Few realise just how much time and effort need to be spent on choosing what you want to do after A levels in Year 12 and on making applications and going for interviews in Year 13. Too few Sixth Formers realise that all decision making about post-school study or employment really has to be done in Year 12, because applications for university or college places have to be made at the beginning of the Autumn Term in Year 13.

A few considerations with regard to university choice:

1. Don’t approach it too narrowly, open your mind to many possibilities.
2. Your A Level subjects are very important, but a change of direction is possible.
3. If you don’t know where to start, several computer packages are available( e.g. Odyssey and The Clickable Map of Universities.)
4. Be at least aware of career possibilities.
5. Do check that you meet the course requirements ( e.g. Chemistry and Biology for most Medicine courses.)
6. Dual, Joint Honours and general courses, while interesting, can be quite demanding, but obviously keep open more doors.
7. There does not have to be a strong correlation between the degree course you choose and the career you find yourself doing. English graduates can become bank managers and Chemists can work in the City.
8. Ask your subject teachers what grades you might get at A level so that the offer grades are within your potential.
9. The university. What sort of environment is it in and what sort of environment do you need? Size? Town? Location?
10. Accommodation. Choice of where to live, when, relates closely to social life.
11. You have much to gain from a good university course and it merits careful choice. Look at all the published sources and don’t be afraid to visit the universities direct. Any general enquiries can be dealt with by Mr. Moffat.