Degrees, rejections and being a newbie.

I'm a brand new member and one of the main reasons that I've chosen to join this community is down to the fact that although, after quite a long time, I have almost finished my first draft of my first novel (currently around 90,000 words), I have absolutely no professional experience when it comes to writing; the closest I got to a degree was a A* English at GCSE level and I'm terrified that all the hard work and passion that I've put into it will be destroyed with one rejection letter after another. Because from what I've read about agents, it is highly unlikely they will even pick up my manuscript.

Is there anyone out there who may be able to provide me with any advice or suggestions as to how I am may improve my chances of attracting an agent?

I would appreciate any comments, Sarah Lee