University and career guidance is an essential part of a student’s journey. It is also the culmination of many different aspects of a school’s work. 

From the very beginning, admissions plays an important role in enrolling students who will thrive at the school and recognising their potential for success. From there, teachers, faculty, and support staff guide, inspire, and encourage students throughout their academic journey. They challenge students to take risks, support them when they struggle, celebrate their successes, and help them develop as individuals. 

Alongside a student’s own motivation and achievements, university and career guidance helps students find direction for the next stage of their academic and personal growth. 

University Admissions Have Changed Dramatically 

When I first started as a College Counsellor, the world of university guidance was much simpler in some ways. 

Admission rates at top universities were significantly higher. For example, in the 1990s, Stanford University’s admission rate was around 50%. What was much harder, however, was the older technology we had to use, such as mail, fax machines, and even handwritten or typed applications. 

Today, students and families have access to an incredible amount of information at their fingertips. Some of it is excellent. Some of it is not. 

One of the biggest changes in university admissions came with the introduction of the U.S. News & World Report university rankings in 1983. At the time, they were largely ignored. Over the years, however, more ranking systems emerged, the metrics evolved, and rankings became increasingly influential in how families perceived universities. 

Over the past two decades, rankings have played an enormous role in shaping where students want to apply. As more families have focused on a relatively small group of highly ranked universities, admission rates at those institutions have fallen dramatically. Stanford, for example, now admits fewer than 5% of applicants. 

The Problem with University Rankings 

In university guidance, we often talk about finding the right fit for each student. Rankings, however, have led many people to believe that a university ranked number one must automatically be better than one ranked number 10 or even number 50. 

In reality, the differences are often microscopic. 

Rankings also make decision-making seem deceptively simple. Many families think, “If it’s in the top 10, it must be the best choice for my child.” 

As a result, competition for places at the world’s highest-ranked universities has become extraordinary. Schools themselves are often judged by how many students gain admission to those institutions. 

One of the greatest challenges in university guidance today is helping students and parents understand that there are outstanding universities all over the world. Many of them offer exceptional opportunities, outstanding teaching, and pathways that can prepare students for both existing and emerging careers. 

The goal should not simply be to attend the highest-ranked university. 

The goal should be to find the university that is the best fit for the individual student. 

Standing Out in a Competitive Admissions Environment 

As university admissions have become more competitive, many students feel that they have to do more and more simply to keep up. 

Their schedules become packed with extra-curricular and super-curricular activities, internships, leadership programmes, competitions, volunteering, and countless other commitments. Somewhere along the way, however, some important things can be lost. They are character, wellbeing, and the ability to simply enjoy learning. Students often feel pressured to create the “perfect” university application, but in doing so they risk becoming overwhelmed, exhausted, and, ironically, very similar to everyone else. 

Adding to this pressure is the growing number of educational agents who promise, or even guarantee, admission to top universities. They often create unnecessary anxiety among families by suggesting that students are not doing enough or that there is a secret formula for success. There is no magic or secret formula. This results in students becoming overwhelmed, confused, and, at the same time, “common.” 

What Really Matters in Learning and Preparing for the Next Steps in Education 

So, what is truly important? 

Students need to maintain their individuality. They need to remain confident in who they are and continue developing the qualities that make them unique. One of the things we have been developing at The Perse School (Singapore) is a range of opportunities that allow students to do exactly that. 

I have challenged our Year 9 and 10 students to create clubs, initiatives, and activities of their own, which are great opportunities that encourage leadership while also developing character traits such as empathy, teamwork, collaboration, resilience, and a willingness to take risks. Just as importantly, these experiences help students become confident in themselves in a world that is changing every day. 

Alongside this, The Perse School (Singapore)’s academic pathway through IGCSE and the upcoming A Level from August 2027 onwards provides students with the challenge and preparation they need for future academic success. 

Together, these experiences help students become well-rounded young people who are confident, capable, and ready for the next stage of both their academic and personal journeys. 

Some Personal Advice for Students in Preparing for University 

There are also several personal choices that, in my experience, make a real difference. 

1. Remain True to Yourself 

Continually assess both your academic abilities and your personal skills. Aim for balance. Where you recognise weaknesses, work towards improving them. Where you have strengths, continue to challenge yourself and grow. 

2. Take Advantage of the Opportunities Around You 

Become involved in your school’s extra-curricular and super-curricular activities. 

Universities are generally more impressed by students who fully embrace the opportunities available within their own school than those who simply pay for external experiences. Better still, create something new yourself, as many of our students have done at The Perse School. 

Just as importantly, keep a record of everything you do. At The Perse School, we encourage students to record their activities and achievements on Unifrog. Over time, this becomes an invaluable portfolio that can support letters of recommendation, activity lists, and university applications. 

Consistency also matters. By all means, try new activities, but continue investing your time in those that genuinely interest you. 

3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else 

Every student is on their own journey. Everyone has different interests, personalities, talents, and aspirations. Rather than worrying about what everyone else is doing, focus on building your own path. Engage fully, be curious, and most importantly, be yourself. 

4. Ask for Help When You Need It 

Never hesitate to ask for help. Your teachers and the university guidance team are there to support you. Whether you are looking for opportunities, exploring possible career pathways, or simply feeling unsure about your next steps, reach out. Sometimes, a conversation with someone who has experience can provide the clarity you need. 

5. Get to Know Universities First-Hand 

Take every opportunity to attend university events. Speak to university representatives. Ask questions about the learning environment, academic programmes, campus life, internships, research opportunities, and anything else that interests you. 

Don’t limit yourself to only the highest-ranked universities. Talk to a wide variety of institutions. You may be surprised by what you discover. 

6. Do Your Own Research 

Continue researching universities through their official websites. There is far more to a university than a ranking number. Explore the courses they offer, their teaching style, campus culture, student support, internship opportunities, and graduate outcomes. 

The more informed you are, the better equipped you will be to make the right decision. 

7. It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out 

One of the questions I am asked most often is, “What if I don’t know what I want to study?” My answer is simple: That is perfectly okay. 

Not every student knows what they want to study at university or what career they want to pursue. In fact, I did not discover my own pathway until I was in my mid-20s. 

So, give yourself permission to explore. Read about different careers. Use the tools available on Unifrog, including the Skills, Personality, and Careers assessments. Stay curious and keep learning about yourself. 

Remember, careers are changing rapidly. Many of the jobs today’s students will eventually have do not even exist yet. That is why continually assessing your skills and understanding your strengths is so important. Skills are transferable, and they will help you adapt as industries evolve throughout your lifetime. 

Most importantly, find something you genuinely enjoy. We spend a significant portion of our lives working. Loving what you do makes that journey far more rewarding. 

8. Keep Reassessing Your Skills 

Your skills, interests, and ambitions will evolve over time. Take the time to reflect on your development regularly. As you grow, your strengths may change, and so too might your aspirations. That is perfectly natural. 

9. Get to Know Your Teachers and University Guidance Team 

Your teachers and university guidance team have a wealth of experience. Throughout their lives and careers, they have encountered different pathways, opportunities, and challenges. Make use of that experience. Ask questions and seek advice. The people around you are there because they want to help you succeed. 

10. Be Careful About Outside Voices 

Be cautious of organisations or agents that promise guaranteed admission to top universities. Many are ultimately trying to sell a service, and some create unnecessary confusion or anxiety along the way. There is no magical formula for university admissions. Stay focused on your own growth, continue asking questions, and rely on trusted educators who genuinely know you. 

11. Never Lose Sight of Your Academics 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, remember that strong academic performance remains the foundation of every successful university application. Do your very best in your internal assessments and, especially, in your external examinations, including your IGCSE and A Level. These results provide universities with the strongest evidence of your academic ability and remain one of the most important parts of the admissions process. 

When Should Students Start Thinking About University? 

Some time ago, I was asked when students should begin thinking about careers and university. The truth is, there is no exact age or perfect time to start. What matters is that students are continually building towards both. Stay curious. Accept challenges. Explore different interests. Research careers and universities. Learn about yourself. 

This process can begin as early as the lower years of school. As students grow older, they naturally begin to discover what they enjoy, what they are good at, and what excites them. They start moving towards those interests. Even if they are still unsure, pathways begin to emerge. 

It is important to remember that life is not a race. Take your time, keep moving forward, assess, and consistently repeat what works well for you. 

How the Journey to University Develops 

Year 10: Build Strong Foundations 

By Year 10, things begin to take on greater importance. Students should focus on developing strong foundational knowledge, maintaining good internal grades, and continuing to build the academic habits that will prepare them for the years ahead. 

At the same time, they should continue exploring interests outside the classroom, developing leadership skills, and discovering what genuinely motivates them. 

 

Year 11: IGCSE Results Matter 

Year 11 is a significant milestone because students sit their IGCSE examinations. These externally assessed qualifications are an important indicator of academic achievement. Universities look closely at these results, and they also help determine the most appropriate A Level subject choices.  

Strong IGCSE performance lays an excellent foundation for the next stage of the journey. 

Year 12: University Guidance Begins in Earnest 

Year 12 is when university planning really gathers momentum. Students begin researching universities, courses, and possible career pathways in much greater depth. They start building balanced university lists, exploring different countries and programmes, and considering which institutions are the best fit for them. 

This is also the time when students begin drafting personal statements, opening university applications, and preparing the various components required by different admissions systems. 

At the same time, A Level performance becomes increasingly important, as predicted grades often play a major role in university applications. 

Year 13: Applications and the Next Chapter 

In the autumn of Year 13, students submit their university applications. 

Once those applications have been sent, the focus shifts back to achieving the A Level grades they have been predicted and working hard to finish school successfully. 

By the spring of Year 13, many students will have received offers from some, or hopefully all, of the universities to which they applied. They then make one of the biggest decisions of their lives: choosing where they will study. 

After that, they embark on an entirely new set of adventures and challenges. 

My Final Thoughts 

University admissions can sometimes feel overwhelming. There is more information than ever before. There are more opinions, more rankings, and more people telling students what they “should” be doing. 

My advice is simple. Stay curious, remain true to yourself, take advantage of the opportunities your school offers, build your academic foundation, develop your character, ask questions, and seek help when you need it. 

And remember that the goal is not simply to attend the highest-ranked university. The goal is to find the university that is the right fit for you, a place where you will thrive academically, personally, and professionally. 

If you focus on becoming the best version of yourself, you will put yourself in the strongest possible position for whatever pathway you ultimately choose. 

Good luck!  
Hamilton Gregg  

About Hamilton Gregg  

Hamilton Gregg is a world-renowned university guidance consultant. He has 30 years of experience advising students and their parents on university pathways. He has worked in leading schools across Switzerland, Japan, and China, and currently supports The Perse School (Singapore) as we grow our Senior School and prepare for our A-Level pathway in August 2027. At The Perse, Hamilton works with students and parents to strategically prepare for competitive global universities.