Understanding the University Application Cycle

1. Jane is currently studying history, politics and maths at A-Level. She is predicted an A in history, a B in politics and an A in maths. In her spare time, Jane engages in protests and online forums discussing local politics. She always contributes extra research in her politics class and spends her free time catching up with the news. Her parents want her to study maths at university because she finds it easy and is achieving high grades. They also believe that this will enable her to eventually attain a high earning job. Jane is unsure on what to study. What would you advise?

2. Rachel wants to become a journalist. She is undecided on whether she should study English or creative writing at university. She is currently predicted an A* for English and has never studied creative writing before, but she does have an equal interest in both. She is also predicted an A* in history, which she enjoys. What should she study?

3. Candice is considering studying psychology at university. She is particularly interested in social support work. She is currently predicted a D at A-Level psychology and is really struggling to understand the subject as well as keeping on top of the workload. However, she is predicted a B in childcare and a B in media studies. The universities she wants to attend are looking for at least a B or a C in psychology A-Level. Social Work at the same universities would not necessarily require a psychology A-level and would offer her a place based on her other predicted grades. What would you advise?

4. Kieran is unsure about what to study. He has been predicted an A in physics and has performed consistently. After conversation, you gauge that he enjoys the subject more than he enjoys maths and chemistry, in which he is achieving the same grades. For the career he wants to pursue, maths would be the best option. However, this career choice keeps changing and he would still cover some of the maths required in chemistry and physics. What would you advise?