You’re at the stage of the application process where you have finished your personal statement, chosen your courses and are getting ready to send off your application. Although awaiting offers is an exciting time, it can also be quite nerve-racking.
Hopefully everything goes smoothly and the offers start to come in, but what if it doesn’t quite go as you expected? This is why it is important to have a realistic back-up plan.
Some things to consider might include making sure your insurance choice has lower tariff points than your first – this might seem obvious but it’s always important to double check, and make sure it is a course that you will enjoy.
Personally, I initially wanted to study Primary Education, but then found a course that was better suited to my interests and still had ways to get into teaching.
I studied Early Childhood Studies and found that there was the opportunity to organise our own placements within early years settings, as well as complete an Early Years Teacher qualification alongside the degree, with options to move onto a PGCE afterwards.
This variety of options took my interest, and the course had lower tariff points than my initial degree choice.
It might also be worth having a look at various other routes which can help you reach your desired future aspiration, it’s always worth doing the research.
You may wish to look into taking a gap year or a year in work if you are worried that you might not achieve the grades you want first time and need a bit of extra time to gain these.
Finally, it is important to consider clearing as an option if you don’t quite meet your offer, this is put in place to fill university spaces and allow applicants to find a university place if they don’t meet their offer.
Universities want to recruit, just as much as you want a space!
There may be a range of alternative routes to help you achieve your goals or continue with a subject that you are interested in, so always aim to start early with your application.
This will give you time to do several drafts of your personal statement, consider your choices and research other options.
The most important thing to remember is don’t panic! There are many options in place to get you to where you want to be, which is why it is so important to do your research during the application process so you can be prepared for any outcome.
I’m so glad I followed a different route than I had expected to, I had the best time on my course and celebrated my achievements at my graduation ceremony in early November!
Worcester Student Life 