Give yourself a head start

If you think your results won't be what you'd hoped for, there are steps you can take before clearing starts.

Visit the websites of universities you might be interested in to find our more information about courses. If you don't have access to the web, make the most of your local careers library.
Think hard about the sort of career you want and see if there are any alternative routes into it.
Get advice from you school, college or careers office.
Check for new courses that may not have been available to you when you first applied.
Think realistically about what you think your results might be at worst and use that to help you choose your alternatives
Use these sources of information to compile clearing notes for yourself with details on alternative courses and institutions
Go to the student guidance or careers office at your school or college, or visit your local careers office. You may find it helpful to have up-to-date resources, experienced support and advice on hand.
List the courses you might be interested in. If they specify particular qualifications, be sure that you have got them. Pay careful attention to the following

will the course suit you? Does it include subjects that you won't like or be able to deal with?
what is the style of assessment and length of course? Are there work placements?
what do you know about the university, where it is and what are the teaching facilities/accommodation like?
what do you know about the area the university is based in - does it sound like a good place to work and study?

Check your list against other sources of information, particularly the UCAS Directory, on the UCAS website, and university prospectus information on their own websites.

More advice

[Sheffield Hallam University]