What and where will I study?
The answer to this question points your life in a direction. At the age of 18, this is a terrifying realisation. The class of 2015 are preoccupied with two things right now:
- Matric exams
- Next year’s studies
Application deadlines are looming at higher education institutions around the country. Many matrics have not yet decided what or where to study in 2016.
Peter Kriel, Head of the Independent Institute of Education’s business faculty, said that this uncertainty causes a lot of anxiety to both learners and parents at a time when all their energy should be spent on preparing for final exams. The Independent Institute of Education is South Africa’s largest and most accredited private higher education institution.
He added that not yet having a plan for further studies is likely to come with additional unforeseen consequences, as available spaces in a prospective student’s chosen field are quickly filling and chances of admission to programs diminish.
However, the decision making process can be fast-tracked by asking these questions:
- What do you see when you imagine your ideal career?
The first thing you need to consider is what you see yourself doing after graduation, and what your ideal job would be, says Kriel.
“One of the biggest mistakes often made by prospective students is not considering what they actually want to be and do a decade from now.”
Failing to do this, results in disappointment on many levels.
Although it is rare for a grade 12 learner to be totally clear on this question, they have to ponder on the idea.
“Also take into account your choice of subjects at school, and your broad direction. For instance, do you want to go into business, education, law or science?”
- Do broad research
The next step is all about research.
“Investigate the kinds of qualifications which are likely to land you in your field. That will narrow down your list of available courses and institutions. Also be realistic in understanding that reaching your goal may require a building block approach,” Kriel said.
“You will not become the CEO of a large company with only an undergraduate degree. In fact, you may not even qualify to access an undergraduate degree, in which case you may have to do a relevant Higher Certificate first to give you access to a degree course. This reality is often overlooked by prospective students who take a spray and pray approach to applications”, he pointed out.
- Do detailed research
The next step involves finding out which institutions offer your chosen course of study.
“There is often a range of public universities and private higher education institutions from which you can select,” he noted.
The South African Qualifications Authority’s website offers a list of available institutions as well as their accreditation and registration status.
- Ready your paperwork and file your application
Take note of application closing dates and institutionally specific entrance requirements for your desired course of study. According to Kriel, aspects such as class sizes, and student and career support must be considered.
Keep your options open by applying to all the institutions where you meet the criteria.
“Make sure your application form and supporting documentation are in place. Very importantly, do no wait for your Matric certificate to apply. Your latest available results will suffice for at least conditional acceptance, and waiting for your final results could mean there are no spaces left in your course of choice,” he reiterated.
- Focus where you should be focusing
Kriel reminds learners that passing their Grade 12 exams are the post pressing concern at the moment and that, as soon as they have applied for their chosen study course, the approval of their application will rest on their Grade 12 results.
Source: The Independent Institute of Education, provided by Meropa Communications
