Alternative Options

Clearing works very well for students who are flexible about their course and university and whose grades are good enough to be accepted by most universities. If your grades are not as strong as you'd like, or you are set on trying again for a particular course or university, then you could consider some of the following options.

Re-sitting Exams

One option is to re-sit your A levels to try to improve your grades. If you decide to re-sit, it's probably best to do so at a sixth form or tutorial college (sometimes referred to as independent sixth-form colleges). These colleges are used to helping students with re-sits and some have excellent track records in improving grades. They are able to offer more intensive teaching, in smaller groups and can provide access to tutors over weekends.

There are a few disadvantages to re-sitting. The most obvious is that some universities will expect you to get better results than students who are sitting A levels for the first time. So you may have to aim even higher than the results you failed to get at your first attempt.

Taking a Gap Year

Another option is to take a gap year and re-apply for your first-choice course next year or the year after. If you do take a gap year, try to do something in your time off that will support your application. For example, if you want to study computer science try to find work in a related field. This will show the university that you're committed to their course and are prepared to go the extra mile to win a place.

You can also use a gap year to re-think your options. Many students find that a gap year gives them time to mature and gain a different perspective on life after school. It's not uncommon for students to start a gap year committed to a medical course, only to finish it heading off to study theology instead.

Have a look at our gap year articles for more ideas on what to do on your year off.

Doing Something Different

You may decide that university isn't for you after all. Even with the government aiming to send 50 per cent of young people into higher education, most people leave school and either don't go to university or fail to complete their university course. And remember a university education isn't the only option for people with A levels.

You could consider a career in finance, such as accountancy, where a university degree isn't essential for qualification. Other professions may offer on-the-job training for applicants with A levels. If this sounds interesting, talk to your careers adviser or a Connexions adviser to see what help they can offer.

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