You have decided you want to go to university, but where do you go and what do you study? What is best for you? Finding out the answer to these questions often take a lot of research and time. Below are some steps you should take in choosing the right course and university for you.
How to Choose the Right Course
Step 1: Think About What Interests You - You need to pick a course that will both interest and motivate you to get out of bed in the mornings and learn. Do you really enjoy business or medicine? Do you get excited when you make a new website or invent a new product?
Step 2: Research ... a lot – If you know what career you want to do, then you should check to see if you need any specific degree to enter that career path. Look at the course content. Does it sound interesting? Speak to people who have done that course and ask for their opinion and advice. The course that you thought would be perfect may end up being really boring or irrelevant to your career prospects.
Step 3: What Are the Entry Requirements? – Look at the general entry requirements for the course. Do you need any specific qualifications to get in? Are the entry requirements achievable? All university’s vary when it comes to entry requirements, so don’t give up if one university is unachievable for you. Look at other universities that offer that course.
Step 4: Can You Afford It? – If you choose to study abroad, then you will need to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself for the duration of the course. This includes tuition fees and living expenses, so if you can’t afford both, consider trying for a scholarship or looking for a cheaper university and/or area.
Step 5: What Do You Want To Do After the Course? – Once you finish the course, do you want to go straight into work or go back to university? If you want to go into work, then does your chosen career require any specific degree? If you want to return to education, what are the entry requirements for that course?
How to Choose the Right University
Step 1: Where Do You Want To Study? – Do you want to study at home or overseas? Would you live to study in an urban or rural area? Any places in particular?
Step 2: What Universities Have the Course You Want To Study? - If you have followed the steps in the previous section, you should have a pretty good idea on what course you want to study. If not, go back and decide on a course you would like to study. Next you need to look for universities that do your chosen course in the area you want to study. Look at university league tables if a Google search isn’t enough.
Step 3: Are Those Universities Good For Me? – Go onto the universities’ websites. Do they look interesting to you? Does the course content look good? Is the course examined by examinations, coursework or a combination? How do you like to study?
Step 4: Can I Get Into Those Universities? – Look at the entry requirements for your chosen course at that university. Is that achievable for you? If not, consider another university. If it’s achievable, but will be a challenge, apply and try your best to get the grades you need in addition to other things that will set you apart, such as getting relevant work experience.
Step 5: Go to the University, if you can – If you choose to go to a university at home, then this shouldn’t be a problem. Go to an open day, visit the local area and city/town centre. Could you see yourself living there for the duration of your course? If not, consider a different university to avoid being miserable. If you chose to study abroad, then, if you can afford it, consider flying out to the university to visit. It may seem unnecessary, but it’s the only way to find out if you will truly like it.
So, that brings us to the end. Don’t worry if you choose the wrong course to begin with. Most universities offer the opportunity to change your course within the first year, so it’s not the end of the world if you do. If you need help and support, then Compare the Course can help you through every step of the way, both in the university and visa application process. Good luck!