| Rating | Solver | Clue |
|---|---|---|
| APPLICANT | Candidate | |
| EXAM | Candidate’s assessment | |
| EXAMS | Candidate’s assessments | |
| PUTUP | Nominate (candidate) | |
| CARDINAL | Papacy candidate | |
| ASPIRANT | Hopeful candidate | |
| NOMINATIONS | Candidate proposals | |
| NOMINEE | Award candidate | |
| DARKHORSE | Long-shot candidate | |
| EXAMINEE | Finals candidate | |
| PROBABLE | Likely candidate | |
| LOSER | Failed candidate | |
| PUT UP | Nominate (candidate) (3,2) | |
| NOMINATE | Propose as a candidate | |
| NOMINATED | Proposed as a candidate | |
| NOMINATES | Proposes as a candidate | |
| APPOINTMENT | Selection of candidate for engagement | |
| NOT THE TYPE | Unlikely candidate to sort out TT neophyte | |
| STAND FOR | Be a candidate in (election to office) | |
| MANDATE | Manchurian candidate gets extreme support from electorate | |
| HILLARYCLINTON | US politician, Democratic candidate for president in 2016 | |
| MATCH | A candidate for matrimony; one to be gained in marriage. | |
| POSTULANT | One who makes a request or demand; hence, a candidate. | |
| STAND | To offer one's self, or to be offered, as a candidate. | |
| BALLOT | To vote or decide by ballot; as, to ballot for a candidate. | |