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Many universities already have no places left to offer through clearing, with record numbers expected to be disappointed

Teachers and students have called the level of students in the "to be an egoist" if they miss their assessment at the university were warned they must think strategically to maximize their chances for the next year round with an entrance background of unprecedented competition for the field.

Record numbers are expected to be disappointed when A-level results are published next week, because the recession has made competition even fiercer for places, the numbers of which have been cut this year.

A Guardian investigationThis week, found that many universities have no place left offer through clearing, while the number, including Warwick, London School of Economics and Nottingham, he turned even the students predicted to get a new * top class. Some 170000, can be without a job.

Principals, such as Mike Griffiths Northampton School for Boys, said that could be better for students for the whole year, and again, if they mark "well".

"In the meantime, try to be selfish and think about what would help your career most in the next five years," he said. John Guy, principal of Farnborough sixth form college, said students who were committed to studying medicine or law might well secure a university course the second time around.

National Union of Students called on young people not to panic. "There are a lot of training, volunteering, and creating jobs there, 'Aaron Porter, NUS President said. "A Conversation with services such as mentoring to help you decide which option is right for you."

Margaret Morrissey, of the campaigning group Parents Outloud, said unsuccessful university applicants should take a gap year, make the most of it and think strategically about where to apply for next year.

"There aren't even the jobs for unlucky teenagers because they are being grabbed by older people," she said. "If you don't get a place, it will be totally disappointing, but there are other options. Do something positive like volunteering. But keep your finger on the button and don't forget about applying to university."

Case studies

Katrina Mather

Katrina Mather's teachers have predicted her a stunning four A*s in her A-levels. The new A* grade will awarded only to the brightest pupils who achieve 90% or more in their final A-level exams.

Despite this, the 18-year-old was turned down by Oxford and University College London to study law. She says she asked both universities why she was rejected and they said there had been record competition for places. She is now hoping to go to the London School of Economics instead. To do so, she will have to achieve three As. Her second choice is Queen Mary, University of London, for which she needs two As and a B. The pressure is taking its toll. She has had the same dream for several nights: "I am climbing up an endless staircase and someone from the exam board is at the top telling me that I can have my results in a minute," says Katrina, from Seaford in East Sussex.

"What am I going to do if I don't get my grades? There just won't be places in clearing for law. It is a subject that is completely over-subscribed."

Her other worry is how she will afford university when she gets there. She is working at a restaurant for 45 hours a week. She is the first in her family to go to university and hopes to pave the way for her younger sisters aged 15 and 11.

Danny Lee

Danny Lee has had several sleepless nights over the past week. The 19-year-old, from Kent, finished his A-level exams in June and is now waiting for his results.

He is worried that he will not make his first choice â€" City University in London â€" where he hopes to study for a degree in journalism. He needs an A and two Bs. If he does not achieve three Bs, Danny will not make his second choice either, the University of Central Lancashire, and may not get to university at all this autumn. Teachers at his school have predicted him three Bs.

"It is going to be tough," he says. "If I think realistically, I've got more of a chance of going to Central Lancashire than of going to City. I might well have to go through clearing, but I really hope I don't have to. "I don't know which other course I would pick and I know this year there will be fewer places than ever. I want to go to City for the location and the credibility of the course."

Danny has found the last week tough. "If you don't get into university, it seems so unclear what you do. I am genuinely concerned about the fact that this year is going to be the hardest yet to get on to a course. "I could carry on volunteering, but I don't want to go into employment just yet. I don't feel ready and I don't think the jobs market is good.

"If I go to university and wait three or four years until I start applying for posts, everything will hopefully be much better. I want to get onto the career ladder at the best possible time and with a good degree behind me."

Sonia Sanghera

Sonya had already begun to compile a list of universities that offer degrees in economics if she misses classes she needs it-levels next week.

The 18-year-old, from Leeds, who will be the first in her family to go to university, wants to study at Birmingham University.

To do so, she needs two As and a B â€" the grades her teachers have predicted she will get. Her second choice is Leicester university, for which she needs an A and two Bs.

"If I get three Bs next week, that will actually be a pretty good result that I could be proud of, but it means I won't have a university place anywhere," she says.

"It is really scary when I stop to think about it."

Birmingham University is not going to be in clearing as it has already run out of places. "My heart is set on Birmingham, so I really, really need those grades," she says. "I definitely don't want to go to a university I have never heard of, doing a course I don't really want to do."

If Sonia does not manage to get her grades, she says she will retake them in a year and try to get a job.

"I have already been making a list of the universities that have courses in economics, but most of them require at least one A grade. There are only a couple that accept students with three Bs."

Sonia says her comprehensive school was helpful when it came to applying to university, but after the exams it "sort of left us to it". "I know we are meant to be adults, being 18, but I think we could have had a bit more support," she says.