Guide: Getting out of an unconditional offer and applying through Clearing

- I declined my place by accident or I now wish I hadn't - what should I do?
Please contact your university (the one you just decline a place from) immediately, there is a possibility that your place was offered to another applicant (if this happens, you may not be able to get that place back). Explain that you made a mistake and you still want that place, they should explain the steps to take next.

- Will I lose my insurance place if I decline my firm place?
Yes. If you decline your firm place, you will enter Clearing. Please contact your insurance place to see if they will accept (if you prefer to go with them instead of your firm) you before declining your firm place.

- Can I decline my place if it is still 'conditional firm'?
No, you will not be able to do this. UCAS advises that you need to wait until the univerisity or college to update your offer to either unconditional or unsuccessful. The best course of action is to contact the university to find out more information, as they may still be considering you, even if you did not get the required grades.

- I've added a course in Clearing, but I'm not able to decline this - why?
Wait for the university to either accept you in Clearing - this is called 'Clearing Accept' and after this you can decline the offer or they can make you unsuccessful, for you to then use Clearing again.

- I've accepted an uncondtional course change offer - can I decline this?
Yes, you can do this. You can click the 'Decline my place' button. After this please follow the steps mentioned at the start of the post

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/sho...93&postcount=6

- What is the 'decline your place' button and how does it work?
Essentially, this button allows an applicant who holds an unconditional offer to place themselves into Clearing. This declines their place and allows them to apply to other universities which have vacancies. This can be done via UCAS Track and doesn’t require the applicant to contact the university they want to be released from.

- Who can decline their place and is it open to everyone?
'Decline my place' is open to any applicant who has been placed with a university and has an unconditional offer. You might have an unconditional offer early, if you already had your results, or, more commonly, your offer will turn unconditional on Results Day, once you meet the conditions set out in your offer.

If you are eligible, you will see a button on your UCAS Track stating ‘Decline my place’ from 5th July.

- When should I release myself into Clearing?
You can press the button from any time when you have an unconditional offer, however you should only actually press the "decline my place" button once you have a verbal offer from a university. Of course, you should only release once you are satisfied you are completely sure you do not wish to attend the university you have been placed with.

- What are the benefits of releasing yourself into Clearing?
Firstly, it’s a lot quicker than the old method. It can be done in a matter of minutes. You’re also totally in control - you aren’t relying on administrative staff from a university. It’s also hoped that this method will reduce a lot of stress associated with Clearing.

- What are the risks?
Once you are placed in Clearing, your place at your original university becomes available to others. There is no easy way to reverse this and it may mean you lose your place.

Additionally, if you place yourself in Clearing and subsequently fail to secure a place at a new university (for example, if you don’t find anything you like the look of or if universities aren’t willing to offer you a place) then you may find yourself without any offers and facing the possibility of needing to reapply.

This therefore isn’t a decision you should take lightly.