With clearing and A-level results making the headlines for the past week or so, and with record numbers of pupils achieving high grades and competing for fewer places – given the reduced government funding, it is not surprising that more students are expected to stay out of higher education this year.
But not getting into university is not the end of the world, and although it may sound cliché, there are alternatives. Here are some ideas of what to do if you didn’t make clearing this year:
a) Why not enroll in a professional course? Unless you have your mind set on science-heavy subjects, a professional course on your chosen field from a private organisation may prove as beneficial as a higher education degree and has other advantages. It will normally be shorter – thus hopefully cost less, it will give you practical experience in your field as opposed to theory-focused university courses, it will allow you to enter the workforce quickly, and it will provide you with an excellent knowledge base and a competitive advantage if you are still serious about pursuing higher education studies in the future.
b) Why not enter the workforce? It is a myth that every job requires a higher education degree. In fact, lots of very successful professionals and entrepreneurs never went to university and still thrived. If you have always wanted to train in some profession or start your own business, go ahead. You will have to estimate your resources and gather information and help, but it will be a valuable learning and career-building experience. Also remember that many of the top firms out there offer experience placements for school leavers, so make sure you check those schemes out too.
c) Why not combine travelling with volunteering? The traditional “gap year” is always a tempting alternative. Just make sure that you do something useful with it, such as take part in one of those programmes which will help you travel the world for a good cause. If you opt for this alternative, make sure you make the most out of this experience, as it will make valuable material for your CV, be it to build your career or enter university at a later stage.
d) Why not try again next year? If you are really set on a higher education degree, then study harder and make it your goal for next year. At the same time, try to develop your interests and personality as well. Take up a new hobby, learn a foreign language, attend conferences and seminars, read papers on your sector of interest. This will make you more knowledgeable and confident, and this confidence will shine through your applications and admissions interviews.
