Education

• The more planning you do beforehand, the more chance you'll have of picking something that's right for you - much easier than trying to change to another course or institution later or discovering that continuing in education isn't for you.

If you're thinking of continuing in education after year 11, or are looking into higher education, make sure you know the important dates and deadlines (for open days, course applications, applying for financial help etc.).

Entry requirements

• Grade and other requirements vary between courses and for specific institutions. Before you apply, check that your aims are realistic
• Even if you have -  or expect to gain - the minimum entry requirements, this does NOT mean that you will be offered a place
• You may need to sit further tests or provide examples of your work. For admission tests for higher education see the UCAS site

Looking beyond:

• A course title

Courses may have the same title but be very different (especially true of higher education courses). Check the various modules, find out where the course might lead and investigate which parts you have to do and if there's any choice.

• The prospectus and website

Their aim is to provide you with all the facts but also to make you want to attend. Do read them because they have a lot of advice and information but treat them with caution.

• What students, teachers and lecturers say

You need to decide what's right for you - don't let others influence your decision until you have thoroughly researched the information.