For most aspiring students A-levels are the passport to higher education. Pending results will depend on what study paths individuals take. However, there are many hidden avenues to take if marks are not as good as expected, as MAT WATSON reports

Students across the country wait with bated breath for the imminent release of this year's A-level results on Thursday.

To many the letters printed on the result slips will be their right of passage to their chosen establishment of higher education.

Unfortunately, however, some will not achieve the grades they needed to access their first choice university course.

Although it may feel like the end of the world, it certainly is not and what they do next could have a great impact on their future.

If you face this situation it is very important that you are aware of your options.

There are many different possibilities, retakes, getting a job or doing a different course at another university.

However, advice from profesionals states students should make sure about their next move and speak to an expert, such as the careers adviser at your school or local college.

They will be able to offer advice and can also help find candidates a place at a university by guidance.

Jenny Fox, careers and education guidance officer at South East Essex College, said: "We can help. We have been giving advice for years so we have a lot of experience of what options are available to students in this situation and we can help them with their next step.

"A lot of students who do not get their expected grades still get into university to do the course they want.

"Just because you do not achieve the results you wanted does not mean that you will not be successful in the future."

If students miss the grades needed for first choice places it does not necessarily mean they will not be accepted.

Jenny said: "Last year we helped one of our students get on to her first choice course, English literature at Cambridge, through the clearing system. She dropped one grade but we spoke to Cambridge, and so did her tutor, and she was able to take up her place there."

Unfortunately, some students can get so disappointed at not achieving their expected grades that they just throw in the towel.

Careers advisers are important at this point because they can provide the necessary help and motivation to ensure all is not lost.

Jenny said: "We get students to phone round the universities to see if there are any places left and we also help them to fill in the clearing forms. If they are so distraught we will even phone the universities for them."

She said the clearing system was also vital for students who have done better than they expected and decide, at the last moment, to go on to higher education.

She said: "Many institutions including South East Essex College, will still accept you if they have places left on a course.

"Students need to obtain a clearing form from UCAS but careers advisers can help them decide on a course of study."

Jenny said although the careers service at South East Essex College was mainly used by its students they would be willing to help anyone.

She said: "We are on hand through out Thursday and Friday and anyone can come along."

South East Essex College has a number of student advisers who can offer help and guidance to students. They can be contacted on 01702 220400.

Advice - Jenny Fox, careers and education guidance officer

Tips if your exam results fall short

Jenny's ten tips for students who have already applied to UCAS but have not achieved their required grades

Do not panic. You may still get into university

Contact your firm offer university. Will they still accept you? They may alter their entry requirements or offer you an alternative course

If you are rejected by your firm offer, contact your insurance university. Will they still accept you? They may also be willing to provide you with a place under a new conditions or offer a different course

If you are rejected by your insurance choice contact UCAS to enter Clearing

You will need to obtain your Clearing Entry Form (CEF)

Make sure you read the Clearing information from UCAS thoroughly

You need to be aware of the contract you are entering into

Speak to your careers adviser at school or college if you require some help with this

Essex Careers and Business Partnership may also be able to offer some guidance

Obtain a copy of the Independent or the Daily Mirror, both of which carry official UCAS listings, and begin to research the vacancies available through Clearing. These vacancies are also listed on the internet at www.ucas.ac.uk

Be brave and phone the universities. You will not find out any information unless you speak to the admissions department direct

Do not get your mum or friend to call the university - they will not be able to answer the questions the university asks

Ensure you research the vacancies properly - you will be spending three years there

Although you may feel as though you are pushed for time, try to visit the university you are interested in, it can help you make a decision

Do not accept a place out of panic, you may end up regretting decisions made in a hurry.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.