Making your
decision

This is probably the classic decision-making aid. Simply take a sheet of paper and list the arguments in favour of a particular programme or university on one side, and the arguments against it on the other. This will help you quickly see the pros and cons. For more complex questions, it can be useful to weight the arguments. This list is ideal for simple yes/no decisions.

This decision-making technique is a great way to compare different degree programmes or universities. It involves thinking about which criteria are important to you and each option based on these criteria.

Tell someone in your family or a close friend about your study options. Concentrate on the points that are most important to you and give them a maximum of three options. It is important that this person is impartial. Then ask yourself: Which option feels best? Which feels less appealing? Where did you have the best gut feeling? Get feedback from your trusted person to help you organise your thoughts, too.

It sounds strange at first, but it makes sense. Sometimes it can help to use a dice or a coin when making a selection. The trick is that the decision you want deep down often comes to the surface when you are confronted with a quick, random choice. Flipping a coin or rolling a dice forces you to be spontaneous and honest with yourself – and that can sometimes give you exactly the clarity you need.

If you are still unsure about your choice of degree programme, a decision canvas can help you. This method allows you to visualise your options in a clear and structured way. Write down the most important criteria that are decisive for you when choosing a degree programme and organise them on a canvas. This will help you quickly see which programmes best match your goals, interests and values.

This is a simple decision-making technique that can help you find your ideal degree programme. Start by thinking about which aspects are 'round' for you (i.e. particularly important and positive) and which are 'square' (i.e. more problematic or less appealing). Then look at all the options and categorise them as 'round' or 'square' according to the criteria. This will quickly give you a clear overview of which programmes really suit you or where you may have to make compromises.