Clearing terms explained
We understand that the Clearing process can be confusing, which is why we have provided explanations of the most common terms that are used.
Application number: a nine-digit individual number assigned to an applicant who has completed a UCAS application; it is printed on every letter we send and is displayed in the format 01-234567-8.
Apply: the online application system for applying for higher education courses.
Changed course offer: a revised offer that can be made by a university or college if an applicant does not meet the conditions for their original offer. Revisions include a change to the course, start date, entry point (i.e. the first year of the course instead of the second year).
Clearing: the final phase at the end of the application cycle, when an applicant who has not yet secured a place can apply for course vacancies.
Clearing Number: a six-digit number preceded by the letter 'C' which is printed on the Clearing Passport and is displayed in the format C123456. Universities and colleges will ask for this number if considering an applicant in Clearing.
Clearing Passport: a form sent to applicants as soon as they are eligible for Clearing, which they use to secure a place - if a university or college offers an applicant a place, they will ask the applicant to send the Clearing Passport to them.
Conditional offer: an offer made to an applicant by a university or college, whereby the applicant must fulfil certain criteria before they can be accepted on the relevant course.
Confirmation: when conditional offers that have been accepted by an applicant become unconditional or are declined. Confirmation is dependent on an applicant's qualification/exam results.
Firm offer: the offer that the applicant has accepted as their first choice.
Institution: a university or college offering higher education courses.
Insurance offer: the offer that the applicant has accepted as their second choice, in case they do not meet the requirements for their firm offer.
Personal ID number: a 10-digit individual number assigned to an applicant when they register on Apply. The number is displayed in the format 123-456-7890.
Route A: the application system used for all UCAS applications except for Route B art and design courses (see below). Applications through Route A are sent simultaneously to the universities and colleges.
Route B: a sequential application system for specific art and design courses, where applicants can choose up to three courses and the order in which they are sent to their chosen institutions.
Tariff: a points system assigned to different qualifications and the grades achieved within them. It establishes comparisons between different types of qualifications and measures the relative achievement of applicants.
Track: a system where applicants can track the progress of their application online and make certain amendments, for example, change of address or email.
Unconditional offer: an offer given to an applicant by an institution, whereby the applicant has satisfied the criteria and can attend the institution.
Unsuccessful: the applicant has not been accepted by the institution concerned.
Withdrawal: either an applicant or institution cancels a choice before a decision has been made - a reason will be included if the withdrawal was issued by an institution.
