Understanding UCAS Adjustment: What to Do If You Exceed Your Expected Grades

A-Level Results Day is a day of mixed emotions. For some students, the excitement of receiving better-than-expected grades brings with it an unexpected opportunity: the chance to use UCAS Adjustment. This little-known option allows students to explore other university courses that might have been out of reach based on their predicted grades. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to understand how UCAS Adjustment works and how you can make the most of it.

What is UCAS Adjustment? UCAS Adjustment is a process that allows students who have exceeded the conditions of their firm offer to explore alternative courses at other universities. It’s essentially a way to ‘trade up’ if you’ve done better than anticipated and want to see if a more competitive course or university might now be within reach.

How Does UCAS Adjustment Work?

1. Eligibility Criteria:

   • You are eligible for UCAS Adjustment if you’ve met and exceeded the conditions of your firm choice. For example, if your offer was for ABB and you received AAB or higher, you qualify for Adjustment.

   • Unlike Clearing, Adjustment is not a formal application process; it’s more of an opportunity to explore options.

2. Timing is Key:

   • Adjustment is available from A-Level Results Day and lasts for five calendar days from the day your offer is confirmed. This means you need to act quickly if you’re interested in exploring other options.

   • During this time, you can look at other courses, contact universities, and see if they might have a place for you. The good news is that while you’re exploring Adjustment, your firm offer is still secure.

3. Research and Contact Universities:

   • Start by researching courses and universities that interest you. Look for those that might now be within your reach thanks to your higher grades.

   • Contact the admissions offices directly to inquire about available places. Be sure to have your UCAS ID and results handy. Remember, this is your chance to impress them, so be prepared to discuss why you’re interested in their course.

4. Decision-Making:

   • If you receive an offer through Adjustment and decide to accept it, your original firm choice will be automatically released. It’s important to be certain about your decision before accepting an Adjustment offer.

   • If you decide not to use Adjustment or don’t find a suitable alternative, you can simply stay with your original firm offer. There’s no obligation to change.

     
     

Tips for a Successful Adjustment:

• Be Quick and Decisive: Adjustment operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to act quickly. Research and make decisions promptly within the five-day window.

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on university websites and UCAS updates. Available places in Adjustment are not advertised, so you’ll need to be proactive.

• Seek Advice: If you’re unsure about whether to explore Adjustment, speak to a teacher, careers advisor, or one of our experts at Archer Franklin. We can help you weigh your options and make the best decision for your future.

UCAS Adjustment offers an exciting opportunity for students who exceed their expected grades to explore other university options. By understanding how Adjustment works and acting swiftly, you can make the most of this process and potentially secure a place at a university or on a course that was previously out of reach.

If you’ve exceeded your predicted grades and are considering UCAS Adjustment, don’t navigate this opportunity alone. Contact Archer Franklin today for personalised guidance on how to maximise your results and secure the best possible university place. Our experts are here to help you every step of the way!