Step 3: How Do I Make the Right Decision?
Surely, you have found some programs you are interested in. In order to decide which programs you want to apply for, it might be useful to prioritize your decision factors, single out your favorites and explore them. On the ground, if you need to.
Defining criteria for choosing a program
Deciding in favor of a program study depends on numerous factors. Some might be more important to you than others. It therefore makes sense to prioritize and get further information.
Field of study
How important is it to you that your program of study matches your interests and that you find (almost) all courses and topics interesting?
Program requirements
How important is it to you that you are able to follow the courses and that you are satisfied with your examination results?
Career prospects
Does your program of study correspond to your career goals? Or, in case you do not yet have a specific job in mind: How important are career prospects and good pay to you?
University and location
Is there a particular university at which you would like to study or a particular city you would like to live in?
Useful information: Decision support
Field of study
The most important sources of information are examination regulations and module catalogs of programs. You can find all courses in the up-to-date course catalog.
Program requirements
It is helpful to talk to advisors or students to better assess the requirements of your program. Another option are online aptitude tests offered by various universities or the Employment Agency.
Career prospects
Find information on career options, labor market and salary prospects on the websites of the Employment Agency or the Institute for Employment Research.
University and location
Your choice of university can, for example, also depend on the curriculum, internationality, rankings or the atmosphere. Choosing a place of study is closely linked to these conditions. In this context, the size of the city, available leisure activities and the distance to your hometown may be relevant. Advice and support
- Orientation fairs or student information days are excellent opportunities to get a better impression of universities and their programs. There are, for example, regional fairs where you can talk to representatives of various universities. In addition, most universities offer on-site information days so that prospective students can get to know the campus and find out about programs. The University of Mannheim hosts several student information days a year.
- We will also be happy to support you in your decision-making process. All you need to do is make an appointment with the Student Advising Center.
What does a lecture hall look like and who are my fellow students? You can get to know university life in advance and participate in lectures and seminars at many universities: The University of Mannheim offers, for example, taster courses.