What do you do if you don't get into your first-choice university? This【D1】
1faces thousands of British students every year. Many such【D2】
2turn to Clearing, a service that helps find university places for students at the last moment. If they don't have the marks to get into their 【D3】
3, Clearing tells them about places available at other universities, though they might have to read a different subject. This year has seen a record number of people applying to university. This, combined with the 【D4】
4, an uncertain job market, and budget cuts at universities, has produced even more of a scramble for places than usual. Some sources say six students have applied for each remaining【D5】
5place. Some British students might consider an interesting alternative:【D7】
6. The UK's Higher Education Minister, David Willetts, is encouraging students who haven't made the grade to consider alternatives to university, such as【D8】
7and studying at home. "There are a range of options available," he says. "People can reapply next year, so they should consider spending this year in a way that will add positively to their CVs. Getting 【D9】
8or other skills will strengthen their chances next year. " Some commentators say, though, that rising university costs, poor long-term【D10】
9, and a drop in graduate recruitment mean this is the worst time to be a university student in the UK.