A level results: Just missed out?

Right then, disaster averted, but things didn't go 100 per cent your way? Well, it's not the end of the world. Now's the time for a cool head in order to negotiate successfully the choices that lie ahead. Although you may not have got exactly what you wanted, your hand is still strong enough and you'll be able to use this to get where you want to go...

I just missed my first choice - what now?

Missing out on your choice by a couple of grades isn't a disaster, no matter how you feel now. A particularly coveted place can be a wrench to give up. But don't worry, wherever you go, you'll have a great time.

If you've missed out on both your first and second choices, you need to think fast. Do you take steps to find a place on a similar course, or do you set your sights on another? Get this straight in your head before you start looking for a place.

That said, however, all may not be lost as regards you first and second choice universities. Ring up and check with the admissions officer and persevere with the busy lines. Your place may still be open if it's only a matter of a couple of points - and the personal contact may sway their decision.

Don't rush headlong into clearing without thinking about which course you want to do as the course is far more important than the university.

My parents are disappointed

If you think your parents feel let down by you, stop now. After all, your grades weren't too bad, but even if they were, these are your results and it's your future - so start thinking about it from your point of view. Your parents might be concerned - they want you to do well - but this doesn't mean they're disappointed in you.

Now's probably a good time to explain that although you haven't got into the exact course you wanted, you are sure that this is what you want to do. Where you do it is therefore largely irrelevant. Get them to help you reach the solution or, if you prefer, ask them to give you some space while you work out what you want to do next.

Click here >> to read about results day from a parents' point of view

Now I want to take a gap year

In this position, you're far better off sorting something out before you take your gap year. You're in a strong position. Your grades will enable you to get you on a decent course in what you want to do - it may just require a little more effort. So don't run away or bury your head in the sand. You'll enjoy your gap far more if you feel you've got something to return to.

If you'd planned to defer your chosen place to take a gap year, and now that place is lost, you might be feeling like your gap year plans are in tatters. Not true - but you do need to resolve your university situation before you go on your gap year. This might mean abandoning a structured place or flight tickets if you're scheduled to leave tomorrow. Be flexible. Don't set off leaving your situation up in the air.

So what are your options...

1. Re-sit

This may be an option. If you are determined to get the grades you want and get onto a particular course, then you may have to re-sit. We would recommend that you exhaust all other possibilities before re-sitting, as it can be a demoralising year. But if you do decide this is right for you, bear the following in mind:

- Was there a reason your results were not what you'd hoped for?
- How can you be sure that you'd do better next time?
- Would you get bored and give up?
- Would it be worth trying a different, one-year course?
- Is the university to which you plan to go happy with re-sits?

Click here >> to read why re-sitting exams can be a painful experience - but sometimes worth it in the end

2. Re-focus

Your results may be an indicator of something more deep-seated than a few off days in the exam room. Turn this around, use these signs to re-evaluate where you're heading and what you want to do. Consider the following questions and take time out to evaluate...

- Is the academic route the best for you?
- Can you get where you want via employment-based training?
- How about looking at job opportunities?
- Remember there are no time or age limits on most degrees: it could be better to take a higher level qualification later, maybe part-time or by distance learning

Click here >> to read why it can be healthy to re-think your plans

3. Clearing

If your results are lower than expected, you might well still find a suitable course through Clearing - perhaps even more suitable than the one you were aiming for. But make sure it is suitable: don't take anything just for the sake of it.

Check out the course: go to your careers room and read up on universities. Also, check out the place. A visit to the town or city is advisable; you'll be there for three years. Other things to think about: Have you considered a Higher National Diploma? Usually these are two years in length and more vocational. Also, many can be converted to degrees later.

Click here >> to find out more about Clearing

4. Re-apply next year

Another option is to reapply next year. The obvious benefit of this is that you know your grades before you apply. We would suggest, however, that you make some effort to sort out a suitable place at university before you go away.

Get UCAS to send you an application form before you go - at least then you've applied even though you won't know the result. All this is far better than leaving it up in the air while you're away.

Click here >> to read why re-applying can be exactly the right step for some students

5. Relax - take a gap year!

Your meandering through our pages has brought you to the brink of the greatest and most rewarding adventure of your life: a gap year. Before you decide though, there a few things to sort out:

- Make sure that any possible university course is happy for you to take a gap year.
- Can you be around for applications or interviews if you reapply for university next year?
- Will you lose your 'study momentum'? Or will a break help you to come back with fresh enthusiasm and focus?
- Have you taken top-up fees into account?

Click here >> to read how a gap year can lead to one of life's greatest adventures

6. Get a job

With things not going exactly your way, it may be tempting to look to the world of work to get you started on the career ladder. The thought of cash in your sky-rocket played off against the prospect of penniless studentdom is an alluring prospect.