Should I go to Sixth form or college?

I don't know weather to go to Sixth form or college?

• So basically the title says it all... I would describe myself as an independent learner who likes to get on with her work im not really bothered about going where my friends go as my priority is to learn not to socialize:) im not really sure what i want to do just yet although i have a few options in mind ( air hostess, journalist or a nurse) iv seen in sixth from you get to pick a number of courses but i don't want to be there for a number of years doing something that wont help me or mean anything to me later on in life. And in college you get to do like a set couse? which seems like a straight forward thing but to me doesn't seem serious enough(if that makes sense) The sixth from in my area isn't joint to a school but its like a separate education building? so any advice please p.s which looks better on a university application as i would like to get into higher education? thank you!

• Answer:

  Ok. I remember having questions like this at your age and never got any good advice because the people I knew didn't have a clue either. I ended up going out to work then going back to college to do an access to nursing course so I could work in mental health. After completing a degree in mental health it has opened new doors but also made me more aware of what taking a chance in life means. I have realised that many experiences in life can be based on pure luck, for example the people you meet when doing your course. So, it may be that you choose the right course but you don't have the right teachers to inspire you. Having a good teacher is the key, I can remember excellent teachers who really inspired me and helped me move forwards whereas others just put barriers in my way. Indeed, the choices a person makes can depend on many things, especially money! From my experience, if you don't mind living away from home, you can build yourself a good support network if you need it and you feel you will be able to cope with new surroundings; then look up top colleges on the internet. It might be that getting into these requires you to make certain grades so not sure what you got? Going to a top college should mean that the teaching is of a higher standard, bare in mind that it may depend on the subject you are doing, for example a college may have a good reputation for nursing courses but not for journalism. You could also find top universities which may help you decide which college to go to. For example, if you find a uni you would like to go to because they are specialised in your subject then you may want to find a college near by so you can start to build up your social network and get your bearings. It is a really difficult time when mapping out your life, but, having a map does help, just remember you might not always follow the path you expected, on the flip side new doors can open! Don't be disappointed when things don't go as planned, turn it into a positive e.g. it makes you more flexibile. Uni has taught me to see everything as an experience, whether it's good or bad, don't have regrets just learn from them. We can't always make perfect choices unfortunately but it is good that you are doing your research! Mental health nursing is a good route to go down even if you don't want to be a nurse but whatever you do don't do it for the money because it's a lot of work for the pay you get. Unfortunately with other subjects I can't really comment. Just remember, getting a degree is your aim and once you have it no one can take it away from you. One thing I do wish I tried harder at was aiming for a higher grade. I got a 2:2 and I wasn't that bothered about getting any higher because people around me were saying it's just great to get a degree. I wish I hadn't listened to them because I later found out some graduate jobs only take you on if you have a 2:1. These posts are really good if you do a degree but your not sure where to go next. In my opinion I think journalism sounds like a great path but it has to be your decision :) If you do get into that try and join a creative writing group, I think this would be helpful for you. Think about what you would like to write about and read everything from book to newspapers. Also you could try and get some work experience somewhere by simply phoning around. You literally have to be like this if you want to go far. Or just phone a company who employs journalists for advice, see if you can find anything online perhaps. Also, don't give up if you keep getting rejected, there will be someone out there willing to listen you just have to find the right people at the right time! Good luck with everything and I hope this helps a little :)