The most common mistakes when choosing a degree

Mistakes when choosing a degree course happen to almost every school leaver — some are harmless, others cost a lost year or two. The good news is that most of these mistakes are predictable and preventable once you know what to look out for. Below we round up the most common pitfalls and concrete ways to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Choosing a degree because of peers or family

One of the most common mistakes is choosing a degree because "a friend is going there too" or because your family has worked in a given profession for generations. That kind of decision feels comfortable at first, but it ignores your own interests and strengths, which often leads to disappointment after the first year.

Mistake 2: Choosing based purely on prestige

A prestigious degree doesn't always mean a satisfying job or high pay — a lot depends on the specialisation, city and individual aptitudes. It's worth checking ELA data and the Occupation Barometer instead of relying solely on a degree's reputation from years ago.

Mistake 3: Not checking the actual curriculum

Many candidates choose a degree based on its name alone, without reading the course plan. Yet the same-named degree at two different universities can have a completely different curriculum — a different balance of theory to practice, different elective subjects, different specialisation options.

Mistake 4: Ignoring job-market realities

A fascinating field of knowledge doesn't always translate into an easy career start. It's worth checking what happens to graduates of a given degree — roughly what they earn at the start, how long it takes them to find their first job, and whether the profession is listed as in shortage in the Occupation Barometer.

Mistake 5: Choosing a degree purely to defy pressure

On the other hand, choosing a degree solely to contradict family or peer expectations can also be a mistake — it's still an emotionally driven decision rather than one based on genuine interests.

Mistake 6: Having no backup plan

University admissions can be unpredictable — score thresholds shift from year to year. Not having a backup degree or university can mean you're left without a plan if admissions don't go your way. We describe what to do in that case in I didn't get into university — what now.

Summary table: mistake and how to avoid it

Mistake	How to avoid it
Choosing under others' influence	Take an aptitude test and talk to a careers adviser before deciding
Choosing based on prestige alone	Check ELA data and the Occupation Barometer for the specific degree and university
Not knowing the curriculum	Read the course plan and syllabi before applying, not just the degree's name
Ignoring the job market	Check indicative pay and demand for the given profession
A "spite" decision	Consider whether the choice comes from genuine interest or rebellion
No backup plan	Choose 2–3 degrees or universities with different score thresholds

How to decide with awareness

A well-informed choice of degree requires combining several elements: knowing your own interests and strengths, real knowledge of the curriculum, and awareness of the job-market situation. A good starting point is reviewing the general principles in how to choose a degree course and checking how to choose a degree you won't regret. If you're still not sure where to start, the free next.movv test based on the RIASEC model can help organise your interests and point you towards degrees and jobs that may fit your profile — along with indicative pay and automation-risk information.

What to do if you've already made one of these mistakes

If you feel your chosen degree doesn't actually suit you, it's not the end of the world. Switching degrees, transferring to another university, or applying through supplementary admissions are real options that many students use every year. What matters is making the decision to change consciously rather than in a panic — it's worth spending time analysing exactly what isn't working about your current choice.

Mistake 7: Starting your research too late

Many school leavers don't seriously start thinking about a degree until a few weeks before admissions. That leaves little time to calmly compare options, review curricula, or attend open days. The earlier you start researching — ideally as early as the second-to-last year of secondary school — the more room you have for a well-considered decision instead of a rushed one.

Mistake 8: Ignoring your own results and aptitudes

Sometimes students choose a degree that has nothing to do with what they're actually good at or interested in, simply following a trend around a given profession. It's worth comparing your actual academic results, interests and aptitude test results against the requirements of a specific degree before making a final decision — this significantly reduces the risk of disappointment in your first year.

Summary

Most mistakes when choosing a degree course can be avoided by spending a bit more time on research, talking to an adviser, and honestly assessing your own interests. That's an investment that can save you a year or two of unnecessary stress.