Ok, so you’re in the Sixth Form, you’re studying A-levels (or other alternatives) and everybody is talking about what they want to do, what they want to study, and what universities they are going to apply for.  And you may be thinking, ‘Ahhh, I don’t know what to do!’  Applying for a Higher Education Course is a big decision to make and if it’s not all so clear cut for you, if you’re a little confused, or want a few things to help you think then here’s a few pointers!

Remember that if you do want to apply for Higher Education Courses it’s not all about universities and it’s not all about degrees.  There are loads of options: degrees, diplomas, vocational courses, and apprenticeships.  Discuss your options with your Careers Advisor/Officer.  Of course, university isn’t for everyone. 

You may be eager to get straight into work and start earning.  You may want to look for an apprenticeship, which means that you may also be studying part time at a local college.  You may not have the academic inclination or ability to go to University – but remember that there are many vocational courses offered in colleges around the country (and near to where you live) where you can learn an important trade with great prospects.  Or, of course, there’s always the option of a Gap Year that can give you time to weigh up the options, have a great experience, and increase your chances of being employed.

Some people have a clear career path – they may have known what they have wanted to do, and how they will get there, from before they even chose their GCSEs.  Other people have no clear idea – they may have simply chosen A-level subjects that they enjoy and find easiest, rather than thinking about how those subjects will contribute towards a future career.

A university degree or diploma, whatever the subject, can stand you in good stead with future employers.  It shows that you can study, that you can work hard, and that you have academic ability.  But there also vocational subjects or subjects that aren’t as academic as a degree or require such great academic ability which are no less significant.

Although the number of people applying for University is rising, there is a staggering number of people who don’t apply….  This is for a number of reasons: the admissions policy of the university, etc, etc.  There are some schools and areas at the moment that produce very few undergraduates.  Don’t be put off if you’re in this position. 

Universities are increasingly under pressure to be more transparent about their admission procedures to prove that they are not being biased, and to encourage more young people to apply for Higher Education courses.

The average student will leave university with a debt of £17,500.  But before you gasp and think, ‘Well that decides it for me!’ then think again.  You won’t have to start paying your student debt back until you have left your course and start earning £15,000, and the amount you pay will depend on your income (but make sure that you aren’t paying back too much!).

There are also other ways to finance you way through university – part time jobs, etc, bursaries and grants, budgeting, being responsible with your money.

Of course, most people who begin life as an undergraduate are aged 18 years.  But even then most students still depends on their parents – not just for financial support but for moral support, too.  What’s the case with you?  Are they supportive?  Can they afford to help you?  Will they help you?  If not, can you get by without their support?  It doesn’t prevent you doing what you want to do, but it is good to talk things through with them.

It will give you a great experience, an opportunity to study and gain qualifications, to live perhaps in a different part of the country, it will broaden your mind, widen your network of friends and colleagues, give you more independence, give you time to think about what you may like to do when you graduate, and give you new and exciting opportunities.

It depends, of course! If you want to be a doctor then you will need to go to medical school.  But if you want to become a Retail manager, for example, then the actual degree won’t always make a difference!  And if you want to teach in a secondary school you will need to take a degree in the subject you want to teach!

If you still have no idea what career you are heading for, then why not choose a course that you will enjoy, a course that will give you a number of options.  Some universities have teamed up with businesses to produce an attractive degree that is tailor made to a particular company so check these out.  It may mean a greater chance of being employed by a particular business. 

Find out how likely it is that different courses will get you graduate employment with  www.unistats.com or look at what employability-skills recruiters are after and how to develop those skills further  at www.prospects.ac.uk   Many business also offer apprenticeships where you will be giving on the job training or where college study is part of the deal.

Yes, we all know the jokes about being a student – lying in bed, missing lectures, living in a grovel, going on the town, but at the end of the day are you prepared to work.  It’s pointless spending the money and wasting a year or three years if you really have no intention of working and obtaining the degree you signed up for in the first place!

Perhaps you have realised, too late, that you chose the wrong A level subjects, that they were too difficult or not for you, or that they don’t contribute to the subject you’re really want to study at a higher level.  Don’t worry you may be surprised to learn that your A Level subjects don’t always determine the subject you want to study at University – so find out the requirements of your particular course. 

Or, if your attempts at A-level were absolutely dismal, and you really want to start again, then there’s always college where you can study new A Levels in a year.

If you really don’t want to go to college and university, then what job are you looking for?  You obviously need to think about short term, you need money to live, but also what kind of career do you want long term?  What kind of work are you willing to do?  There are people to help you decide.  Talk to your Careers Office or Job Centre to discuss your options and what’s available.

You will be entitled to Job seekers allowance (and other benefits depending on your circumstances) whilst you are available for and actively seeking work.  Check out www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk to see your entitlements.