UCAS Extra and Adjustment Explained

The UK admissions calendar has more than one safety net. If you have no offers during the main cycle, there is a process for applying again. If you do much better than expected, there is another process for looking for a different course. And if you end the summer without a place, Clearing is available. Their names are similar and easy to confuse, and each has its own rules about who can use it, when and how.

This guide explains Extra and Adjustment in general terms and compares them with Clearing. Dates, eligibility and procedures change every year, so use the official UCAS information. This is not an official guide.

The three routes at a glance

Dates vary, so check the calendar for your year.

UCAS Extra

Extra gives you extra opportunities if you have not received an offer you want.

Who can use it:

• You have used all your choices and have received no offers, or
• You have declined all your offers, or
• All your choices were unsuccessful or withdrawn.

How it works:

1. Check your eligibility in your account.
2. Research courses that still have places, using official course search tools.
3. Add one Extra choice at a time.
4. Wait for a response.
5. If unsuccessful, add another, within the window.
6. If you receive an offer, reply according to the rules.

Research carefully. Use the opportunity to find a course you would be happy with, and contact universities to ask about vacancies before choosing.

Adjustment

Adjustment is for applicants who have done better than expected.

Who can use it:

• You have met and exceeded the conditions of your firm choice, and your place is confirmed.
• You want to explore a course with higher entry requirements, or a different course.

How it works:

1. Check your eligibility on results day.
2. Register for Adjustment in your account within the window.
3. Contact universities to discuss available places, with your results ready.
4. Take time to research the course and make sure it is what you want.
5. If a university offers a place, you decide whether to switch. Your original place is held until you do.

Adjustment only runs for a short time, so be prepared to move quickly but carefully. Many applicants decide to stay with their original place, and that is fine.

How Clearing differs

Clearing is for applicants who do not have a place, while Adjustment is for those who do. Our guide to Clearing explained describes it in detail. If you are not eligible for Adjustment but want a different course, Clearing may be your route. If you narrowly missed your conditions, you may need to wait for your firm university's decision before using either.

Searching and contacting universities

For all three routes, the practical steps are similar.

• Use official course search tools for lists of vacancies.
• Check entry requirements and whether you meet them.
• Read the course page: content, teaching, assessment and outcomes.
• Check cost, accommodation and funding.
• Contact the admissions office with your details.
• Keep notes of conversations and offers.
• Do not accept anything you are not sure of.

Our guide to UCAS step by step describes the earlier stages in the cycle.

Risks to understand

With Adjustment:

• Do not lose your confirmed place by reacting too fast. Wait until a new offer is confirmed in your account before giving up the old one, following the instructions.
• Be sure the new course is right. A higher-ranked university is not necessarily a better fit.
• The window is short, so do not rush to a bad decision.

With Extra:

• Only one choice at a time, so choose carefully.
• Places may be limited, and competition may be strong for popular courses.

With Clearing:

• Check details and avoid accepting quickly under pressure.

In all cases, avoid anyone who asks you to pay for a place. Use official sources only.

Making the decision

Ask yourself:

1. Why do I want to change? Is it for the course, the location, cost or prestige?
2. Have I researched the new course thoroughly?
3. Have I talked to someone I trust?
4. What are the conditions and costs?
5. What do I lose by leaving my current place, such as accommodation or a friendship group?
6. What are the risks?

If the answer is unclear, staying put may be wise. Our guide to firm and insurance choices explained describes how your current place is held.

International students

International applicants can use Extra and Adjustment where eligible, but should factor in deadlines for visa applications, funding and accommodation. A late change can leave little time to arrange documents. Ask the university about timelines before committing.

After you have a new offer

When you secure a new place:

• Reply in the system as instructed.
• Release the old place only when the new one is confirmed.
• Update accommodation and finance applications.
• Tell the first university if you are not attending, courteously.
• Prepare for the new course, including reading lists and orientation.

A worked example

Imagine a student who used all of her choices and received no offers she could accept. In the Extra window, she checks the course search tool and finds several courses with vacancies. She contacts two universities by email, asking about entry requirements and teaching. One replies with helpful details, and she adds that course as her Extra choice. A week later she receives an offer, replies and prepares for results day with a clear plan.

Contrast this with a student who exceeds her conditions and wonders about Adjustment. She registers on results day, calls two universities with her results ready and learns that the courses she is interested in have no places. She decides to stay with her original place, which she is happy with. Both students used the system calmly and well.

Planning for results day

If you may use Adjustment or Clearing, plan your results day. Have your login details, phone and charger ready. Have a list of courses and numbers to call. Tell your family when you will be busy. Do not make major decisions in the first few minutes, since your status may change as universities update decisions. Breathe, and use your adviser.

What advisers can do

School and college advisers see many students go through these processes. Tell yours as soon as you know you may need Extra, Adjustment or Clearing. They can help you check eligibility, search for courses, review your personal statement for a different subject and make calls with you. They may also have contacts at universities. If your school is closed in summer, find out in advance who will be available on results day, and whether you can contact them by phone or email.

If your adviser is not available, universities' own helplines can answer questions about courses and places. Use official numbers listed on their websites. Be careful with third-party services that charge fees, since official help is free.

Changing subject

If you want to apply for a different subject in Extra, Adjustment or Clearing, think about how your personal statement fits. The same statement goes to all choices in some cases. You may need to explain your interest in the new subject when you call, or in an interview. Be honest about your reasons, and show how your skills and interests apply.

Common mistakes

• Confusing Extra, Adjustment and Clearing.
• Giving up a confirmed place too early.
• Choosing a course by prestige alone.
• Ignoring cost and accommodation.
• Missing windows.
• Falling for scams.

A quick checklist

• Do I understand which route I am eligible for?
• Have I checked the official dates for my year?
• Have I researched the course, cost and accommodation?
• Do I have a confirmed alternative before leaving my place?
• Have I used only official sources?

Final thoughts

Extra, Adjustment and Clearing give you flexibility at different moments. Know which applies to you, research carefully, protect your confirmed place and take your time within the window. A deliberate choice is better than a rushed one.