Being released from your Firm or Insurance

TSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > Applying to University > Being released from your Firm or Insurance

Hopefully you chose your Firm and Insurance choices carefully. But if you think you've made a big mistake, read on.

Why might I want to be released?

Usually this is because you have changed your mind. For some reason you will not want to go to your firm and/or insurance any more. You may want to do another course altogether, or simply go to a different university.

You WILL need to explain your reasons to your universities in a way that is genuine and convincing - so get your thoughts straight before you do anything.

I want to do a different course, but at the same university

If this applies to you then initially don't worry about getting released. The best thing to do is contact the university and ask them to consider you for the new course. Explain your reasons, and offer to write a new personal statement if you feel this is appropriate.

Minor changes are usually easiest, but it is possible to change to something completely different.

Don't wait until you get there, as the earlier you try to change things the more options you have.

When should I ask to be released?

As soon as possible.

Because of the way UCAS works the process is different depending on what Track says. If you get in touch while your offers are still Conditional (ie before results day) then you have more options open to you.

If Track still shows your Firm offer as Conditional then they cannot Release you into Clearing - they Can however Reject you which will pass you on to your Insurance. If you don't want to go to your Insurance either then you need to contact them too to arrange for them to Reject you (if your Insurance offer is still Conditional on Track) or Release you (if your Insurance offer has changed to Unconditional).

If your offer has been confirmed on Track after results day to show that you have an Unconditional Firm offer then your only option is to be Released straight into Clearing. If you want to go to your Insurance then you'll need to ask them if they will admit you through Clearing once you've been released.

What should I say?

Make sure that you make it clear that you want to be released. Do not let the uni tell you that you need to phone UCAS and ask to withdraw as this will be a big mistake.

You'll need a good reason, so think carefully. Why have you changed your mind?

• Do you want to stay closer to home, or if you applied to a local uni perhaps you want to move away now
• Financial reasons are always a good one to mention, but make sure you've researched as otherwise the uni may come back to you and say "ah, but we have this really great bursary scheme..."
• If you want to change subject this can be enough on its own, but as explained before you can sometimes change subject and keep the same uni
• Don't just make something up because it sounds good. Try to tell the truth.

How do I do it?

You'll need to contact the university directly. This could be your firm, your insurance, or both.

The best way is to phone them, as emails can sometimes wait a while before getting a response. If you do phone and they tell you to email then ask for a specific person to address it to and then once you've sent it phone back to check that it has got through.

Make sure you know your UCAS number, or if you have been given any other candidate numbers etc by the uni know those too. You need to make this easy for them.

How long does it take?

If you ask to be released before results, then it shouldn't take that long. Even if it does you've got plenty of time so things can get sorted.

If you've waited until result day then it can take a while. Unis will have other more important things to do, so may leave you til last. It can take a few weeks, which is a long time in Clearing.