Cribsheet 19.08.11

Professor Brian Cox with his OBE at Buckingham Palace on 20 October 2010 — Professor Brian Cox, pictured after receiving his OBE on 20 October 2010, says he believes there has been a 'step change' in the public's opinion of science. Photograph: Wpa Pool/Getty Images

Some universities have closed admissions, but for others the clearing process continues. Latest reports show that 282,000 applicants are now fighting for 47,000 university places. So what can you do if you didn't get into your first choice? Enter the "clearing clinic" and get advice from the Guardian experts.

Find out how well your school did compared to others in the area and across the country on this map

We're also running a live blog with the latest updates.

A-level news

• You can follow the day's events with our live blog, put together by Paul Owen

• Elite universities have expressed concern as figures show teenagers from state schools are increasingly taking so-called soft subjects, while pupils from private schools are more likely to take traditional subjects. Jessica Shepherd reports on the state school/private school divide

• Olympic diver Tom Daley got an A* in his photography A-level, and a 13-year-old straight-A* student couldn't get a university place – five students talk to Paul Owen about how they did on results day

• Every teenager studying A-levels in their final year at Mossbourne academy in Hackney, north London, secured a university place – the majority at the most competitive institutions – painting a very different picture from last week's headlines about the riot-hit area. Jessica Shepherd and Jeevan Vasagar find out more

• It may have slipped out of the top 10 A-level subjects, but Michael Palin says geography students hold the key to the world's problems

• The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service website couldn't cope with demand, when it got 450 hits per second from students trying to find out whether they had been accepted by universities. The site closed down temporarily on Thursday morning

• Entries for A-level maths are up by just over 40% over five years, while those for physics and chemistry are up by over 19%. The boom in these subject is credited to "the Brian Cox effect"

A-level editorial and comments

• Missed your A-level grades? Forget clearing, accept your "second choice". You don't have to go to an elite university - newer universities have loads to offer, writes Charley McKenzie, who went to one

• A-level results not good enough for uni? Getting an apprenticeship is harder. For youngsters who don't go to university, decent alternatives are rare, writes Jenni Russell

And of course there'll be more stories and analysis coming throughout the day from around the country.

Clearing news

• Many of you weighed in on yesterday's live online "clearing clinic". Our clearing experts, Debbie Ribchester and Carol Jones from the Association of Colleges, answered your questions on all aspects of the clearing process, and offered advice on the best route to take after receiving your A-level results. This afternoon at 2pm they'll be at it again. Please post your questions for them now

• The Comment is Free poll on whether it's worth bothering with university at all is still open

The Fresher

Read the Fresher magazine online, featuring advice on everything from student finances and accomodation to fashion and techno gadgets – plus celebrity tales of starting uni

Education seminars from Guardian Professional

Thinking about doing a PhD?

This seminar will provide independent advice and information on framing a research proposal, the process and pitfalls of a research degree and career prospects.

9 September, London.

Making the most of media opportunities to enhance your school's profile

Whether it's sharing good news or handling a crisis, headteachers and school management teams need to be able to handle the media in all of its forms. This one-day seminar in association with the NAHT is essential for new and aspiring heads as well as established school leaders who wish to update their knowledge. It includes a session on social media.

20 September, London.

Using social media to enhance the student experience

As tuition fees rise, so too do student expectations. Social media is an effective, low-cost way to manage this challenge. This seminar will explore newly conceived best practice, techniques and strategy for all higher education staff: academic, communications, recruitment, marketing and strategy.

22 September, London.

Life after a PhD

Whether it's getting published, convincing an employer that you have transferable skills, or securing an academic post, you need to be fully prepared to achieve your goals. This course will help you identify career opportunities for those with research skills and specialist knowledge.

28 September, London.