Sometimes students make course choices just to stay with their friends, this is a big mistake. In Third Level Colleges the numbers of students is far greater and the chances of being with your friends all day is slight. You will make new friends and still be able to contact your old friends on social media or at home on weekends.

Pressure can come from many directions and even though it might be well intentioned, you have to make your own decision. You will need to be enthusiastic about learning more in the chosen field if you are to succeed. Pressure may get you started in an area but it will be of no help to you in your continued studies.

One of the most common reasons for drop-out in these courses is to do with your ability in Maths. Think of Engineering as the application of Maths to everyday problems. Those struggling with Maths in LC should think carefully before choosing one of these courses. Discuss this with your Guidance Counsellor, students on the course, College staff at Open Days.

In most cases there are supports available at Third Level for anyone with a disability. You can check the specific details here ...

If you have not already done so now is the time to go to Smart Futures where you will find a host of useful information on Science Careers.

Third Level Education is very costly and it is important to start this discussion very early. You may be entitled to a Grants or Scholarships, check here for more information...

For Grants check the SUSI site here ...

HEAR and DARE for information on disadvantaged or disability assistance.

Going to third Level is a very big decision and you need to talk it over with your Guidance Counsellor and parents. They can help you clarify your decision and ensure that the course you go to is the right one for you and that it is selected for all the right reasons.

Really investigate the course content and satisfy yourself that you have the drive to spend up to four years studying it. You have to select the course because you like the content and not just because it is a means to a job.

Most courses will expect you to apply yourself to studying a lot of theory in depth. If this is something you like then perhaps you are going in the right direction. If you did not like the homework part of school studies then you ought to pause at this point. Academic study is not for everyone, there are other pathways open to you.

Do you have a career plan or are you just going along with the crowd? Having some idea of your career plan will make the heavy work of the next years more manageable.

If you are planning to study something where you have no background knowledge extra caution is required. It is not safe to assume that it will all work out anyway.

The important issue here is were you prepared for the Open Day or did you just go along with the crowd. An Open Day is a very valuable opportunity to learn about the courses and the place but that only happens if you are well prepared with lots of research done in advance.

A Third Level Course is not an end in itself but has to be seen as a stepping stone to a career which may last for the rest of your life.

Talking to a few people who work in the area of your proposed career is essential. You should use any work experience contacts, Career Exhibitions, and Social Media contacts.

Take time to carefully look at the results of the mocks. Look particularly at areas where you lost out on some marks. Are these simple mistakes or is there a lot of work left to do. Be realistic and look for courses that are within your reach.

You can get valuable information from those who have been on the course. Sometimes they are present at Open Days. Your school may be able to provide contact with students they know of who have been on the course. Do what research you can before you meet them.

Points information alone is not enough. All Courses have a range of specific requirements and you should check them in the details of your course in Qualifax under the heading of Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

A major reason to attend open days is the opportunity to visit the department in which you may be studying. If you’re undecided between courses this will help give you clarity, and if you’re really stuck you’ll able to visit multiple departments. In fact, it’s recommended you sit through at least a couple of subject talks. Check dates of upcoming Open Days here ...

It is not enough to look at the points and job prospects of a course. There are many items that you need to read carefully if you are to be sure of making the right choice- take nothing for granted.