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Plan ahead for tertiary education - CoughlanHigh school learners who are nearing the end of their school career need to plan ahead during the upcoming July holidays if considering tertiary education. If not, learners may face the disappointment of finding that their chosen institution is already full, which can have serious career implications. ![]() "Popular courses and universities with excellent reputations are over-subscribed by prospective students," says Dr Felicity Coughlan, director of The Independent Institute of Education (IIE). She suggests that those going on to to tertiary education get their applications in early as they will be up against an increasing number of applicants. "There are seven steps to thinking through your future study plans. The mid-year break is the ideal time to weigh your options and put concrete steps in place." Seven steps to follow:
Allow enough time and gather enough information"Many matrics seem to delay making decisions about their future for as long as they can and then panic at the last minute because their options might be more are limited. This can also happen to those who have applied on time but do not get accepted into their first or second choices. To avoid this pitfall, make sure you have applied to a range of institutions and that you are armed with the information about the good institutions - mainly but not only in the private sector - that will take late applications because they understand that life can throw you a curve-ball. "Do not forget, though, that by the time you get your Grade 12 results it is too late to apply to many institutions - most will make initial decisions on Grade 11 results or prelim exams. If you can, make an appointment with the guidance team at the institution of your choice before submitting your application. Not only will they help you make up your mind but you will gain some insight about the institution while doing so. "By giving yourself more time and arming yourself with as much information as possible, you will be laying a solid foundation for your studies and your future. The best way to ensure that you have options to choose from when you get your results, is to set up as many for yourself as you can right now," says Dr Coughlan. For more information, go to www.iie.ac.za. |