Is university the right choice - Please help
I’ve been upset for days because this is the biggest choice ever and I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing , really need some good advice on what to do.
I think I chose the completely wrong A levels and wish I’d have picked others except from Psychology which I really enjoyed. Sixth form put a lot of pressure on going to uni and I couldn’t make a decision so I kept putting it off and decided I didn’t want to go and I would take a gap year and see how that goes. I did my A level exams and I started think I’m really going to regret not going to uni and what will I even do in a gap year. I really wish I would have applied and then deferred if I wasn’t ready. But out of impulse I’ve applied through clearing for a psychology course and got a conditional offer for this year.
I’m worried because when I look at what I can do with a Psychology degree nothing jumps out at me but nothing ever does because I can’t seem to figure out what I’m interested in or want a career in. So the plan was to study a subject I like and see where it takes me … but is there any point without a clear career goal in mind. I don’t know if I’ve just gravitated towards psychology because I didn’t like the other 2 a levels so I enjoyed those lessons more and got high grades. But at the same time I really don’t know what I would do if I didn’t go to uni. Should I just withdraw my clearing application and apply next year ? But then what would I do for a whole year ? I could really regret not going now , but 2 months until start date makes feels so underprepared and rushed
Has anyone else’s been in this boat of not being able to decide on Uni . Please any advice would be so appreciated and alternative options too
I think I chose the completely wrong A levels and wish I’d have picked others except from Psychology which I really enjoyed. Sixth form put a lot of pressure on going to uni and I couldn’t make a decision so I kept putting it off and decided I didn’t want to go and I would take a gap year and see how that goes. I did my A level exams and I started think I’m really going to regret not going to uni and what will I even do in a gap year. I really wish I would have applied and then deferred if I wasn’t ready. But out of impulse I’ve applied through clearing for a psychology course and got a conditional offer for this year.
I’m worried because when I look at what I can do with a Psychology degree nothing jumps out at me but nothing ever does because I can’t seem to figure out what I’m interested in or want a career in. So the plan was to study a subject I like and see where it takes me … but is there any point without a clear career goal in mind. I don’t know if I’ve just gravitated towards psychology because I didn’t like the other 2 a levels so I enjoyed those lessons more and got high grades. But at the same time I really don’t know what I would do if I didn’t go to uni. Should I just withdraw my clearing application and apply next year ? But then what would I do for a whole year ? I could really regret not going now , but 2 months until start date makes feels so underprepared and rushed
Has anyone else’s been in this boat of not being able to decide on Uni . Please any advice would be so appreciated and alternative options too
Hey, honestly don’t stress about the job or career aspect. Okay a psychology degree might be ‘difficult’ when it comes to finding a job but that’s with literally every degree unless it’s a specialised one that you need for a job, for example teaching. A psychology degree is still facilitating and has so many transferable skills and you can go into so many jobs just because you have a degree. You might not find a job immediately but that’s with so many graduates you’re not alone. Maybe a gap year could help you when it comes to your mental health but honestly if you take that degree you’re one step ahead. You enjoy psychology and you will find a good job somewhere it takes time and experience which you will gain through your experience at university. If you take a gap year you might potentially find your ‘dream’ degree but also remember that if you take that degree you have a higher chance of getting a ‘better’ job quicker if that makes sense. I’d say go for the degree because you enjoy it and have a great experience. I know so many people at uni who have taken a degree and had no clue on what career they wanted to pursue because they enjoyed their subject at A-levels and it’s normal!!! Take it and have fun
(edited 9 months ago)
Original post by Florence_6791
Hey, honestly don’t stress about the job or career aspect. Okay a psychology degree might be ‘difficult’ when it comes to finding a job but that’s with literally every degree unless it’s a specialised one that you need for a job, for example teaching. A psychology degree is still facilitating and has so many transferable skills and you can go into so many jobs just because you have a degree. You might not find a job immediately but that’s with so many graduates you’re not alone. Maybe a gap year could help you when it comes to your mental health but honestly if you take that degree you’re one step ahead. You enjoy psychology and you will find a good job somewhere it takes time and experience which you will gain through your experience at university. If you take a gap year you might potentially find your ‘dream’ degree but also remember that if you take that degree you have a higher chance of getting a ‘better’ job quicker if that makes sense. I’d say go for the degree because you enjoy it and have a great experience. I know so many people at uni who have taken a degree and had no clue on what career they wanted to pursue because they enjoyed their subject at A-levels and it’s normal!!! Take it and have fun
Thank you so much for this ! I think the doubts have gotten to me and it’s become overwhelming but everything you’ve said just makes sense and I felt happy when I got the conditional offer. I feel a bit more relieved knowing others have this experience.
Original post by kerry.woollands
Thank you so much for this ! I think the doubts have gotten to me and it’s become overwhelming but everything you’ve said just makes sense and I felt happy when I got the conditional offer. I feel a bit more relieved knowing others have this experience.
No worries, if you felt happy with the conditional offer don’t waste it
@kerry.woollands
It is perfectly normal to not know what you want to do as a career. It takes time!
You do not have to have all the answers now.
Even people who have their dream job in mind, may find that things do no go to plan or that they later discover other interests that they later want to pursue.
All that being said, don't go to university because other people are going or because you feel like you have to go, go because you want to!
Study a subject you like and our good at (or have the talent or skills for).
Look into the different types of careers psychology graduates can pursue.
You don't have to decide on anything now, but it might be nice to have some options you can explore more.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
It is perfectly normal to not know what you want to do as a career. It takes time!
You do not have to have all the answers now.
Even people who have their dream job in mind, may find that things do no go to plan or that they later discover other interests that they later want to pursue.
All that being said, don't go to university because other people are going or because you feel like you have to go, go because you want to!
Study a subject you like and our good at (or have the talent or skills for).
Look into the different types of careers psychology graduates can pursue.
You don't have to decide on anything now, but it might be nice to have some options you can explore more.
All the best,
Oluwatosin – 2nd year student – University of Huddersfield
Original post by kerry.woollands
I’ve been upset for days because this is the biggest choice ever and I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing , really need some good advice on what to do.
I think I chose the completely wrong A levels and wish I’d have picked others except from Psychology which I really enjoyed. Sixth form put a lot of pressure on going to uni and I couldn’t make a decision so I kept putting it off and decided I didn’t want to go and I would take a gap year and see how that goes. I did my A level exams and I started think I’m really going to regret not going to uni and what will I even do in a gap year. I really wish I would have applied and then deferred if I wasn’t ready. But out of impulse I’ve applied through clearing for a psychology course and got a conditional offer for this year.
I’m worried because when I look at what I can do with a Psychology degree nothing jumps out at me but nothing ever does because I can’t seem to figure out what I’m interested in or want a career in. So the plan was to study a subject I like and see where it takes me … but is there any point without a clear career goal in mind. I don’t know if I’ve just gravitated towards psychology because I didn’t like the other 2 a levels so I enjoyed those lessons more and got high grades. But at the same time I really don’t know what I would do if I didn’t go to uni. Should I just withdraw my clearing application and apply next year ? But then what would I do for a whole year ? I could really regret not going now , but 2 months until start date makes feels so underprepared and rushed
Has anyone else’s been in this boat of not being able to decide on Uni . Please any advice would be so appreciated and alternative options too
I think I chose the completely wrong A levels and wish I’d have picked others except from Psychology which I really enjoyed. Sixth form put a lot of pressure on going to uni and I couldn’t make a decision so I kept putting it off and decided I didn’t want to go and I would take a gap year and see how that goes. I did my A level exams and I started think I’m really going to regret not going to uni and what will I even do in a gap year. I really wish I would have applied and then deferred if I wasn’t ready. But out of impulse I’ve applied through clearing for a psychology course and got a conditional offer for this year.
I’m worried because when I look at what I can do with a Psychology degree nothing jumps out at me but nothing ever does because I can’t seem to figure out what I’m interested in or want a career in. So the plan was to study a subject I like and see where it takes me … but is there any point without a clear career goal in mind. I don’t know if I’ve just gravitated towards psychology because I didn’t like the other 2 a levels so I enjoyed those lessons more and got high grades. But at the same time I really don’t know what I would do if I didn’t go to uni. Should I just withdraw my clearing application and apply next year ? But then what would I do for a whole year ? I could really regret not going now , but 2 months until start date makes feels so underprepared and rushed
Has anyone else’s been in this boat of not being able to decide on Uni . Please any advice would be so appreciated and alternative options too
It is completely ok to be unsure and worried about going to university. I have anxiety myself and had to often push myself not to drop out in my first year just due to stress and fear of being at university and away from home. (I've now just graduated with an English Lit degree!)
Do not worry about career prospects when it comes to what you want to pursue. A family member of mine got into a law job with a bachelor's degree in psychology, so there are definitely good opportunities available, regardless of what the internet and statistics say. Take the subject you want to take because that is the only way you'll properly enjoy uni and manage your stress levels. If you are taking a subject just to get a job you wouldn't enjoy, then the experience will be dampened exponentially.
There are also other options alongside university. You can immediately enter the job field for a while and earn some money, take a gap year, or an alternative is an apprenticeship if you haven't looked into those yet.
Nobody feels prepared to go to university for the first time and if they do I don't know anyone who I can confidently say was prepared to go into university beforehand. It's an amazing experience and I would honestly say follow your heart and if you want to go then go. But there are other options if you do end up deferring or rejecting your offer.
Hope this helps,
Dom
(edited 9 months ago)
Original post by kerry.woollands
I’ve been upset for days because this is the biggest choice ever and I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing , really need some good advice on what to do.
I think I chose the completely wrong A levels and wish I’d have picked others except from Psychology which I really enjoyed. Sixth form put a lot of pressure on going to uni and I couldn’t make a decision so I kept putting it off and decided I didn’t want to go and I would take a gap year and see how that goes. I did my A level exams and I started think I’m really going to regret not going to uni and what will I even do in a gap year. I really wish I would have applied and then deferred if I wasn’t ready. But out of impulse I’ve applied through clearing for a psychology course and got a conditional offer for this year.
I’m worried because when I look at what I can do with a Psychology degree nothing jumps out at me but nothing ever does because I can’t seem to figure out what I’m interested in or want a career in. So the plan was to study a subject I like and see where it takes me … but is there any point without a clear career goal in mind. I don’t know if I’ve just gravitated towards psychology because I didn’t like the other 2 a levels so I enjoyed those lessons more and got high grades. But at the same time I really don’t know what I would do if I didn’t go to uni. Should I just withdraw my clearing application and apply next year ? But then what would I do for a whole year ? I could really regret not going now , but 2 months until start date makes feels so underprepared and rushed
Has anyone else’s been in this boat of not being able to decide on Uni . Please any advice would be so appreciated and alternative options too
I think I chose the completely wrong A levels and wish I’d have picked others except from Psychology which I really enjoyed. Sixth form put a lot of pressure on going to uni and I couldn’t make a decision so I kept putting it off and decided I didn’t want to go and I would take a gap year and see how that goes. I did my A level exams and I started think I’m really going to regret not going to uni and what will I even do in a gap year. I really wish I would have applied and then deferred if I wasn’t ready. But out of impulse I’ve applied through clearing for a psychology course and got a conditional offer for this year.
I’m worried because when I look at what I can do with a Psychology degree nothing jumps out at me but nothing ever does because I can’t seem to figure out what I’m interested in or want a career in. So the plan was to study a subject I like and see where it takes me … but is there any point without a clear career goal in mind. I don’t know if I’ve just gravitated towards psychology because I didn’t like the other 2 a levels so I enjoyed those lessons more and got high grades. But at the same time I really don’t know what I would do if I didn’t go to uni. Should I just withdraw my clearing application and apply next year ? But then what would I do for a whole year ? I could really regret not going now , but 2 months until start date makes feels so underprepared and rushed
Has anyone else’s been in this boat of not being able to decide on Uni . Please any advice would be so appreciated and alternative options too
Hey @kerry.woollands
Just wanted to check in and see if you were feeling any better about your decision? I know how scary and daunting it can be to make!
Whilst nothing may have jumped out at you for a Psychology career, the degree can open doors to various professions like counselling, human resources, research, marketing etc. You could speak to a career counsellor/advisor who can help you explore all the different career options you'll have
If you did decide to take a year out you could consider internships and volunteering in areas that interest you, and gain some valuable insights into different industries which will help you determine if a specific field aligns with your goals and passions. If you decide not to go to uni at all then you can look into vocational courses, apprenticeships, online certifications etc!
Have you reached out to any current students or alumni who study/studied Psychology and asked for their genuine experiences? They can offer some real solid advice for you, ask away all your burning questions and get a deeper insight into the degree as they may offer a perspective you haven't considered.
It's okay to change paths along the way and not have everything figured out. Trust yourself and your ability to make the best choice for your future, good luck
Becky
Original post by kerry.woollands
I’ve been upset for days because this is the biggest choice ever and I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing , really need some good advice on what to do.
I think I chose the completely wrong A levels and wish I’d have picked others except from Psychology which I really enjoyed. Sixth form put a lot of pressure on going to uni and I couldn’t make a decision so I kept putting it off and decided I didn’t want to go and I would take a gap year and see how that goes. I did my A level exams and I started think I’m really going to regret not going to uni and what will I even do in a gap year. I really wish I would have applied and then deferred if I wasn’t ready. But out of impulse I’ve applied through clearing for a psychology course and got a conditional offer for this year.
I’m worried because when I look at what I can do with a Psychology degree nothing jumps out at me but nothing ever does because I can’t seem to figure out what I’m interested in or want a career in. So the plan was to study a subject I like and see where it takes me … but is there any point without a clear career goal in mind. I don’t know if I’ve just gravitated towards psychology because I didn’t like the other 2 a levels so I enjoyed those lessons more and got high grades. But at the same time I really don’t know what I would do if I didn’t go to uni. Should I just withdraw my clearing application and apply next year ? But then what would I do for a whole year ? I could really regret not going now , but 2 months until start date makes feels so underprepared and rushed
Has anyone else’s been in this boat of not being able to decide on Uni . Please any advice would be so appreciated and alternative options too
I think I chose the completely wrong A levels and wish I’d have picked others except from Psychology which I really enjoyed. Sixth form put a lot of pressure on going to uni and I couldn’t make a decision so I kept putting it off and decided I didn’t want to go and I would take a gap year and see how that goes. I did my A level exams and I started think I’m really going to regret not going to uni and what will I even do in a gap year. I really wish I would have applied and then deferred if I wasn’t ready. But out of impulse I’ve applied through clearing for a psychology course and got a conditional offer for this year.
I’m worried because when I look at what I can do with a Psychology degree nothing jumps out at me but nothing ever does because I can’t seem to figure out what I’m interested in or want a career in. So the plan was to study a subject I like and see where it takes me … but is there any point without a clear career goal in mind. I don’t know if I’ve just gravitated towards psychology because I didn’t like the other 2 a levels so I enjoyed those lessons more and got high grades. But at the same time I really don’t know what I would do if I didn’t go to uni. Should I just withdraw my clearing application and apply next year ? But then what would I do for a whole year ? I could really regret not going now , but 2 months until start date makes feels so underprepared and rushed
Has anyone else’s been in this boat of not being able to decide on Uni . Please any advice would be so appreciated and alternative options too
What other subjects have you taken. If your not certain take a gap year and new A levels to help you achieve your aims. What A levels do you wish you took. You could take a foundation year to get you onto a degree you would like to study. Get an appointment and speak to a careers adviser locally to help you go through your options. Dont do a course you arent certain about.
Put your subjects in here it might give ideas
https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=3c26f171f374b16eJmltdHM9MTY5MDMyOTYwMCZpZ3VpZD0zNjQzYjFiYS0yNzM0LTZlMzItMWRhNy1hMWNlMjYxMzZmYTkmaW5zaWQ9NTE4NA&ptn=3&hsh=3&fclid=3643b1ba-2734-6e32-1da7-a1ce26136fa9&psq=informed+choices&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5mb3JtZWRjaG9pY2VzLmFjLnVrLw&ntb=1
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