When it’s time to choose, it’s not easy right? Especially for those who don’t like making decisions or find choosing difficult, having too many options can feel overwhelming. That’s why many students end up relying on their parents or people around them to help decide. But when it comes to education, what do students actually use to choose a university? And if parents make the choice, will it truly match what we want? In this blog, One Education will share how to choose a university that both students and parents can agree on. So everyone’s happy, on the same page, and no arguments needed.

1. Put Your Own Needs First

First, ask yourself what you truly like, and imagine having to live with it for many years. Is it something you can really do long term? Try practising problem-solving around what you enjoy. Ask yourself that if you choose to study this but later realise it’s not for you, are there alternative paths you can take along the way? Once you understand what you like, start researching whether your interests and what the field actually requires can realistically go hand in hand.

2. What Is Your Educational Background?

After asking yourself what you like, take a step back and look at what you have studied before. Do you have a strong enough foundation to continue in what you are interested in? Or are there ways to switch fields or move closer to what you enjoy studying? Think about whether you want to build further on what you have already studied. Do you want to explore it more deeply and specialise, or even become an expert in that field? Or do you feel that you have studied this area enough and would like to try something new. Something that can still lead to future opportunities or help you develop knowledge in a new direction? For example, you may have studied Engineering in a very general sense. When continuing your studies, you might realise that you are particularly interested in Civil Engineering, and choosing this path would allow you to specialise more deeply. On the other hand, some people may feel drawn to business or management, especially if they are thinking about running a business in the future or moving into a managerial role. In that case, an Engineering graduate might choose to study Management instead. However, not every field allows for a change of discipline. As mentioned earlier, some programmes require specific prior knowledge or academic foundations. This means it is important to consider what options are available if changing fields is not possible, but you still want to study in that area and what alternative pathways you can take instead.

3. What Was Your Graduation Grade?

This is another important factor, as it can help narrow down your university choices to a certain extent. Each university has its own entry requirements, including a minimum grade for admission. So, if you already know that your grades are far below the required level and clearly unrealistic, it’s best not to spend time waiting or applying, especially since some universities charge an application fee. In these cases, it’s usually not worth the effort, as the outcome is already quite clear. However, if your grades are only slightly below the requirement, it may be worth considering whether the risk is worthwhile. Some universities can be flexible, but this generally applies only when the difference is very small. Another important thing to remember is that no matter how low your grades may be, there is always a way forward. The team at One Education can help guide you towards suitable options. That said, it’s important to accept that your choices may be more limited. You may not be able to apply everywhere, and your options may be narrowed. Don’t lose heart, there is always a solution. It simply depends on whether you are open-minded and ready to explore alternative paths.

🟢 Thinking about studying in Australia & UK? Contact One Education, the official representative, for free advice and support every step of the way! Add Line: @one-edu or submit an enquiry form

4. University Rankings Shouldn’t Be the Only Factor

In some families, both students and parents focus only on top-ranked universities. Those with high rankings, the ones relatives have graduated from, or those attended by idols they admire. This often comes from the belief that studying at a highly ranked university is what made those people successful, and that simply attending the same university will lead to similar results. However, a university with a high ranking that is not strong in the specific subject you want to study may not be the right choice. When you eventually enter the workforce, people in that field usually know very well which universities are truly recognised for that particular discipline. What you should do instead is look closely at the course structure. Review the modules offered by the faculty and see whether they overlap too much with what you have already studied. You should also research the lecturers, what areas they specialise in and whether they would be suitable mentors for future research. For these reasons, we recommend focusing on which universities have strong research output and good academic support in the field you are interested in, rather than judging a university solely by its ranking.

5. Get Advice from One Education’s Experts Early When Planning to Study Abroad

Consulting the expert team at One Education, together with both the student and parents, helps everyone stay on the same page and clearly understand each step of the university selection process. One Education specialises in study abroad programmes in Australia and the UK, with over 30 years of experience, and works directly as an official representative of universities. This allows us to provide honest and realistic advice when choosing a university, always prioritising the student’s interests while also considering practical factors such as academic background and grades. From there, we can offer tailored guidance on the most suitable pathways. Our team will also help assess how feasible the options chosen by both the student and parents truly are, and recommend alternative choices when needed, so that the final decision is the best possible fit for the student.

Try applying the tips we’ve shared you may find that they really help narrow down your life choices and make decisions much easier. See whether your parents feel the same way and are in agreement with you. Ideally, bring your parents along to consult with the One Education team together. This way, everyone can discuss and understand the options at the same time, making the journey towards studying abroad much smoother. Trust us. It really does make things easier!

Interested in studying in Australia & UK? 

For more information and assistance with the application process, you can contact One Education, an official representative of Australian Universities. We offer free consultation and support throughout your application journey.    
Add our Line official account: @one-edu    
Submit an enquiry form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.     
Call us: 02-652-0718      

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