UCAS Extra and Clearing
Use this section of the website to find out about:
UCAS Extra
UCAS Extra was introduced in 2003 and enables applicants who find themselves without offers, or have declined offers for any reason, to make additional choices through UCAS.
This will mean that applicants who are non-committed at an early stage in the cycle do not have to wait until Clearing to continue to seek a place.
The UCAS Extra procedure will operate from mid March to the end of June. Institutions that have vacancies will list these on the UCAS website.
Applicants who are eligible will automatically be sent an ‘Extra Passport’. They can then contact institutions that may consider their application. Applicants will be able to refer themselves electronically if they wish, but will only be able to apply for one course at a time.
It is hoped that UCAS Extra will give additional motivation to applicants who have not yet secured an offer and will consequently reduce the number of applicants who use Clearing.
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Clearing
Clearing is the process by which applicants without a place on a course can compete for one at an institution that still has vacancies. Information on Clearing will be available from mid to late August.
Applicants in the UCAS scheme who are eligible for Clearing will automatically be sent a Clearing Entry Form (CEF).
Click here to find out how to maximize your chances of success through Clearing (hotlink to blue text below)
- You will need to make some important decisions relatively quickly so contact your local school tutors or Careers Consultant as soon as you can after receiving your results.
- Do something on the first day – don’t delay! Most vacancies are filled in the first couple of weeks.
- Although this can be a stressful time, try to stay calm. There will be lots of people trying to contact colleges and universities.
- Research courses and locations thoroughly. If possible, arrange a visit before you make a final decision.
- Phone the admissions tutor for your preferred course. Be prepared to talk about your application over the phone. When phoning always have your UCAS number to hand.
- Express enthusiasm for the course and institution. If the university or college is interested in your application, they may ask for your CEF.
- Post your CEF to the admissions tutor, photocopies and faxed copies are not accepted. You should only enter into detailed negotiations with one institution at a time.
- The institution can only make a formal offer on receipt of the CEF. If they decide not to make you an offer, the CEF will be returned to you so you can try for a place elsewhere.
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Top tips!
- Course vacancies are advertised in many places, often before examination results are published, eg in the national press and on the internet.
- Universities and colleges will use their own websites to advertise new and undersubscribed courses.
- If you want to talk over your options, contact your Indigo adviser.
- Don’t book your holidays for the results period, or the couple of weeks after, in case you need to apply through Clearing.
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