TODAY thousands of students across North Wiltshire will open letters and scour noticeboards for the exam results which will change their lives.

But for those who do not get the A-level results they wished for, there are still many options and sources of help and advice.

"There will be people who open their results to feel that it's all gone wrong, they'll feel panic about what they do next and some may feel depressed, but it doesn't necessarily mean the end of their university dreams," said Paul Miles, one of a team of personal advisors at Connexions Wiltshire and Swindon.

Trained and experienced in all aspects of careers education and guidance, Paul and his colleagues will be on standby throughout the exam results period to provide information on the options available.

"If you have applied for university and you have missed the entry requirements by a grade or two the first thing you should do is to contact the universities you are holding offers from, they may still accept you on to the course," he explained.

"Universities have found that students who really want to go there because they have made a researched choice are more committed.

"If you haven't already applied to university, it's not too late and there are thousands of places available through clearing.

"But you'll have to be organised, as demand peaks as soon as A-level results are announced

"Basically, at Connexions, we sit people down, look at their situation and provide them with the help and resources they need to work through a calm course of action," added Mr Miles.

Clearing refers to the system whereby places on courses which are still available go up for grabs.

Details of clearing places and how to enter the system are available at www.ucas.com, at ecctis.co.uk or in The Guardian and Independent newspapers.

Case studies written by people who have already gone through the clearing system are also available at bbc.co.uk.

Students who still want to pursue full time study, but don't know what subject to go for, can also take the Stamford test on the UCAS website, to look at courses that appeal.

To enter clearing, you must complete a UCAS application, which you can order online at www.ucas.com.

While you are waiting for your form to be processed you should start contacting institutions about course entry requirements and availability.

Once your UCAS application is processed (after about two weeks) you will receive a Clearing Entry Form (CEF) and can proceed through clearing. If you don't have the right qualifications for entry this year, you can apply for an Access course see www.ucas.com/access/index.html for more information."

If clearing is not an option, there are a range of HND courses available at colleges around the country, many of which can then act as a stepping stone to a degree.

Information on part-time study or 'learn while you earn' courses such as apprenticeships is also available at job centres and Connexions offices.

Whether you are planning to go to university eventually, or to work, but want time to save money or plan your next move, the gap year is becoming increasingly popular.

Organisations such as Operation Raleigh offer sponsored trips abroad to work on community projects.

Details of gap year choices are available at www.yearoutgroup.org.uk and www.yini.org.uk.

For people thinking about leaving education to work, Connexions centres also provide careers information and can help young people draw up a contact list of local employers, as well as providing up-to-date job vacancy lists.

Exam advice and support is also available throughout the exam results period via the DFES exam results national helpline on 0808 100 8000.

Young people aged 13-19 can talk to a Connexions Direct adviser by phone, 0800 80013219, text 07766 413219, or email or webchat, www.connexions-direct.com. Connexions Direct is available seven days a week, 18 hours a day, from 8am to 2am, with hundreds of trained advisers on hand to deal with queries.

Connexions drop-in centres can be found at Chippenham, Avon Reach, Monkton Hill, (01249) 449900, chippenham@lcw.uk.com, and Swindon, 4 Temple Chambers, Temple Street, (017930 549200, email swindon@lcw.uk.com.

The centres are open during Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays from 9.30am to 5pm, on Wednesdays from 10am to 5pm and Fridays from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Post results advice sessions are also scheduled at Wiltshire College, following the exam results at Chippenham College and Lackham College on

August 19 from 12noon to 4pm and

August 20, from 10am to 12.30pm.