little DECISIONS now make tomorrow a lot easier

We know that making real-life decisions and the whole UCAS commotion is basically a year away, but before you know it these choices will be getting all up in your face and demanding attention. Then there's all the exams, revision, coursework, birthdays/bar mitzvahs/weddings and cat gifs... it's never too soon to get focused.

Besides, what's sixth form all about anyway? If you can work out where it's heading, it gives the next two years more purpose, more focus — perhaps even more fun and success.

What we're saying is that, however early it seems, now's a great time to be thinking about two of the big questions: what do you want to study and where do you want to study it

A simple tip whenever you start to research: no two unis are the same. The best university is the one that matches your needs. Choose a course you’ll be happy doing. You’re going to spend a lot of time (and money) on this. It has to be something you enjoy... otherwise why bother?

There are over 140 unis to choose from and hundreds of other colleges and institutions. Choose the one that's right for you - inside and outside the classroom. Student life isn't just a course — it's choosing from over 140 different lifestyles. Over the next few months Push will show you how to personalise your own university shortlist and will keep you up-to-date with all the deadlines so you're able to make the decisions that are best for you.

And if the thought of uni doesn't fill your eclair with cream (so to speak), then consider other options. It's not too soon to get thinking about this either. What job would make you jump out of bed in the morning?

What do you want to do — and what do you need to do to get there? We'll keep you up to date with all the apprenticeship news and career/interview tips as you head through year 12.

Author

ARON TENNANT is the Talks and Editorial manager and designated GDPR Data Controller for Push. He is originally from South Yorkshire and has a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Sheffield. He also has a MA degree in Creative Play and Screenwriting from City, University of London and came runner up in Nickelodeon's international screenwriting competition in 2018 and his short film ''Donkey Tooth'  was screened at the London Raindance Film Festival in 2018. He is IMDB credited and alongside Push he does screenplay work for independent production companies and is working on his own independent film and theatre projects and writes articles for JumpcutOnline.com.