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Having doubts about uni application

I am currently studying all stem subjects for my A-Levels (in year 13), however I realised towards the end of year 12 that I would much prefer to pursue a more creative degree. I applied and received offers for Media and Film Studies courses, however I'm starting to have some doubts and stress about the whole premise. I'm very worried that I'm rushing into the whole thing and that I would be investing time and money on a course I may not even enjoy or need. The dream would be going down a performing arts musical theatre route but I feel like this would be unachievable since I've never had professional dance training. I'm starting to think that my best option would be to take a gap year and really think things through to avoid lots of stress, but on the other hand, the longer I leave it the more stressed I might become. I might be overthinking things but I think I need some advice on the whole thing because I don't want to make rash and impulsive decisions. I'm more than happy to answer any questions!
Original post by ricey2536
I am currently studying all stem subjects for my A-Levels (in year 13), however I realised towards the end of year 12 that I would much prefer to pursue a more creative degree. I applied and received offers for Media and Film Studies courses, however I'm starting to have some doubts and stress about the whole premise. I'm very worried that I'm rushing into the whole thing and that I would be investing time and money on a course I may not even enjoy or need. The dream would be going down a performing arts musical theatre route but I feel like this would be unachievable since I've never had professional dance training. I'm starting to think that my best option would be to take a gap year and really think things through to avoid lots of stress, but on the other hand, the longer I leave it the more stressed I might become. I might be overthinking things but I think I need some advice on the whole thing because I don't want to make rash and impulsive decisions. I'm more than happy to answer any questions!

It sounds like a gap year may be the right choice, until you have a better idea of what direction you want to take.

Given that you have "never had professional dance training", what has inspired you into "going down a performing arts musical theatre route"?

Reply 2

It’ll give you time to reflect, explore your passions, and decide what you really want to pursue. Don’t rush into something that doesn’t feel right, there’s no harm in stepping back to think things through. As for musical theatre, there’s always room for people who are passionate, even if they haven’t had professional training.

Reply 3

Original post by DataVenia
It sounds like a gap year may be the right choice, until you have a better idea of what direction you want to take.
Given that you have "never had professional dance training", what has inspired you into "going down a performing arts musical theatre route"?

I've been performing in amateur/stage-school musical theatre performances for 7 years and always love taking part of them. Every single time I perform I feel at home and my happiest/most confident. It's a huge passion of mine. I love working as part of a cast, immersing myself in the role, challenging myself to perform new songs. I have a strong voice, but have never had any sort of professional training, and I'm unsure whether it would be too late to go down that sort of path at a professional standard
Original post by ricey2536
I've been performing in amateur/stage-school musical theatre performances for 7 years and always love taking part of them. Every single time I perform I feel at home and my happiest/most confident. It's a huge passion of mine. I love working as part of a cast, immersing myself in the role, challenging myself to perform new songs. I have a strong voice, but have never had any sort of professional training, and I'm unsure whether it would be too late to go down that sort of path at a professional standard

It's not too late, no. Given that you're clearly so passionate about it, perhaps you should just head straight down the performing arts route!

Have you had of read of the "Thinking about performing arts?" page on the UCAS web site? It might give you some ideas as you whether you might want to study the performing arts at a university/college, or at a conservatoire.

From the way you write about your passion for performing, it sounds like you'll regret no trying to head down that path - even if it leads nowhere. So rather than taking a gap year, why not make it a performing arts year? :smile:

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