Deciding to study a bachelor’s degree is a life-changing experience – whether you are just finishing high school or recently retired, it will open the doors to hundreds of career options and skills that had been previously inaccessible. Nearly all professional jobs require a degree of some kind; from nursing to childcare. Making the right choice about what to study is imperative to your future success, but the most difficult part of making this decision is that there is no “right” choice. However, a well-informed decision can be made if enough thought, preparation, and organization is involved. Hopefully these tips will be useful during this pivotal moment in your life.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Unknown
Studying a degree does not require a lot of previous experience – the reason you will be studying is because you don’t know the subject already. Of course, preparation will help you in your initial weeks of study, but colleges are more interested in whether you are willing to work hard, participate in varsity life and engage in academic dialogue than whether you have studied your desired course in detail. Degree subjects are much more vast than what is offered at high school, and that can be daunting: you can worry, perhaps you will start a degree and hate it? It’s important not to feel stressed or worried, but see this unknown territory as the start of an exciting adventure. It is ok to be apprehensive to try something completely new, but with a little research into the syllabus, you can evaluate whether you think it is the right choice for you.
Consider Your Grades and Experience
Although it is great to try out something brand new at college, it is important to reflect on your academic achievements or previous work experience as these will help boost your application for certain subjects – while also helping you to choose what to study.
If you achieve high grades in English but not in Physics, it is advisable to pick the subject you are already excelling at for the best chance at college. However, it is important you do not limit yourself – just because you come top of your class in Chemistry, doesn’t mean you won’t become a successful artist. Recent studies have found a link between science and art, and therefore traditional notions that the two should be completely separate are defunct nowadays.
Visit Potential Colleges
Although college websites now provide a detailed syllabus, student testimonials, and even videos, they are no substitute for physically visiting the faculty you will be studying in. Attending an open day will give you a valuable insight into the teaching staff, facilities, and it will enable you to meet current students and ask them questions.
There is no replacement for real-life experience, and if you show that you are eager and enthusiastic about the course, the tutor who handles student applications may remember you when they are deciding who to let into the course.
Prepare questions to ask tutors and students beforehand as a catalyst for interesting and enlightening discussions, and to avoid any potentially awkward silences. Visiting the faculty will enable you to confirm your subject choice, and it may even introduce you to subjects that you were previously unaware of.
Consider Studying Online
There are unlimited benefits to studying online: you can maintain a full-time job to pay your fees, you don’t have to move cities, and you can study at your own pace. With a
wide range of degrees available, there is something for everyone.
There are many good quality online social work bachelor degree programs which will train you to be a professional social worker, a career that is financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. Studying online requires motivation, hard work, and dedication, although it is flexible, it is still a graded degree and must be taken seriously. Online degrees are a brilliant option if you need a more affordable alternative to college and definitely something to be considered to escape potentially high college debts.
What to Avoid
There are many ways to help you choose the best degree subject, as is listed above, but here are a few tips about what not to do during this period.
- Picking the same course as your partner / friends / family: It may seem like an easier option because you will have instant familiarity and social security while you study, it’s a guaranteed friend on your course and someone who you can study with and test before exams. This is not a great idea, however, because it does not push you beyond your comfort zone , which is one of the main reasons for studying a degree. Course friends are easy to make, and perhaps it will even be easier to concentrate without your girlfriend or best friend around.
- Choosing a subject that you don’t enjoy: If you hate coding, then don’t choose a computer science degree because you’ve heard that web designers earn a high income. You will have to motivate yourself to study something you hate for hours on end, then embark on a career path you also hate. Of course, the income of your job is important, and a major attraction of studying a degree is for a high wage, but don’t sacrifice your happiness in the process.
- Letting someone else pressure your decision: our friends, families, and partners are heavily invested in our personal success and happiness. Sometimes that results in forceful or coercive behavior while you make a decision. Make sure you are not picking a subject just to please a parent or loved one. This is a guaranteed mistake, and they shouldn’t take it personally if you make a choice contrary to their suggestions.
It is important to research degree subjects, types of courses, and, most importantly, think about what really matters to you as you apply for a college degree. Of course, it is impossible to know how you will feel in the future, but with consideration and planning, you will make the right decision for yourself.
These tips have been brought together to help students decide upon the best course of action for their future studies; it’s hoped the tips arranged here are helpful for a wide variety of ambitious and passionate young people.