Arm yourself with questions for open days and interviews. This will demonstrate that you’re serious about your subject and will help you to avoid ending up on a course that’s not right for you.

Here are a few suggested questions from Open Day regulars…

Tate Liverpool’s Young Tate

• How will I be assessed?
• Can I afford it?
• Will I have access to facilities?
• Can I have 24 hour access to studios?
• Can I diversify in my chosen subject area?
• What’s the ratio of practical to academic time?

Tate Forum

• What do particular courses look for in a student?
• What are the student/staff ratios?
• Are all students guaranteed studio space? How much?
• What are the leavers’ destinations?

Other key things to consider:

• What is the student life like?
• Do I want to live near home or far away?
• Do I get student accommodation?
• Are there any study abroad opportunities on the course?
• What are the professional backgrounds of the teaching staff?