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

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 – you live and work with your choices so choose what feels right for you.