1. Do uni research and start your UCAS application early
Over the summer after Year 12, start thinking about what course you want to do and research the universities you'd be interested in. No one wants to hastily piece together a UCAS application in January with the deadline fast approaching, especially when so much emphasis is placed upon the quality of your personal statement.
2. Coursework is everything
When you initially read a coursework brief, it’s easy to look at the 60 marks on offer and wonder how you'll even get one – everything seems impossible and, quite frankly, not worth the stress. But coursework offers you an opportunity to walk into the exam with a high grade in one module already and, best of all, it's not in timed conditions and you have the guidance of teachers! Use the time to get as good a grade as possible before the exam so you have an ‘insurance’ policy.
3. Utilise your careers adviser
If university isn't for you, or you want to do a degree apprenticeship, use your careers adviser. Ask them to double-check your application, practise an interview with you or even set up a mock assessment centre test. They (likely) know what they're talking about and what to look for in applications!
Even if you have a change of heart and decide against university at the last minute, go and talk to a careers adviser; don't just suck up the student debt and try to cope with a degree you don't want to do.
4. Don't lose sight of your goals
You started sixth form determined to do well. Three months in and you started lowering your expectations from AAA to AAB to ABB and you're now at CCC, having gone from choosing University of Southampton to choosing Southampton Solent (not that there's anything wrong with studying there). Don't lose sight of what you've promised yourself! It may be a short year where you're outgrowing your ‘nest’ but keep going, you owe it to yourself!
5. Be aware of all your options
You don't have to go straight to work or to university; travelling is an invaluable experience, too, so make sure you research all your options before committing to a decision.
Although travelling can be expensive, organisations such as WWOOF offer accommodation and meals worldwide on organic farms in exchange for work.
The gap between sixth form and university is one of the few free opportunities you'll have to see the world and – middle class, gap yah jokes aside – you'll have an unforgettable experience to talk about on your CV and beyond.
6. Take some grown up life skills lessons!
In the year before university or work, broaden your domestic horizons! Learn to cook a few meals, change your own bed sheets and do your own laundry so you're fully prepared to immerse yourself in the minefield of adulthood, and you don’t have to rely on the kindness of your flatmates and a ton of takeaway menus.
Additionally, simple things like knowing how to set up a direct debit or standing order for your bank account can save you loads of hassle when you have to organise rent payments for your accommodation.
7. Have fun
The workload of A-levels, especially in the final push can consume you, especially if you've got high uni offers to meet but don't forget to enjoy your final year of sixth form in all your legally able to drink/drive (but not at the same time) glory.
Make memories with your friends whether it be hitting the town after an intense pre-drinks that you'll come to regret or taking a road trip with five of your closest pals stuffed into the back of a Fiesta.
>> Learn how to manage sixth form stress.
8. Don't be afraid to ask for help
Whether it be help in understanding your physics homework, help with essay writing or help coping with your home life, don't be afraid to ask; there's no shame in it. Avoiding your worries will just inflate them to the point of an implosion.
If you need to talk to your maths teacher because you haven't a clue what they’re teaching and you feel so far behind when everyone just seems to get it, just go and do it.
Admitting you don't know six weeks before the exam is better than admitting it six hours before the exam!
9. Attempt to understand the workings of Student Finance
Make sure you apply for Student Finance early, so you've got your money on time come September. You don't want to be living off three tins of Baked Beans, a bottle of 20p basics cola and a bag of Kettle Chips in your first week, desperately refreshing your online banking every 10 minutes, do you?
Also, do your research on the scholarships and bursaries out there – there are more than you think and you might be eligible. Everyone likes money, after all (especially the free kind).
>> Everything you need to know about student loans, banks and budgeting
10. Do what you want to do
Your mum wants you to be a doctor, your dad wants you to be an investment banker, your history teacher is pushing you towards – yep – a history degree, and you don't know who to appease. Don't try and please other people when choosing your path!
If you get it wrong at least you'll have learned in your own way. And if your parents are upset because you didn't 'firm' the university 45 minutes away rather than the one 5 hours away, they'll get over it! It may sound harsh but they’ll be much happier knowing you're enjoying yourself, rather than ending up miserable at a university they preferred.
Next:
- Need help deciding what to study at uni? We've got the tools to help...
- Find out how to write the perfect personal statement.