Are you feeling overwhelmed by the myriad of choices when it comes to selecting the right university course? We at Sumner Consulting understand that this decision can be a daunting one, especially when it seems like your choice will shape your future. With over 37,000 courses available in the UK, finding the perfect fit can be challenging. That's why we are here to offer you five valuable ways to approach this critical decision-making process.

First and foremost, we believe that the heart of selecting the right course lies in discovering an area of study that genuinely piques your interest. We want you to find something that stirs a genuine reaction within you.

While many students may feel pressured to align their choice with a future career path, we understand that this approach is suitable for only a select few professional fields. Sumner Consulting's number one recommendation is to explore other options first.

1) Consider Your Future Career

If your career aspirations lean towards Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Engineering, or possibly Architecture, it makes sense to choose a degree related to these professions. However, for most graduate jobs, specific degrees are not a requirement. Sumner Consulting encourages you to explore The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers to gain insights into this.

2) Evaluate Your A-levels

You might already have a favourite subject you're studying or have studied in the past. Sumner Consulting advises you to delve deeper into your subjects to understand precisely what aspects you enjoy or dislike. Consider specializing in a more specific area, such as Literature, Creative Writing, Linguistics, or Journalism, instead of a broader subject like English.

3) Heroes and Villains

Building on our previous point, Sumner Consulting wants you to pay attention to what genuinely excites you. Think about the famous people you admire and the subjects they inspire. On the flip side, public figures you disagree with might also lead you to unexpected course choices. For instance, a figure like Trump could spark an interest in Politics, Climate Change, or Human Rights.

4) Explore Your Outside Interests

Reflect on where your attention naturally gravitates when you're not obligated to do something. What documentaries do you enjoy watching? What books do you love to read? What topics on YouTube draw you in? Career advisers at Sumner Consulting can help you link these interests can provide valuable insights into potential study areas.

5) Embrace Reading

Reading plays a crucial role in university, regardless of your chosen discipline. If you find it challenging to engage in reading around your chosen subject in the months leading up to your application, it might be worth reconsidering your choice. Reading around the subject serves as a litmus test for your genuine interest and, as a bonus, enhances your application's strength for top courses.

In conclusion, selecting the right university course may not be easy, but remember, it's not a lifelong commitment. Your career path is likely to be non-linear, and that's perfectly fine. Embrace the journey and reflect on what truly matters to you now. Engaging in reading and exploring your interests will help you discover the ideal starting point for your academic and lifelong journey of discovery. Sumner Consulting is here to guide you every step of the way.