UCAS insurance choice advice

[Ladybutterflyaway]

DC is due to apply through UCAS this autumn, for 2023 start. We're planning several open days in the summer, but so far, their choices are:

1. Course with achievable grades but extremely competitive (got to give it a go but unlikely)
2. Course with aspirational grades
3. Course with aspirational grades
4. Course with achievable grades, insurance choice
5. Course for which DC already has the required qualifications so in theory should be an unconditional offer, insurance choice

Bearing in mind course 5 had places in clearing last year, is it worth using it as an insurance choice, or just applying during clearing if necessary? Does it make it easier to get a place in clearing if they were one of your choices but you declined the place - or does it make it more difficult? Would DC be better putting another aspirational or achievable down?

(So as not to drip feed, DC took an Extended BTEC level 3 initially at college which gives them enough points for course 5, which is at an ex polytechnic, course is less esteemed but still relevant and sufficient for the career they want. DC is now taking A Levels with predicted decent grades)

Thank you

I am a former admissions tutor. I assume the courses are listed in order of preference?

From what you have said, Course 5 sounds fine but your DC prefers Course 4. If your DC’s predicted grades match or exceed their Course 4 offer and if (this is the most important part) your DC feels confident of attaining the Course 4 offer, based on what you have said I personally would use Course 4 for insurance.

But a number of people would prefer the iron clad safety of an unconditional offer. If your DC finds Course 5 genuinely attractive it could be a good option. Having this for insurance could even give them the confidence to perform better than otherwise on their exams.

It is a highly personal decision.

Whichever of 4 and 5 they prefer should be an insurance choice. Say they firm 1 but don’t meet the grades, but they end up with better grades than expected and 2 or 3 are in clearing they can always try to swap.

Hit send too soon!
For the insurance it really should be whichever they prefer, taking the unconditional out of it. Too many students opt for an unconditional to take out the stress but then end up not enjoying it and there’s more stress!
The only time I would prioritise unconditional offers in consideration would be where a student had anxiety/health issues which means exams are more of a concern.

Thank you both.

If DC were to apply and then decline course 5, would this be looked on less favourably in clearing if it were needed once results received?

99.9% of the time it won’t matter. Universities know students often go back to one of their original 5 for clearing. The reason I don’t say 100% is that I have seen it happen once but literally only once.

I agree with @SometimesRavenSometimesParrot on this. When you are in Clearing you are looking for the best students you can get. Nothing else matters