A-levels 2016: What to do when I've got my results?

For many it will be a day of celebration – perhaps tinged with a little apprehension – as they celebrate their A-level results and prepare for a new chapter in their life as they head for cap-and-gown land.

For others, it may be a time of disappointment, when youngsters are forced to re-evaluate all their carefully laid plans. Whatever the outcome, the important thing is to make the most of whatever hand you have been dealt.

Here are our tips to handle the big news:

Is there anything I can do this week while I'm waiting for my results?

Now is a good time to start thinking about a plan B, just in case your results don't meet expectations. Hopefully, you won't need it, but if you have a firm idea of what your priorities are the process of clearing will be much easier and you will have the edge over those who haven't prepared.

What should I do on Thursday?

Get to school or college early with all the details you might need. Take information about your module results as well as GCSE grades, your Ucas clearing number and Ucas personal ID.

I've opened my results – what happens now?

Once you have received your results, the first thing you should do is check Track, Ucas's online tracking system where you can view the progress of your application. Here you can reply to offers and update your application if need be. The service opens at 8am on Thursday.

My grades are better than expected – is it too late to change my mind?

If your grades are better than expected, you might be able to switch to a course with higher entry requirements. These can be viewed on the Ucas adjustment service.

My grades have fallen short of my requirements, but not by much. What do I do now?

Your first move should be to call the admissions tutor for your preferred course – you will wisely have made sure you had got their number to hand. You might find your chosen university will accept you anyway; if other candidates have failed to make the grade as well, there might still be places up for grabs, and they may prefer to offer you a place than put it out for clearing.

Alternatively, you might be offered a different course by the same university – you will have to decide whether to accept or decline it.

If you are not offered a place, it is time to start looking through the clearing service to see which courses are still available.

The Ucas Track system is not showing any decisions. What do I need to do?

Call your admissions tutor as soon as possible. If you have got the required grades it is probably just a technical glitch. But if you have narrowly missed them you need to find out as quickly as possible what is going on.

When will I know my place has been confirmed?

Your confirmation letter should appear in Track five to seven days after your place is confirmed. Your letter will not be emailed or posted to you.

Can I appeal against my A-level results?

If you are really convinced there has been a mistake it is possible to ask for a re-mark. But this will take time and in the meantime you might find that many of the places in clearing will have gone. If you want a re-mark, you will need to arrange this as quickly as possible and let your university or college know straight away.

What if I can't see anything suitable in clearing?

There are plenty of other options. Don't discount the Open University, for example. At about £15,000 for a bachelor's degree, it is much more cost-effective than a traditional degree. If you are prepared to put the hours in, it is possible to complete your course in three years, the same as at a "conventional" university, but most people prefer to spread it over six years and combine it with paid employment. Gap years are popular these days – you could get a job for 12 months, resit your A-levels next year, and save some money towards the cost of your course.

If I can't find anything in clearing, are there alternatives to university?

Many people go on to enjoy successful careers without getting a degree. Apprenticeships in particular are increasingly popular and in many cases give people the chance to work towards an equivalent qualification, while earning an income and gaining on-the-job experience. The Government's apprenticeship website www.getingofar.gov.uk is a good place to start.

Check out the www.notgoingtouni.co.uk and www.cityandguilds.com for more advice.

Once my offer has been confirmed, is that the end of the matter?

Make sure you check your confirmation letter carefully, in case there is anything else you need to do. Your college might be in touch with further instructions.