The key to choosing is having the right information about yourself, about what the course involves and where it will take you in the future.

Don’t underestimate the importance of doing this prep work, it could inform the best decision you’ll ever make.

Knowing yourself;   Simply put have you identified what you like to learn; which activities or particular subjects you are good at?  Will you be challenged enough with your choice – does it make the most of your personal strengths, skills, talents and aptitudes?  Is it  really going to help you get to where you want to be in life?

Course information, don’t assume you know it all;    Yes hopefully by now you know what you’d prefer to learn and what type of qualification you’re going for.  Now make sure that you’re clear on what’s involved.  Read the course content thoroughly.  Go online for detailed information to be sure you know what you’re letting yourself in for.   Be informed on more than just subject names, check out the modules you will be studying, how they will be assessed and if there is a work based placement or opportunity to study abroad – does this match what you want from a course?

Life after the Degree?  It may sound obvious but a surprising number of students report that they made the wrong course or university/college decision.  They took a course they didn’t like or didn’t really know where it’d take them – what career or postgrad options would be open to them.  Check out the career outcomes listed for a course by doing a career specific search.  If your degree leads to a very definite career, an example being Dentistry, inform yourself about the ‘life as a Dentist’ – is it what you really want, is it right for you?

Now tell others.  To be confident you’re heading in the right direction you need to discuss your plans with the important people in your life.  Stating your target to others can help you motivate yourself  so you can happily go make it happen.