DS wants to change subject.

[TravellingSpoon]

I don't have any experience of this so need some advice as DS is very anxious at the moment and I need to look like I know what I am doing to calm him.

DS applied to three local unis for subject X, three offers and accepted one at the uni closest to us. Since applying, DS started to wish he had applied for subject Y. Both subjects he studied at a level. He wants to stay at his first choice uni but switch to a different course. The entry requirements are higher for the second course but I see that it is in clearing.

So next Thursday does he need to call up the uni and explain that he would like to change courses, once he has his results?

Thanks in advance. DS has anxiety and AS so this is a big step for him so want to make it as smooth as possible.

[stucknoue]

He can apply even now, no need to wait until Thursday. Call up the universities, unless they are Oxford or Cambridge they will want his custom!

[CherryPavlova]

Might be worth a call beforehand, perhaps.

[Benes]

He can contact universities now but they are unlikely to make him an offer until he has his grades.


If he exceeds the grades needed for his first choice he will be eligible for adjustment ( unless it was an unconditional offer). If he meets the required grades then he will need to be released from his original offer before he can accept one elsewhere. If he fails to get the grades then he'll be entered into clearing automatically.

[Benes]

His original course may release him now but a new place will probably wait until he gets his grades next week. Unless it's a really popular and heavily subscribed course it might be better to wait until next week. No harm in speaking to the university in question though.

[Benes]

Sorry I've just seen it's at the same university. Definitely worth giving them a call.l before next week.

[JoanLewis]

Most universities are pretty reasonable about this sort of stuff - it happens relatively frequently. It might be worth you/ him getting in touch with the admissions tutors for both subjects prior to Thursday to give them a heads up/ ask them what the procedure would be.

[SirTobyBelch]

If he meets the required grades then he will need to be released from his original offer before he can accept one elsewhere.

This year students can self-release into Clearing. They don't need the university's authorisation. It's causing a lot of anxiety to admissions teams.

You don't need authorisation to change through Adjustment anyway.

[NotEven]

.

[Sunndowne]

He must call his chosen university and tell them his new choice and whether they will let him change. Do it now.
This happens quite often. Nearly always let them change. Best not to leave it though until results in and they have awarded places.
Call them now. Should be confident, I'm sure they'll have some flexibility.
Know 3 students who succeeded in this last year.

[NotEven]

This year students can self-release into Clearing. They don't need the university's authorisation. It's causing a lot of anxiety to admissions teams.

That's going to make things interesting. It's such a crazy system.

[TravellingSpoon]

So we should call the uni this morning and speak to them to ask if he can change?

[NotEven]

So we should call the uni this morning and speak to them to ask if he can change?

Yes! They will probably be very helpful and friendly. It's not an unusual thing to do. Personally, I'd phone rather than email.

[Benes]

sirtoby I can imagine! It's the first year in over a decade I'm not involved in clearing. That should make things much easier for the students but what a nightmare for admissions!

[Sunndowne]

Hope you called and received a good outcome.