ABSTRACT
Students choose subjects and a limited range of institutions to which to apply on the basis of advice from friends, family and schools. University literature, open days, etc. are only used to refine that choice to the few to which the student will eventually apply. The role of parents in providing both support and information to prospective students is outlined. In general, students are satisfied with the quality of information they receive but many are not aware of the sorts of questions they should be asking, nor of the factors which will impact on their decisions to persist. The critical area which students identify as in need of improvement is that of programme details, which are often presented in too generalised a way or in inaccessible language or are buried in other material. In particular, it is the way in which subjects are taught and supported and which aspects of subjects are emphasised in the programme that are deemed important in assisting in appropriate decision-making. An example of good practice is discussed in terms of the informality and accessibility of language, the direct and detailed way in which programmes are described and the value that students place in it.
