why didn't you apply sooner?!" Final confirmation of your place (or otherwise) comes via UCAS.

Before submitting your CEF, you should research which courses are still looking for candidates through the UCAS website.

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.

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.