Higher education - to go or not to go
September brings the start of a new academic year – and the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel for many a stuck student. For those starting college or sixth form, now’s the time to start thinking about university or that dream job – those who plan early generally make the transition to higher education easier on themselves. This week I saw someone who’s desperate to experience uni life in all its glory and had done their best to find out what they could about it. Their results weren’t great, and they were the first to admit it. So once again, I found myself in a bit of a predicament. If someone’s academic qualifications are low, will they be cut out for the kind of independent study that’s expected at university?
In this case though, the candidate was not only eager to go, but would be the first in their family to go to university. And they’d made some pretty impressive progress already. For this person, smaller, newer institutions were a better option than the larger, more popular ones who generally take students with better grades. They also opted for a Foundation course with the possibility of converting it to a full degree later on.
This option may not bring with it the stereotyped glamour of a ‘traditional’ university experience. But actually, no two universities are the same, and for this student a smaller university or even a satellite college may prove the best option. When it comes down to it, the choice isn’t between an old or a new university – it’s about choosing the right place for the individual.
Last updated on: 02 October 2008