Challenge the logic of the herd!

Choosing the right A Level School is, for many, the first major life decision.  Some students will have a strong say in the decision.  Others may have their parents’ blessing to make it single handedly.  Irrespective of the situation, your decision should be based on thorough research.

I urge you to study this website carefully as a starting point for your research.   Tours of the campus and meetings with students, alums, teachers and administrators can be a logical next step in the research process.  Opinions of others should matter, but only if their opinion is based on personal experience or verifiable facts.  If someone shares an opinion with you (and most people love to share their opinion), it isn’t unreasonable to ask what their opinion is based on.  Just because someone is older (your cousin who did his A level 4 years ago, or your 45 year old dry cleaner, for example), doesn’t make them smarter or better informed about A Level institutions.  Teachers affiliated with that institution will have insightful feedback.  From administrators, feel free to ask for relevant facts and data – like improvement in grades from O to A levels and university placement statistics.  Use sound judgment on whose input you should consider in your decision, but learn to trust your own instincts as well.

Emotion will play a role, but it should be counterbalanced by sound logic. It is possible to develop an emotional attachment to an institution that may not be the best answer for your specific educational and personal growth needs at this stage. 
It may be hard for some of you to believe, but I too was a teenager at one point in my life. So, I do understand the power of emotion, but I’ve learned to balance it with logic.  I value friendships and travelling with my herd, but I’ve learned to go it alone when the situation demands.  I do care about the impression someone has of me, but I’ve learned to place far greater emphasis on my self-worth.

This progression in your thought process takes time – years, even decades – to find the right balance.  While you are on this evolutionary journey, those you look to for guidance and mentorship will play a critical role in your life in keeping you on the right path.

I wish you success in finding the best A Level institution for yourself.

Nadeem Ghani
Dean 
Nixor College Foundation Program