THOUSANDS of students who find a university place through the clearing system later regret their choices, a new survey claims.
Research by education foundation Edge found 13 per cent of first and second-year students, a total of 18,000 across the UK, were unhappy about their choice of course.
A third, 46,000, felt they had rushed their university selection, 12 per cent
were considering switching subjects and one in 20 said they might drop out.
More than a third of students, 37 per cent, blamed pressure from their teachers, 28 per cent from parents and 20 per cent from career advisors for their choice of university course.
However, 59 per cent of those asked still believed a degree was crucial to a successful career, while 43 per cent felt it was key to earning a good salary.
Clearing is the process run by Ucas, the university applications body, to help find a course for students who have not been offered a place at a university.
Andy Powell, chief executive of Edge, said: "Rather than rush into a decision about going to university, students should invest time in re-evaluating the many paths to success, including vocational courses and apprenticeships.
"Practical learning is a genuine alternative to an academic university degree which can lead to a successful high-achieving career."
However, parents and teachers defended the clearing system and their role in encouraging schools-leavers to apply to university.
A spokesman for Scotland's biggest teaching union, the EIS, said clearing was an effective way of matching prospective students with courses.
He added: "The process also serves to widen the view young people have of the types of courses and institutions available for study in Scotland.
"Young people should take care when looking at their options during the clearing process to ensure they choose a course and a place of learning which best suits their circumstances."
Judith Gillespie, policy development manager at the Scottish Parent Teacher Council, said it was no surprise that parents often made calls to universities on behalf of their children.
She added: "Parents are being helpful rather than anything else. Knowing youngsters and their ability to cope, sometimes parents will just be better at remembering to ask all the relevant questions."
Last year, more than 38,000 students found places at a university or college through clearing in the UK.
Scotland's four-year degree system allows students to take several subjects in the first year, making it easier for students to change subject mid-course.
The full article contains 425 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
