1. Decision making is a mix of emotion and information – you need to know what you’re letting yourself in for and it has to feel right.
2. Once you decide on your 1st choice be consistent with your 2nd & 3rd preferences, etc – make them similar to your 1st.
3. There are always alternate routes – use some of the remaining options as alternative routes to your main goal.  In past years approx 1000 students with over 500 points were left with no college/university offers because they picked just a few highly competitive courses with no back-up plans.
4. Be smart, make sure you also have one insurance option.
5. Remember to check that you meet any special entry requirements – if you don’t have these then choose an alternate route.
6. If you’re stuck then ask for help or if would like to have a chat just give me a call.
7. Lastly be optimistic and ambitious – you live with your choices so identify the challenge you’ll relish the most and choose what feels right for you.

Don’t wait, act now. It will be Christmas before you know it.
The university college application deadlines follow quickly after that.
And then you’re into exam mode …

Open Day season is now running so;

• Start with what you think interests you most (asking how it relates to your strengths/talents), what you’d like to be good at and/or skills you’d like to acquire – if you’re not sure what you’d prefer just ask your family, friends, take interest/aptitude tests, talk to your Guidance Counsellor
• Decide if you’d prefer a definite/career-focused/applied   or  a broad/open-ended/academic course
• Find out where you can do it
• Check out their Open Day Schedule for talks & tours – Plan your day using this schedule & map to ensure you get the most from it
• Organise your own visit if your school isn’t doing one – it’s up to you to find a way to get informed
• Review the online course details and jot down anything you’re unsure about – you will want these queries to be answered at the open day
• Share your insights & experiences with your family & friends – this is the bit that helps you clarify your feelings about these choices before you make a final commitment

To help you do this there are many course & career websites – save time by being very specific when researching on  unibrowse, qualifax, eunicas, & careersportal, onetonline, etc

Do yourself a favour, get stuck into the task now.  Get informed & set yourself a definite goal.  It’s time to get ready.

You’ll feel better, more purposeful and in control of your own destiny