How Do I Find the Right Degree Program for Me?

I become aware of my own interests and abilities by:

• talking with family, friends and acquaintances
• taking self-assessment tests
• reflecting on personal achievements

and by articulating and writing down my short- and long-term goals.

In short: Write down personal goals and ideas.

I read through databases and course offerings in order to get an overview of general information about ALL degree programs. I also have the opportunity to attend information fairs about the various degree programs.

In short: Get to know these databases:

Degree programs at the University of Potsdam

University Compass

Studienwahl.de

University Studies in Berlin and Brandenburg

I compare all the listed degree programs on the basis of their general orientation and description without concrete, detailed knowledge of them and compare this information with my own desires and personal goals as recorded in step 1.

In short: First ROUGH selection on the basis of the databases and overviews of degree programs.

• What are the contents of the degree programs chosen in the first, rough selection?
• What requirements can I expect?
• What can I find out about the location?

I go to informational events, degree program homepages of the University (noting the regulations of my program), get in touch with general adademic advising or contact the office of the degree program (Departmental Advisory Office!) and compare this information with my desires and personal goals as recorded in step 1.

In short: Make a more selective list from my rough selection on the basis of more detailed research from a distance.

I make use of offers such as:

• University Info Days (Info Day at the University of Potsdam)
• Trial studies (Trial studies at the University of Potsdam)
• in-person meetings (with academic advising, Departmental Advisory Office, current students, for example during trial studies...)

and compare my experiences and information with my own desires and personal goals as noted in step 1.

In short: Further narrow my selection on the basis of on-site research.

I enquire about additional requirements. Are there:

• aptitude tests (Aptitude tests at the University of Potsdam)
• specific language requirements
• restricted admissions, etc.?

I enquire about application deadlines, the application process and required documentation. Of course, I also consider my criteria for location (social and cutural environment, sports and free-time opportunities, etc.)

In short: Having considered all specific circumstances, apply to my chosen university.

This overview is only intended as a recommendation. We have consciously abstained from indicating specific timeframes for the individual steps, since these can vary widely in each case. In many cases the steps are interchangeable. Don't forget: Making a decision can take a long time. Should you need to plan for additional aptitude tests, keep in mind that such tests must often be completed long before the application deadline.