by Helen Richardson

As thousands of students across Kent find out their exam results today there is a warning there could be fewer university places this year for those who have to go through clearing.

Clearing is a process for students who failed to achieve the grades required to go to their top university choice. It allows them to apply for other courses which still have vacancies.

However, students are warned that clearing could be even more competitive than usual this year.

This is because the Government has put a cap on the number of places available at many universities, including the University of Kent.

Steve Holcroft, the university's head of admissions, said the amount of course vacancies differs from year to year - but this year numbers are particularly tight.

What should you do if you're facing clearing?

Steve Holcroft has some advice for those eligible for clearing this year...

Clearing top tips

Bev Woodham is Head of Recruitment at the University of Greenwich at Medway.

She says "Clearing is your last chance to get a place at university this autumn. If you don't quite get the A-level grades you needed, or just change your mind about where you want to go."

Bev has given us her top ten tips for dealing with clearing.

1. Keep calm
There are still places at lots of universities. Extra places were created this year so although more people are applying, there will be vacancies on many courses.

2. Check original choices first
If you just missed your required grades, don't despair, contact your first choice university and they may still offer you a place. If not, check out your second choice.

3. Be positive!
If neither institution will confirm their offer, you are now a Clearing Applicant. You can call any higher education institution in the UK directly and ask if they will accept you onto a particular course with the qualifications you have.

4. Do your researchDon't panic and take the first vacancy you see. The decision you make now will affect several years of your life. Search the papers and university websites for courses you are interested in and check their entry criteria. If you have the grades or points they require, or you are close, give them a call.

5. Be preparedBefore you phone, make a list of questions. Ask if you can speak to an academic (one of the teaching staff) about the course. Ensure you have the results of both your recent exams and your GCSEs to hand. Give several unis a ring to see what they can offer.

6. Check it out
Make time to visit. If you are serious about studying somewhere you need to know what it’s like. You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on, would you? Attend the open day or ask to arrange a visit.

7. Are you sure?
Have you achieved better grades than expected, or changed your mind about the offer you hold? This year UCAS have introduced a five-day ‘adjustment period’ from 20 August. You can shop around, safe in the knowledge that if you don’t find a place you prefer elsewhere, you still have your original offer.

8. Money money moneyHave you applied for all the money you are entitled to? What bursaries and scholarships are on offer? Each year a huge amount go unclaimed. This is FREE money so do some research and see what's on offer.

9. Push the (TRACK) button.
Once you are sure where and what you are going to study, you must confirm your decision on-line using UCAS Track. UCAS let the institution know your decision.

10. Start getting excited
You are about to take your learning to another level, meet new people and have loads of new opportunities. Welcome to Higher Education!”