Changing university choice through UCAS? (When Already accepted)

[daisydalrymple]

DS has a deferred entry place at Uni A to start in sept 26. He’s on a gap year and has decided he now wants to change subject and go to Uni B. He’s been to visit the dept, done an open day, been in contact with them and they’re happy to offer him an unconditional place to start sept 26. They’ve advised him he needs to withdraw his place at Uni A and do some kind of fast track via UCAS for Uni B.

We’re struggling with the UCAS side of things though. He’s been in contact with UCAS, who have suggested he needs to do a new application for sept 26. Uni B said there’s a different process for his situation, which is much quicker.

Does anybody have any experience of this and can offer any advice?

I’d be cautious about withdrawing Uni A until Uni B gives the exact UCAS route in writing. Ask Uni B admissions to spell out the process, the UCAS wording they want him to use, and whether the unconditional offer is guaranteed once Uni A is released. If UCAS and Uni B disagree, Uni B needs to own the routing.

Perhaps Uni B is talking about UCAS Extra?

UCAS Extra is usually described as giving you one extra choice (at a time) before Clearing opens. You must decline your Firm and, if you have used all five of your choices, you proceed as described.

I had not heard of someone on a gap year using Extra, but what Uni B has described is how it would work. There may be a technical question for UCAS to rule on: can those on gap years use Extra?

I think DS’ best bet is to attempt to use Extra online, if that is an option, or to UCAS this is what he’s been advised by Uni B to do. 🤞

If it doesn’t work, hopefully Uni B will be able to offer him a place in Clearing.

Ahh UCAS EXTRA! That’s it! Brilliant thanks both for the replies.
he does have a firm offer worded in an email, but we’ve been concerned about withdrawing incase means he has to start the whole application process again. Thanks, he will give that a go.