Changed mind - is it too late?

[MilesOfMotivation]

Need some advice on what to do here.

DS was in two minds about university - he applied for three different local universities, received offers but then decided he didn't want to go to uni. He's now done a 180 and DOES like the idea of uni but a totally different course and a totally different university.

What I don't really understand is what steps we need to take?

We've not responded to offers yet, and there is a button on UCAS to decline all offers and it says you MAY be able to add an extra option (but I guess I can't find that out until I decline?).

If we decline all offers does that cancel the application altogether or can we then go through clearing and hopefully secure a place?

Not really sure what the best course of action is here so appreciate any advice.

Our eldest changed her mind on the course she’s originally applied for, she had accepted an offer and booked accomodation so then had to decline the offer and go through clearing.

She did lots of research online before hand and pre registered with the universities she was really interested in, this saved time on the day. Fortunately she secured a place on the course she really wanted and is just about to finish her final year! It does depend on the course and the university as some will not have places left for clearing.
Good luck!

If you want to change university and course, you have to act within 14 days of the offer email. The critical question then is whether he is likely to get an offer for the course he now wants to do. You need to check that out first with the university department concerned and then take advice from UCAS.

I've actually just been on to UCAS now and because we only did three choices when we first submitted, through UCAS Extra he can apply to two more without declining anything - but obviously as it's a 'late' application they may not consider it.

Good luck! If they need students and the funding they bring, they almost certainly will consider.

The key thing here is for your son to get in touch with the admissions staff BEFORE adding another course to UCAS to check whether his application will still be considered at this stage. No point wasting a UCAS choice if the course is already oversubscribed and the university won't be considering any more applicants.

Agree with @MadridMadridMadrid
Make contact first, find out if they're still considering applications or if it would be better to go through clearing in August.

Some courses don’t offer in clearing for UK students (Liverpool didn’t a couple of years ago)

This. DS changed last year in similar circumstances. It can be done. IIRC you can reject all your offers and have one more shot when clearing opens- July 4th/5th.

Thanks for all the advice, super helpful. We have emailed admissions and will see what they say.