Can You Go Through Clearing If You Have an Offer?
- Revision Notes
- Jul 31
- 20 min read
Updated: Aug 17
Yes, you can eventually use Clearing if you already have a university offer, but you cannot normally add a Clearing choice while you are still formally holding that offer or confirmed place.
You can:
Research Clearing vacancies
Contact other universities
Ask whether they would consider you
Receive information about possible offers
Compare courses and accommodation
However, before you can formally add a different course through UCAS Clearing, you will normally need to:
Decline all offers you have not yet accepted
Be unsuccessful at both your firm and insurance choices
Use Decline my place to give up a confirmed place
Ask UCAS to release you when your conditional firm place remains pending after Results Day
UCAS states that Clearing is available between 2 July and 19 October 2026 to applicants who are not already holding an offer, including students who received no suitable offers, missed their conditions or declined their firm place.
The important rule is:
Research first. Secure a suitable alternative. Give up your current place only when you are certain.
Declining a confirmed place cancels it. Your original university does not have to give it back if you later change your mind.
Using Clearing with an Offer at a Glance
Your current position | Can you research Clearing? | Can you add a Clearing choice now? | What must happen first? |
You have offers but have not replied | Yes | Usually not | Decline all offers and become eligible |
You hold a conditional firm offer before Results Day | Yes | No | Wait for the university’s Results Day decision |
Your firm place is confirmed | Yes | No | Use Decline my place |
Your insurance place is confirmed | Yes | No | Use Decline my place |
Your firm decision remains pending after Results Day | Yes | No | Contact the university, then request release through UCAS if appropriate |
You have a changed course offer awaiting your reply | Yes | Not while holding it | Accept it or decline it |
You accepted an unconditional changed course offer | Yes | No | Use Decline my place |
You added a Clearing choice and it is pending | Yes | No | Wait for the university to accept you or make you unsuccessful |
You have no offers or confirmed place | Yes | Yes, once eligible | Obtain permission from a Clearing university |
Having an Offer Is Not the Same as Having a Confirmed Place
The action you need to take depends on what type of offer or place you currently hold.
You might have:
One or more offers awaiting your reply
A conditional firm offer
A conditional insurance offer
An unconditional firm place
A confirmed insurance place
A changed course offer
A pending Clearing choice
These positions are different.
Do not press Decline my place, withdraw an application or ask to be released until you have checked the exact wording shown in UCAS Hub.
Can You Use Clearing If You Have Offers but Have Not Replied?
Yes, but you would need to decide that you do not want to accept any of those offers.
Before your reply deadline, your options normally include:
Accepting one offer as your firm choice
Accepting another as your insurance choice where appropriate
Declining the remaining offers
Declining all offers
UCAS confirms that applicants who do not want any of their offers can decline them all and later look for courses through Clearing.
Should You Decline All Your Offers?
Only when you are genuinely unwilling to attend any of them.
Before declining, ask:
Is one of these courses better than the realistic Clearing alternatives?
Have I checked current Clearing vacancies?
Have I contacted universities that interest me?
Would I be happy if no preferable course became available?
What happens to my accommodation application?
Am I making this decision because of the course or because I am nervous about committing?
Declining all offers does not guarantee that a more attractive Clearing place will appear.
Do Not Miss Your Reply Deadline Accidentally
UCAS sets an individual reply deadline based on when your final university decision arrives.
For 2026 entry, the main reply dates included:
6 May 2026 for applicants receiving all decisions by 31 March
3 June 2026 for applicants receiving all decisions by 13 May
22 July 2026 for applicants receiving all decisions by 15 July
Your personal deadline appears in your application. Offers can be declined automatically when you fail to reply on time.
Allowing offers to expire is not a clever method of entering Clearing.
Make a deliberate decision and keep a record of what you have done.
Can You Use Clearing with a Conditional Firm Offer?
Not while the conditional offer remains active.
A conditional firm offer means the university has agreed to accept you if you meet its stated conditions.
Before Results Day, you can:
Research Clearing vacancies
Make an alternative-course shortlist
Check accommodation elsewhere
Prepare university telephone numbers
Contact universities for general information
You cannot normally add a Clearing choice while your firm and insurance offers remain active.
What Happens on Results Day?
Your firm university may:
Confirm your place because you met the conditions
Confirm you despite a near miss
Leave the decision pending
Offer a changed course
Make you unsuccessful
Your insurance university is considered only when your firm choice does not confirm you.
Check UCAS Hub before assuming you need Clearing.
Read What Happens on A-Level Results Day? for a full guide to each possible status.
Can You Use Clearing If Your Firm Place Is Confirmed?
Yes, but you must give up the confirmed place before you can add another Clearing course.
From 2 July, applicants holding an unconditional firm place can use the Decline my place option in UCAS Hub to release themselves into Clearing. For 2026 entry, the final date to use the option is 2 September 2026.
What Happens When You Use Decline My Place?
Using the option:
Cancels your confirmed place
Cancels your contract with the university
Removes your insurance choice
Makes you eligible for Clearing
May cancel arrangements linked to your university place
UCAS warns that the action should be used only when you are certain you no longer want the place. It is not automatically reversible.
Can You Look at Clearing Courses Before Declining?
Yes.
You should research and contact universities before releasing yourself.
The safest order is:
Keep your confirmed place.
Search current Clearing vacancies.
Research suitable courses.
Contact the new universities.
Ask whether they would offer you a place.
Confirm the exact course, campus and deadline.
Check accommodation and funding.
Decide that you genuinely prefer the alternative.
Use Decline my place.
Add the agreed Clearing choice.
UCAS allows only one formal Clearing choice at a time, and you should add it only after the university has given permission.
Can the New University Guarantee the Place Before You Decline?
It may give you an informal, provisional or verbal offer.
Ask:
Are you definitely offering me a place?
Is the offer unconditional?
How long will it remain available?
Do I need to become eligible for Clearing before the offer can be processed?
Will you send the course and deadline in writing?
What happens if my UCAS release takes time?
The place does not become formally confirmed until:
You enter Clearing.
You add the course in UCAS Hub.
The university accepts your Clearing choice.
Can You Use Clearing If Your Insurance Place Is Confirmed?
Yes.
If your firm university does not accept you but your insurance university does, the insurance choice becomes your confirmed place.
When you no longer want that course, you can use Decline my place and enter Clearing. UCAS specifically tells students who do not want their confirmed insurance place that they can use this option to apply elsewhere.
Before doing so, check:
The exact insurance course
Whether the campus has changed
Accommodation availability
Course modules
Placement opportunities
The realistic Clearing alternatives
Your insurance choice may still be a very good option.
Do not decline it within minutes merely because it was not the result you originally hoped to see.
Can You Swap Your Firm and Insurance Choices?
No, not automatically.
Once your firm choice confirms you, the insurance choice is no longer being held as your backup.
When you now want the insurance university, you should:
Contact the former insurance university.
Ask whether it has a Clearing vacancy.
Ask whether it would accept you.
Obtain permission to add the course.
Check accommodation.
Use Decline my place for your confirmed firm choice.
Add the former insurance university through Clearing.
UCAS confirms that firm and insurance choices cannot simply be swapped after results. The former insurance university may still offer you a place through Clearing, but you must contact it first.
Do not assume your old insurance offer is still waiting.
It may have:
Filled the course
Changed its entry requirements
Closed Clearing
Run out of accommodation
Offered its remaining places to other applicants
Can You Use Clearing If Your Firm Choice Is Still Pending?
Potentially, but you should first find out why the university has not made a final decision.
Your place may remain conditional because the university is:
Still considering your results
Reviewing a near miss
Waiting for another qualification
Waiting for a certificate
Checking a GCSE condition
Processing a changed course offer
UCAS advises applicants to check their application and contact the university because it may still be considering them, even where they missed the original grades.
What to Do First
Contact the firm university and ask:
My UCAS application still shows a conditional firm offer. Have you received all my results, and am I still being considered for the course?
Also ask:
Is any information missing?
When will a decision be made?
Are you considering an alternative course?
Can you release my application if I decide to go elsewhere?
Conditional Firm Release for 2026
When you have received all relevant Level 3 results, contacted your firm university and still want to leave the pending choice, you can contact UCAS from 08:00 on Thursday 13 August until 2 September 2026 to request release into Clearing.
Once completed:
Your conditional firm offer is declined
Any insurance choice is also declined
You enter Clearing
The action cannot be reversed through the normal process
UCAS introduced this process specifically for applicants whose conditional firm place remains unconfirmed after Results Day.
This is a major decision.
Do not request release merely because the university is taking longer than you hoped to update your status.
Can You Use Clearing If You Have a Changed Course Offer?
Yes, depending on whether you have accepted it.
A changed course offer may involve:
A different degree
A foundation year
A different campus
A different start date
A different point of entry
If You Have Not Responded Yet
You can:
Accept the changed course offer
Decline it and use Clearing
UCAS normally gives applicants five days to respond to a changed course offer. If you decline the available changed course options, you will need to use Clearing to apply for a new course.
Before declining, check:
Course title
Course code
Modules
Foundation-year status
Campus
Course length
Accreditation
Accommodation
Student finance implications
If You Already Accepted an Unconditional Changed Course Offer
You can use Decline my place to give it up and enter Clearing.
The same warning applies: your accepted course is cancelled, and restoration is not guaranteed.
Can You Use Clearing If You Have Already Added a Clearing Choice?
Not while that Clearing choice is pending.
Once you add a Clearing choice, you must wait for that university to:
Confirm you, after which you may be able to decline the confirmed place
Make you unsuccessful, after which you can use Clearing again
UCAS explains that applicants cannot use Decline my place while a Clearing choice is awaiting a decision.
What If You Change Your Mind?
Contact the university immediately.
Ask it whether it can:
Withdraw the pending choice
Make you unsuccessful
Update UCAS promptly
You cannot add a second Clearing choice while the first remains active. UCAS permits only one Clearing choice at a time.
Can You Contact Clearing Universities While Holding an Offer?
Yes.
You can research courses and ask universities whether they would consider you without immediately giving up your existing place.
This allows you to check:
Whether the course is genuinely available
Whether your grades are acceptable
Which campus is involved
Whether accommodation remains
What the offer deadline would be
Whether a foundation year is included
However, a university cannot formally confirm you through Clearing until you are eligible and have added its course to UCAS Hub.
What to Say to a University
Be transparent:
I currently hold a confirmed place at another university, but I am considering changing through Clearing. I achieved [grades]. Would you be willing to offer me a place on [course], subject to me releasing myself into Clearing?
Then ask:
Is this a definite offer?
How long is it valid?
Do I need to provide evidence?
Which course code should I use?
Is accommodation available?
Can you email the offer details?
Read How to Call Universities During Clearing before making the call.
Should You Decline Your Place Before Calling Other Universities?
No.
Researching first protects you.
When you decline your current place before contacting alternatives, you risk becoming unplaced with:
No definite new offer
No guaranteed accommodation
No clear funding position
No way to restore the original place automatically
Use Decline my place only after you have established that the alternative is real, suitable and still available.
The Safest Order
1. Review Your Current Course
Check:
Modules
Assessment
Placement opportunities
Accreditation
Campus
Accommodation
Costs
2. Identify Why You Want to Leave
Are you changing because:
Another course suits you better?
Your grades exceeded expectations?
Your circumstances changed?
You want to remain closer to home?
You no longer want the subject?
You are reacting emotionally to Results Day?
3. Research Realistic Alternatives
Use the current Clearing vacancy search.
4. Contact Universities
Provide your achieved grades and explain that you currently hold another place.
5. Obtain a Clear Offer
Confirm:
Exact course
Code
Campus
Entry point
Conditions
Deadline
6. Check Practical Arrangements
Research:
Accommodation
Rent
Travel
Student finance
Scholarships
Visa requirements where relevant
7. Decline Your Existing Place
Only when you are certain.
8. Add the New Clearing Choice
Enter the course using the details supplied by the university.
9. Wait for Formal Confirmation
Do not assume the move is complete until UCAS Hub updates.
What Happens to Your Insurance Choice?
You lose it.
Using Decline my place releases you from your confirmed firm place and removes the insurance choice as well.
This matters when:
You are considering a riskier Clearing option
You previously liked your insurance university
The alternative offer is provisional
Accommodation at the new university is uncertain
Your insurance course will not remain quietly stored in the background in case the Clearing plan goes wrong.
What Happens to Your Accommodation?
It depends on your agreement, but you should not assume the accommodation will survive a university change.
UCAS warns that using Decline my place may cancel arrangements made for accommodation or scholarships with your original university.
You should contact:
Original university accommodation team
Private halls provider
Landlord or letting agent
New university accommodation team
Ask the original provider:
Is my booking cancelled automatically?
Do I need to submit a cancellation form?
Is my advance payment refundable?
Does the contract require a replacement tenant?
What evidence do you need?
Ask the new university:
Are rooms available?
Are Clearing applicants guaranteed accommodation?
Which halls have vacancies?
What is the total contract cost?
When must I apply?
What happens if my UCAS confirmation is delayed?
Your academic offer and accommodation contract may be separate agreements.
What Happens to Scholarships and Bursaries?
Funding attached to your original university may be cancelled when you decline the place.
Check whether you would lose:
Academic scholarship
Accommodation discount
Household-income bursary
Sports scholarship
Subject award
Care-experienced support package
Ask the new university:
Are Clearing applicants eligible?
Is funding automatic?
Is a separate application needed?
What deadline applies?
Does a foundation year affect eligibility?
Do not assume a scholarship follows you to the new university.
What Happens to Student Finance?
When you accept a new university or course through Clearing, you must update your student finance application separately.
Student Finance England confirms that its system is not linked to UCAS. Students must update the university, course, tuition fee and relevant living details through their student finance account when these change.
Check:
University
Course
Course length
Tuition fee
Living location
Study location
Start date
Make changes as soon as the new place is settled.
Student Finance England states that changes can take time to process, so delaying the update may affect when the correct funding is ready.
What If You Want a Different Course at the Same University?
Contact the university before using Decline my place.
It may be able to:
Change your course internally
Move you to another department
Add a placement year
Remove or add a foundation year
Change your campus
Approve a later start
Discuss deferral
UCAS advises applicants who want to remain at the same institution but change course to speak to the university first. Using Decline my place may cancel the place and linked accommodation or scholarship arrangements unnecessarily.
A simple internal course change may be much easier than:
Cancelling the original place
Entering Clearing
Reapplying to the same university
Rebuilding accommodation and funding arrangements
Can You Use Clearing If You Exceed Your Offer?
Yes.
If your firm place is confirmed but your grades are higher than expected, you can research other courses and use Clearing if you decide to move.
UCAS Adjustment no longer operates as a separate process. Applicants who exceed their offer but want another university can decline their confirmed place and apply through Clearing.
Do Not Change University Only Because Your Grades Are Higher
Ask:
Is the alternative course genuinely better for me?
Are the modules more suitable?
Is it professionally accredited?
Does it offer better placements?
Would I prefer the location?
Is accommodation available?
Is it affordable?
Am I choosing it only because its entry requirements are higher?
Stronger grades create options.
They do not make your original choice unworthy.
When Should You Keep Your Existing Offer?
Keeping the current offer may be sensible when:
You still like the course.
Your main concern is temporary Results Day emotion.
The Clearing alternative is poorly researched.
The new university has not made a definite offer.
Accommodation is unavailable or unaffordable.
The alternative includes an unexpected foundation year.
The course is not accredited.
You are choosing based only on rankings or entry requirements.
You would be upset if the original place could not be restored.
A confirmed university place is valuable.
Do not discard it simply because Clearing makes other courses visible.
When Might Moving Through Clearing Be Sensible?
Using Clearing despite already having an offer may make sense when:
You no longer want the subject.
Another course fits your career plans better.
Your personal circumstances have changed.
You need to study closer to home.
The original course is at the wrong campus.
A preferred university has made a definite offer.
You now qualify for a course you previously thought was unrealistic.
You have checked accommodation and finance.
You understand that the original place will be lost.
The decision should be based on the whole course and practical situation, not one exciting telephone call.
Risks of Entering Clearing When You Already Have an Offer
Losing the Original Place
Your university does not have to restore it.
Losing the Insurance Choice
It is removed when you decline the confirmed firm place.
Losing Accommodation
University accommodation or a scholarship-linked room may be cancelled.
Losing Financial Support
Institution-specific scholarships and bursaries may not transfer.
Receiving a Different Course from the One Expected
The alternative may include:
Foundation year
Different campus
Different degree title
Different entry point
Waiting for Formal Confirmation
A verbal offer is not the final UCAS decision.
Delaying Student Finance
You need to update your funding application separately.
Discovering That the New Place Is Not Reversible Either
Once the new university confirms you, it becomes your firm place. Further changes may require another release and could complicate accommodation, enrolment and finance.
What If You Decline Your Place by Mistake?
Contact the original university immediately.
UCAS says the university may be able to help, but your place may already have been offered to another applicant.
Also contact UCAS to explain what happened.
Do not:
Assume the button can be undone
Add a random Clearing course as a temporary solution
Wait several days before contacting the university
The faster you act, the greater the chance that the university can investigate.
Can You Change Your Mind After Adding the New Clearing Course?
Possibly, but the process depends on whether the university has confirmed you.
While the Choice Is Pending
Contact the university and ask it to withdraw or make the choice unsuccessful.
You cannot add another Clearing choice until the current one is accepted or declined.
After the University Confirms You
You may be able to use Decline my place again while the option remains available, but you would be giving up another confirmed place.
Repeated changes can affect:
Accommodation
Student finance
Enrolment
Scholarships
Visa arrangements
Course preparation
Do not treat Clearing choices as items in an online shopping basket.
Each confirmed place creates real administrative and contractual consequences.
Step-by-Step: Using Clearing When You Already Have an Offer
Step 1: Check Your Exact UCAS Status
Identify whether you hold:
Offers awaiting reply
Conditional firm
Confirmed firm
Confirmed insurance
Changed course offer
Pending decision
Pending Clearing choice
Step 2: Decide What You Dislike About the Existing Option
Write down the specific reasons.
Step 3: Research Clearing Courses
Check:
Course content
Course code
Campus
Accreditation
Accommodation
Costs
Step 4: Contact Other Universities
Explain honestly that you currently hold another offer or place.
Step 5: Confirm the Alternative
Ask:
Are you offering me a place?
Is it unconditional?
What is the deadline?
Which course code should I use?
Is accommodation available?
Will you email the details?
Step 6: Compare Both Options
Do not compare the new university’s best marketing points with your existing university’s weakest features.
Compare like with like.
Step 7: Resolve Your Current Offer
Depending on your status:
Decline all unaccepted offers
Use Decline my place
Contact UCAS for conditional-firm release
Wait for a pending Clearing choice to be decided
Step 8: Add the New Choice
Only after the university has given permission.
Step 9: Wait for Confirmation
Monitor UCAS Hub and email.
Step 10: Update Practical Arrangements
Contact:
Accommodation
Student finance
Scholarship team
Disability support
Visa team where relevant
Decision Table: Should You Give Up Your Offer?
Question | If yes | If no |
Do you genuinely prefer the new course? | Continue comparing | Keep your current place |
Has the new university made a clear offer? | Check its conditions | Do not decline yet |
Is the offer in writing? | Save it | Ask for confirmation |
Have you checked the campus? | Continue | Find out before deciding |
Is accommodation available? | Compare costs | Resolve this first |
Can you afford the new option? | Check funding | Reconsider |
Is the exact course accredited where needed? | Continue | Check the implications |
Do you understand that the original place may not return? | Decide carefully | Do not decline |
Would you still choose the new course without league tables? | It may be the better fit | Examine your motivation |
Are you making the decision calmly? | Proceed if satisfied | Pause |
Checklist Before Giving Up a University Offer
Your existing place
☐ Check the exact course☐ Check the campus☐ Revisit the modules☐ Check accommodation cancellation☐ Check scholarships☐ Understand the place may not return
The Clearing alternative
☐ Confirm the vacancy☐ Give accurate grades☐ Receive a definite offer☐ Get the offer in writing☐ Confirm the course code☐ Confirm the campus☐ Check for a foundation year☐ Check accreditation☐ Check accommodation☐ Check total costs☐ Record the deadline
Before pressing Decline my place
☐ Decide that you prefer the alternative☐ Confirm the new offer remains valid☐ Understand your insurance choice will be lost☐ Check your original accommodation contract☐ Save all relevant emails☐ Discuss the decision with an adviser where useful
After entering Clearing
☐ Add the agreed choice☐ Use the correct course code☐ Monitor UCAS Hub☐ Submit requested evidence☐ Wait for formal confirmation
After confirmation
☐ Update student finance☐ Apply for new accommodation☐ Cancel old accommodation correctly☐ Check scholarships and bursaries☐ Complete enrolment☐ Check the course start date
Common Mistakes When Using Clearing with an Offer
Declining Before Researching
Keep your current place while you explore.
Assuming You Must Be Unplaced Before Calling Universities
You can ask whether they would consider you before releasing yourself.
Believing a Friendly Call Is a Formal Offer
Ask directly whether the university is offering a place.
Forgetting That the Insurance Choice Will Be Lost
It does not remain as a backup.
Assuming Decline My Place Is Reversible
The original course may already have been reallocated.
Using Decline My Place to Change Course Internally
Speak to your current university first.
Failing to Check the Course Code
You may accidentally enter a foundation-year or different-campus route.
Ignoring Accommodation
A course place does not guarantee a room.
Forgetting Student Finance
UCAS and Student Finance England are separate systems.
Changing Because of Higher Grades Alone
A higher-entry course is not automatically a better personal choice.
Making the Decision During an Emotional Reaction
Allow yourself time to examine the actual alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Clearing with an Offer
Can you go through Clearing if you already have an offer?
Yes, but you normally need to give up the existing offer or confirmed place before you can formally add a Clearing course.
Can you look at Clearing courses while holding an offer?
Yes. You can research vacancies and contact universities before giving up your current offer.
Can you call Clearing universities while holding a firm place?
Yes. Explain your current position and ask whether they would offer you a place if you became eligible for Clearing.
Can you add a Clearing choice while holding an offer?
Normally no. You must first become eligible for Clearing and receive the new university’s permission.
Can you use Clearing before Results Day when you have a conditional offer?
You can research courses, but you cannot normally add a Clearing choice while the conditional firm and insurance offers remain active.
Can you decline all university offers and use Clearing?
Yes. UCAS allows applicants who do not want any existing offers to decline them and later search for vacancies through Clearing.
Can you use Clearing after accepting your firm offer?
Yes. If the place becomes unconditional firm, you can use Decline my place to release yourself into Clearing.
Can you use Clearing if your firm place is still conditional?
After Results Day, first contact the university. If you have all your Level 3 results and still want to leave, you can contact UCAS between 08:00 on 13 August and 2 September 2026 to request release.
Can you use Clearing if your insurance university accepts you?
Yes. The insurance university is now your confirmed place, so you would need to decline it before adding another course.
Can you swap your firm and insurance choices?
No. Contact the former insurance university to ask whether it will accept you through Clearing.
Can you keep your firm place while looking elsewhere?
You can keep it while researching and contacting universities. You must normally release yourself before adding the alternative formally.
Does Decline my place cancel your insurance choice?
Yes.
Does Decline my place cancel accommodation?
It may cancel university arrangements connected to the place. Private accommodation may have separate contractual rules.
Can Decline my place be undone?
Not automatically. Contact the original university immediately, but the place may already have been offered elsewhere.
When is Decline my place available in 2026?
It is available from 2 July, with 2 September 2026 as the final date for using it.
When is Clearing open in 2026?
Clearing runs from 2 July until 19 October 2026.
What time can you add a Clearing choice on A-Level Results Day?
Eligible applicants can add a choice from 13:00 on Thursday 13 August 2026.
Can you receive a Clearing offer before declining your existing place?
A university may tell you that it is prepared to accept you, but the new place cannot be formally confirmed until you enter Clearing and add the course.
Should you get the new offer in writing?
Yes. Ask for the course, code, campus, conditions and deadline to be confirmed by email.
Can you use Clearing if you exceed your offer?
Yes. You can research alternatives and decline your confirmed place if you decide to move.
Does UCAS Adjustment still exist?
No. Students who achieve higher results but want another course now generally use Clearing.
Can you change course at the same university without Clearing?
Possibly. Contact the university first. It may be able to process an internal course change without cancelling your place.
Can you use Clearing after accepting a changed course offer?
Yes. An accepted unconditional changed course offer can be declined using Decline my place.
Can you add another course while a Clearing choice is pending?
No. Wait for the university to confirm you or make you unsuccessful.
What if you no longer want a pending Clearing choice?
Contact the university and ask it to withdraw or decline the choice so that you can become eligible again.
Do you lose your scholarship when you decline a place?
You may lose funding connected to the original university. Check the terms before declining.
Do you need to update student finance after changing through Clearing?
Yes. Student Finance England is not automatically updated by UCAS.
What if the new university does not confirm you?
If it makes you unsuccessful, you can add another Clearing choice, provided the service remains open.
Should you decline your place just to view Clearing vacancies?
No. You can search vacancies without cancelling your confirmed place.
Is it risky to use Clearing when you already have an offer?
It can be. The main risk is losing a confirmed place before the new one is formally secured.
Final Thoughts: Can You Go Through Clearing If You Have an Offer?
You can use Clearing when you already have an offer, but you cannot normally hold your existing offer and add a second formal Clearing choice at the same time.
The sensible order is:
Keep your current offer.
Research Clearing vacancies.
Contact suitable universities.
Receive a clear alternative offer.
Check the course and campus.
Check accommodation.
Check funding and scholarships.
Decide that you genuinely prefer the alternative.
Give up your existing offer or place.
Add the agreed Clearing course.
Wait for formal confirmation.
When you have offers but have not replied, you can decline them all if none is suitable.
When you hold a confirmed place, use Decline my place only when you are certain.
When your firm choice remains conditional after Results Day, contact the university before asking UCAS to release you.
And when you simply want another course at the same institution, speak to your university first. You may not need Clearing at all.
The ability to change direction is one of the useful features of Clearing.
It is not, however, a reason to throw away a confirmed place and then begin researching what might replace it.
Build the bridge before removing the one you are already standing on.
Comments