Can I reject my firm choice and go through Clearing?

What does it mean to reject your firm choice?

If you’ve already accepted a firm offer through UCAS but decide you’d like to go elsewhere, you can choose to decline your place and apply to other universities using Clearing.

This process is known as self-release. It's a way for you to take control and look at alternative courses that are available.

You’ll need to be certain, as once you release yourself, you won’t be able to return to your original place unless the university agrees to reinstate your offer.

Find a course that suits you better

How does self-release into Clearing work?

You can release yourself into Clearing using your UCAS Hub account. Here’s how:

1. Log in to UCAS Hub
2. Go to your application and select ‘Decline my place’
3. Confirm you’d like to enter Clearing
4. You’ll be given a Clearing number and can start applying for other courses

Before you do this, it’s a good idea to speak to the university you want to apply to – they may be able to make you an informal offer so you can be confident before making the switch.

When can I self-release into Clearing?

UCAS Clearing officially opens on July 5 but you can only self-release once you’ve accepted a firm place and are eligible.

You don’t have to wait until your exam Results Day to make this change. If you’ve had a change of heart, it’s possible to self-release earlier – as long as you’re ready and have a new course in mind.

Is self-release right for me?

There are lots of reasons why you might choose to self-release:

1. You’ve changed your mind about your course or university
2. You didn’t visit your firm choice and aren’t sure it’s the right fit
3. You’ve seen another course you’re more interested in
4. You want to be closer to home (or further away!)

But self-releasing isn’t for everyone. Before you take this step:

• Research Clearing courses and check what’s available
• Speak to your preferred universities – many will chat with you beforehand
• Make sure you’re confident in your decision.

What happens after I self release?

Once you’re in Clearing, you can contact universities to ask about places and apply for new courses.

At Brighton, we can often make an offer over the phone, or we might ask for more information before confirming your place.

How to call a university during Clearing

We're here to help

There's a lot of student support throughout Clearing. If you're unsure, talk to us first. Our friendly team can explain how Clearing works and help you decide if self-releasing is the right move.

You don’t have to navigate this on your own - get in touch with our Clearing team.

Find out more about Clearing at Brighton