Adjustment vs Clearing: How to Choose the Right UCAS Route on Results Day
Results day in August often brings surprises. Some students miss their offers, while others outperform expectations. When outcomes differ from predictions, the next step usually comes down to one decision: UCAS Clearing or UCAS Adjustment.
Although they’re often mentioned together, they exist for very different situations. Choosing the correct route can protect your university place, help you move to a stronger option, or prevent costly mistakes under pressure.
This guide explains exactly how each process works, when to use them, and how to make the right call.
What UCAS Clearing Is Designed For
UCAS Clearing is the route for students who do not currently hold a confirmed university place.
You are eligible for Clearing if you:
- Missed the conditions of both your firm and insurance choices
- Declined all offers
- Applied late or after the main deadline
- Decided to change course or university entirely
Clearing typically runs from early July through October, with the most activity taking place on results day and the weeks immediately after.
How Clearing Works
- You search for available courses with vacancies
- You contact universities directly to check suitability
- Universities may make informal offers
- Once you choose, you add that option in UCAS Hub
- Accepting a Clearing offer replaces all previous choices
Clearing is practical, flexible, and fast-moving—but once you accept a place, your previous offers are gone.
What UCAS Adjustment Is Designed For
Adjustment exists for a very specific group of students: those who and want to explore more competitive options.
