With just over a week to go until the A-level results are released school-leavers up and down the country will be holding their collective breath. John Waller, head of student recruitment services at the University of Bradford, takes a look how students who don't make the grade can still make it on to a university course.

The question most A-level students will be asking themselves this week is 'Have I done well enough to get into my chosen university?'

The majority will get the grades they need, but if you don't, don't panic. If you have only just missed the grades required, ring the university up. Chances are they will let you in anyway - there is usually some slack in the system.

If the answer is no then you will have to join clearing - the system used to try to fit unplaced students on to new courses. Most of the national newspapers will print vacancy listings on the day the results come out, together with university helpline contact numbers. Ring round to see if your grades are acceptable for a similar course at another university.

Be prepared to be flexible, especially if you are wanting a popular course like medicine, law, English, pharmacy or physiotherapy. There are unlikely to be many places in these areas.

But helpline staff are trained to help you identify similar courses for which you are qualified and which you may find just as satisfying. Medical engineering instead of medicine, pharmaceutical management instead of pharmacy. Peace studies instead of law. Some available courses may combine your preferred subject with something else.

Ask to be sent written details of such courses and of any opportunities to pay a visit. A visit to a university you had previously not considered is an excellent idea and many universities, including Bradford, hold Open Days at the weekends.

This will give you the opportunity to talk face to face with admissions staff and make sure any available alternative courses meet your academic and career needs.

A visit will also allow you to look round the campus and get a 'feel' for whether you would be happy there. That is important, too.

Don't be rushed into accepting your first offer. Ring and visit as many universities as you can and make a list of the available options. You will be getting a clearing entry form from UCAS and you can't do anything until that comes. When it does, it will have space for just one university course. Make sure it is the best one for you. Most students who have actually passed their exams do get into somewhere through clearing, usually to do a course similar to their original choice. Obviously, not getting in to your original choice will be a disappointment.

But it need not be a disaster. University life is largely what you make it and thousands of students every year find themselves doing different courses at different universities.

l The University of Bradford helpline number is available now on (01274) 235400.

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