STUDENTS across the region will be nervously waiting for A-level results which are published on Thursday (August 17).

Many will be hoping to make the grade to get into university or college but what is the best way to prepare for results day, and what should students do if they fall short of their targets?

According to UCAS, the organisation which operates the university applications system, students should get ready for results day by ensuring their contact details are up-to-date on the online UCAS Track system and make sure their Track log-in details are to hand.

Students should also ensure they are available on results day, colleges and UCAS cannot discuss options with anyone else unless another individual has been nominated.

Students should also check how universities get sent exam results, most go direct from UCAS but some have to be sent directly from students.

The UCAS website has details of which results they will send.

After results are published students can check on the status of their offers via the Track system.

Students who just miss out on their required grades may still be offered their first choice place or alternatively a place on their second choice.

Anyone who is not offered a place can apply for courses through a process called Clearing, students registered with UCAS who do not have a confirmed offer of a place are automatically enrolled in Clearing.

Available courses are published on the UCAS website and students can apply for those through Clearing.

The Track system will also let students know if they have been offered a substantially different course by a college they have already applied to.

Students whose results exceed the conditions of a course they have been offered can look for courses with higher entry requirements through a process called Adjustment.

Their original offer remains open while they look but the Adjustment process is only open from results day until August 31.

For more information visit ucas.com