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CONTENTS
How to self-release into Clearing
What are the advantages of self-release?
What's UCAS self-release?
If you're holding a firm offer from a university but change your mind, you can self-release into Clearing and apply for a different course. This is done by logging on to your UCAS Hub account.
How to self-release into Clearing
Sign in to your UCAS Hub account. On the homepage, next to the course you wish to be released from, click the ‘decline my place’ button. Only use this button if you have a verbal offer for another course through Clearing and are absolutely sure you no longer want your firm or insurance choice.
UCAS will then explain what you’re about to do and what it means to proceed. You'll then need to answer a drop-down question before you confirm your decision.
Afterwards, you'll get an email confirming you're in Clearing. If you think you’ve made a mistake in declining an offer, get in touch with the university or college and discuss this with them.
Remember, self-releasing will also cancel any accommodation and scholarship arrangements. Make sure you discuss this with your teachers, tutors or parents before making a decision.
What are the advantages of self-release?
Think of Clearing as a marketplace of available courses. It’s not just a place to find a different course because you didn’t get the grades you’d hoped for. Many students use it because they’ve changed their mind about what they want to study, or they want to see what other courses are available.
It’s normal to change your mind about what to study or where. You may have a change of heart after submitting your UCAS application. Having researched more into different subjects and universities, another degree could interest you more. You’ll have decided on your original choice of course and uni for certain reasons, so be sure to ask yourself whether these still stand.
Self-release is an easy process. All you have to do is sign in to your UCAS Hub account and click a button. There are also steps in place to make sure you don’t accidentally release yourself from an offer.
Before committing to self-release, chat to your teachers, tutors and parents about your decision. When you get your grades on results days, phone the universities you’ve shortlisted and see what verbal offers you get before declining your current offer. This way, you won’t be left without a place at uni.
NEXT:
Clearing guide, tips and FAQs: applying for a different course or uni
Header image: Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash
