Many of the issues that you are considering are shared with other young people. We have picked out some common questions along with what we hope are helpful answers. By browsing through the FAQs you can see what other people are concerned about and you might find answers to some of your own questions.

Just click on the questions that interest you to get to the answers.

• What is the difference between Connexions and the old Careers Service?
  
• I am confused about whether to choose A Levels or a Vocational course.
  
• How many GCSEs do I need to study A levels?
  
• What courses can I study if my GCSE grades are mostly D-G?
  
• I have made an application to a local college, but would also like to apply to an out borough college. Would this be possible?
  
• I am in Year 11 and don’t know what AS levels to take next year. 
  
• Which university is the best for me?
  
• I am considering taking a year out after my A levels, but I can’t decide. What should I do?
  
• I am thinking of working after I have completed my A levels. How do I get information about this option?
  
• What will I do if I don’t get the grades I need for the degree course I have applied for?

   

What is the difference between Connexions and the old Careers Service?

Connexions can offer you a wider range of support and advice, not just careers advice. You will still be able to get help from your Connexions Personal Adviser with choosing courses, looking at different careers, planning your future and developing your skills.  

In addition, your Personal Adviser can also offer you support with bullying, relationships, health, money and the law.  If your Personal Adviser isn’t the best person to help you, they can listen to you and put you in touch with someone who can help. <top>

I am confused about whether to choose A Levels or a Vocational course.

The decision to study A levels or a Vocational course will depend on two things:

• Whether you will be able to gain the number of GCSEs at the grades required to apply for a particular course
• Whether you are more suited to studying an academic course or a course which develops both your theoretical and practical skills.

Your subject teachers or form tutor should be able to give you an indication of your GCSE predicted grades and the type of course that is more suited to you. <top>

How many GCSEs do I need, to study A levels?

Normally 5 –7 passes at grades A-C for A levels depending on the requirements of the 6^th form or college that you are applying to.

Further information is available from school and college prospectuses or from the institutions direct. <top>

What course can I study if my GCSE grades are mostly D-G?

There are a number of courses that you could choose. For example:

GNVQ Intermediate - if your GCSE grades are mainly Ds

GNVQ Foundation - if your grades are below Ds (ie E-G)

GCSE resits - some institutions may allow you to retake individual GCSE subjects if you have gained at least a grade D. You can also choose to combine GCSE retakes with a GNVQ Intermediate or Foundation course.

Vocational courses at level 1 or 2 - for example NVQ and City and Guilds

You can get some idea of the grades you are likely to get, from your Year 11 mock exams and from talking to your teachers. <top>

I have made an application to a local college, but would also like to apply to an out borough college. Would this be possible?

Yes, you may apply to as many out borough colleges as you want. However, Harrow school students can only apply to one of the three colleges within Harrow (Harrow College, Stanmore College and St. Dominic’s 6^th Form College). <top>

Will my vocational course be accepted by universities?

Always check with the university direct to ensure that your course is accepted. Many vocational courses will attract UCAS points in the same way as A Levels. Under the new curriculum, you can combine vocational and academic A Levels and give yourself a range of skills. <top>

I am in Year 11 and don’t know what AS levels to take next year.

You will be able to take between three and five subjects in year one. You need to think about which subjects you enjoy most and which ones will hold your interest for 1 or 2 years. If you know what degree or job you want, this will guide your choice of subjects (eg for medicine you will need science subjects). 

If you don’t know exactly what you want to do in the future, don’t worry! Choose subjects you are likely to get good grades in, but also aim for a balanced range. AS levels offer the chance to choose a broad range of subjects, instead of specialising too soon. <top>

Which university is the best for me?

• Does it offer the type of course you want to study (eg sandwich or modular)?
• Is the University where you want to study (eg is it a town or campus location)?
• What teaching methods are used and how is the course assessed?
• How large is the department?
• Where will the course lead? What did last year’s graduates do?
• What is the policy on accommodation for first year students?
• Would you be able to change courses if you don’t like the one you have chosen?

You may find some of the following resources useful. All are available from your school or college careers library or from Connexions centres.

• The Times Good University Guide.
• Degree Course Offers by Brian Heap.
• The Virgin Atlantic Alternative Guide to British Universities.
• Student Book published by Trotman.
• Choosing Your Degree Course & University by Brian Heap.
• The Push Guide to Which University published by Letts.
• The Best in University and College Courses by Brian Heap.

The following are websites you may also like to look at:

• The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education review quality and standards of HE in universities and colleges. Website contains subject reports and institutional reviews.
• The Universities and colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) site contains information on higher education courses and how to apply to university.
• Student UK explains life as a student and has a chat facility. <top>

I am considering taking a year out after my A levels, but I can’t decide. What should I do?

Also consider whether you want to apply for a university place before you take time out or after you have received your results. If you plan to apply after you receive your results you will need to be in the UK between September and December.

These organisations might be of interest:

• Year Out Group 
• Camp America 
• Year in Industry Scheme 
• Raleigh International
• GAP 

<top>

I am thinking of working after I have completed my A levels. How do I get information about this option?

You might want to contact one of the local Connexions centres for help in finding suitable employment and training opportunities. Alternatively look in local and national papers for vacancies. Large companies tend to advertise their training opportunities through the press and sometimes send details direct to schools and colleges, so check out careers notice boards in your own institution. You will need a CV to apply for some vacancies, so make sure yours is up-to-date.

Some booklets that you may find useful, are:

• Moving On booklet, available in schools and colleges, published by Lifetime Careers.
• Getting Your First Job by Penny Hitchen (in the How To book series).
• Target That Job by Lifetime Careers, available free from Lifetime Careers.

You will find many other useful books and computer packages in your school career library, college learning resource centre or Connexions centre. <top>

What will I do if I don’t get the grades I need for the degree course I have applied for?

You can get help from your own school or college or you may wish to call into one of the Connexions Careers centres. <top>

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