What a student does after his or her O/Levels is perhaps the single most important decision a young student will have made in their entire life so far. What they do in the few years following their O/Levels will largely determine what kind of life they lead. Make the right decision and a young boy or girl will be on the track to a rewarding and happy future. This can mean prosperity, job satisfaction, and personal happiness. Take the wrong decision and it can mean an unhappy life doing a dead-end, underpaid job.
Unfortunately, in today's education environment circumstances mean that such decisions are often a gamble - and how many parents want to gamble with their child's future? For your own child would you accept a 90% chance of success or a 50% chance of success? How about less than a 10% chance of success? What would be "acceptable" odds for your child's future?

For example, consider local A/Levels. They are of an excellent standard and the local university system provides a fine university education in many fields. However, higher education statistics from the University Grants Commission (UGC) indicate that currently less than 10% of students who complete O/Levels and qualify for A/Levels will actually gain university entry in local universities - that's only 1 out of every 10. Furthermore, less than 20% of the age cohort that actually gain the requisite A-Level results for university entrance obtain places at the state universities, leaving a huge deficit of eligible young people (in excess of 250,000 students per year) looking for alternative routes to continue their higher education. And of those who gain university entry, a significant number may not get placement in programmes they actually want as a first choice.

Of course every parent hopes their child will not just pass but pass with good enough grades for the university to admit them and that there will be a place for them in the programme they desire. Unfortunately we all know that's not always the way it works out and many an excellent student has lost up to almost three years of their time, or simply lost heart when results don't match up to expectations.

Today's students have superb alternative paths to university after O/Levels specifically designed by universities. Most importantly, these options guarantee university entry. Students who have completed their O/Levels have the choice of direct entry to American degree programmes or Australian and British Foundation programmes leading to guaranteed first year university entry. Students with an interest in Australian and British degree programmes can even take diploma programmes guaranteeing entry to the second year of university.

University Foundation Programmes are developed by international universities to provide tailor-made pathways to their degree courses. They prepare students in the best possible way for university study to enable a smooth transition from school to university level education. The shift from local A/Levels to international university study can be very difficult as students struggle to adapt to a new style of education while settling into a new country. At the same time, they have the opportunity to form important friendships with other students planning an overseas education.

ANC in Sri Lanka offers foundation programmes that guarantee progression to universities in Australia and UK such as Monash University, University of Sydney, Melbourne University, University of Western Australia, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Huddersfield University, Leeds Metropolitan University and the University of Leeds.

The combination of a 1 year Foundation Programme and a 3 year degree programme for Australian and British universities is equivalent in duration to students directly entering an American 4 year degree programme. Both options are four years in duration for O/Level students. The American University Transfer Programme at ANC gives students access to most of America's nearly 4,000 universities. Many of the American, Australian and British programmes you commence at ANC can be finished in Malaysia as well.

There are also 7 American degrees in Business, IT and Psychology that can be completed in
Sri Lanka. Complete flexibility and an outstanding range of choices mean that students and parents can pick the programme that best suits them.

Let us help you clarify your options now that you have your results. Contact us immediately for individual counselling by experienced professionals who will guide you to the programme best able to help you achieve your dreams.

The Direct University Entry Free Seminar on April 9 at Cinnamon Lakeside, Earl's Court at 10.00 am is a valuable resource for parents and students. The seminar is designed to provide information on careers, education, financial planning, career guidance, personal assessment, and the world's major study destinations. Some of the many activities include:

• Valuable hands-on Financial Planning workshops for parents and students (including how to prepare for scholarships and reduce education costs)
• Practical career-oriented presentations
• Student Success Skills on how to be a successful student at college or university
• International education options including in-depth presentations on America, Australia, Canada,

Malaysia, and the UK as well as international degree options right here in Sri Lanka
As you have just received your O/Level results, start serious planning for your future. For more information just call Ehsan on 077 306 306 6. The Direct University Entry Programme is free of charge but bookings are essential.