A-levels - don't panic!

The dividing line between success and failure is narrow. For A-level students it can be as narrow as one grade. And that single disappointing grade can be enough to disqualify you from your dream university - and make you feel quite distraught.

But that is not always the case. The first thing to do when the mist has cleared is to contact your first- choice university to find out if it will accept your grades.

If the first choice will not budge, then you should have an insurance offer at a second-choice institution.

If both places reject you, then the next step is clearing - a scheme set up by the University and College Admissions Service (Ucas). The system, which runs from today, helps people without a university or college place to find vacancies on courses they choose.

More than 40,000 people are found places through clearing each year. Find the step-by-step guide at www.ucas.ac.uk. If clearing does not turn up a suitable place, or if you simply choose not to go on to higher education, other options include:

A-level retakes
Think hard before committing yourself. Were there special circumstances - illness, family problems - which contributed to your grades? If not, can you be sure that you will be able to improve your grades second time round? Speak to teachers before signing up to see if they think it is worth your while.
Get a job
Not everybody has to go to university, despite the Government's target of 50 per cent of people sampling higher education. You can always go back to study at a later date. For advice about the world of work, contact a Connexions personal adviser on 080 800 13219 or visit www.connexions.gov.uk.
On-the-job training
Choose a job with prospects, and with the opportunity to train and learn. One option is a modern apprenticeship. For information, visit www.realworkrealpay.info.
Take a gap year
A year spent travelling, combined with voluntary work with an organisation like Raleigh International is a great way to gain confidence, new skills, experience and maturity - and to make you more employable when you return. Visit www.gap.org.uk or www.mvonline.gov.uk for suggestions.