Results Day can bring surprises — sometimes you’ll exceed expectations, other times you may fall short. That’s where UCAS Adjustment and UCAS Clearing come in. Both offer ways to change your course or university after results, but they serve very different purposes.
At RevisionDojo, we guide IB and A-Level students through every stage of UCAS. This article explains Adjustment vs Clearing and helps you decide which one suits you best.
Quick Start Checklist
- UCAS Adjustment – For students who exceed their firm offer conditions
- UCAS Clearing – For students who don’t meet firm or insurance conditions, or apply late
- Adjustment is optional — you can keep your firm choice if you’re happy
- Clearing is often fast-paced and competitive
- Both open doors to new opportunities when results don’t go as expected
What Is UCAS Adjustment?
Adjustment is for students who exceed the conditions of their firm choice. For example, if your firm required 36 IB points and you achieve 40, you may explore other courses with higher entry requirements.
Key facts about Adjustment:
- It runs for a limited time after Results Day
- You don’t lose your firm place while searching
- If you find a new course, you can switch; if not, you keep your original firm
What Is UCAS Clearing?
Clearing is for students who:
- Didn’t receive any offers
- Declined all their offers
- Missed their firm and insurance conditions
- Applied after the June deadline
Through Clearing, you can search for available courses and contact universities directly. It’s competitive and fast, but thousands of students secure places this way every year.
Key Differences Between Adjustment and Clearing
- Eligibility – Adjustment requires exceeding conditions; Clearing applies if you don’t have a confirmed place
- Risk – Adjustment is low-risk since you keep your firm choice; Clearing replaces all previous offers
- Mindset – Adjustment is about moving up to a more competitive course; Clearing is about finding an alternative path
Which One Suits You?
- Choose Adjustment if:
- You’re happy with your firm but curious about higher-entry courses
- You want to explore but don’t want to lose your current offer
- Choose Clearing if:
- You didn’t meet conditions for firm or insurance
- You want a fresh start with different courses or universities
- You applied late or changed your mind about your original choices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming Adjustment is automatic — you must actively apply
- Entering Clearing unprepared without researching available courses
- Rushing into a Clearing decision without comparing properly
- Ignoring Adjustment because you’re nervous about “aiming higher”
Tips for Success
- Research potential Adjustment or Clearing courses before Results Day
- Stay calm — both pathways are designed to give students second chances
- Have your UCAS details ready for quick communication with universities
- Be realistic about your goals while staying open to new opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use Adjustment and Clearing at the same time?
No. You’ll either be eligible for Adjustment (if you exceed your offer) or Clearing (if you don’t meet your offers). They are separate processes.
2. Does Adjustment guarantee me a place at a better university?
No. Adjustment simply allows you to apply for courses with higher requirements. Places are limited and competitive, so acceptance depends on availability.
3. If I enter Clearing, do I lose my firm and insurance offers?
Yes. Clearing is for students without confirmed places. Once you’re in Clearing, previous offers no longer apply.
4. Is Clearing only for “unsuccessful” students?
Not at all. Many high-achieving students use Clearing to find courses they prefer. Universities also use it to fill excellent programs, so it’s not a downgrade.
5. What happens if I try Adjustment but don’t find anything?
You keep your firm choice. Adjustment is low-risk because your confirmed place is always secure unless you formally switch.
Conclusion
UCAS Adjustment and Clearing serve different needs: one gives ambitious students the chance to move upward, the other helps students secure a place after setbacks. Both can be powerful tools when used strategically.
At RevisionDojo, we help students approach Results Day with confidence, prepared for every outcome.
Call to Action
Want to be ready for both Adjustment and Clearing? Explore RevisionDojo’s UCAS resources to prepare for Results Day and make the smartest choice for your future.
