Are you still confused about what path to take for your university studies?

Why wouldn’t you be? The list of school choices and course offerings is long.

Decision-making becomes more difficult when a number of factors come into the picture. Your best friend (whom you don’t want to be separated from) might want to enroll in a science degree, but you’re interested in the arts.

Your school of choice is in Manila, but you’re from Davao and your parents don’t want you to be away from them. Your desired course might be too expensive and not give you the security you want in the future.

Everything just becomes befuddling when the enrollment period is fast approaching. But don’t fret.

Listen up, incoming freshmen. The folks who participated in SM City Davao’s university fair just might have the right advice. Hint: The adage

“follow your heart” is useful.

“Bank on your strengths. Look into your abilities, aptitude and interests. And then find a degree program that you want to enroll in. Base your choice of university on what reflects the values you cherish as a person.” —Dr. Eve Ayson, UP Mindanao office of student affairs director

“Pursue your passion. Pursue a course you’re most interested in. Pursue the field that paints a picture of you in the future. Pursue what you really like.” —Myred Eugenio, senior admissions officer, School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA) Design Institute

Don’t rush

“Always find time to think about your decision. Don’t rush. There’s always time to get to know what you really want.” —Lt. Allan Dave Ibones, Philippine Military Academy

“Focus on your interest and see where you excel. If you excel in math, enroll in a program inclined to that discipline, like engineering. Know your strengths and seize opportunities everywhere, whether you’re from Mindanao or Manila. Read and talk to university alumni because you will learn a lot from them. And finally, talk to your parents.” —lawyer Gezzez Granado, office of admission, University of Santo Tomas

“Ask yourself: What am I passionate about?” —Conrado Balatbat, Ateneo de Zamboanga, college admissions and aid director

“Pray about your decision and follow your heart and God’s will in your life.” —Elena Mangaoil, board of trustees member, Silliman University

“Follow who you want to be in the future. Start visualizing who you want to be exactly. Follow your heart. If you’re into design, go for it. There’s a misconception that the field of design is not going to land anyone a “real job,” but that is wrong. There are many successful designers in the Philippines, and if you’re really passionate about this field there will always be a place for you in the future.” —Justin Seow, college director, Raffles Design Institute

“Think about your long-term and short-term goals. Balance your time between hanging out with your high school friends and preparing for university. Ask yourself the right questions and then search for the right answers. Always consider your interests, strengths and weaknesses when thinking about the right school and course. And remember to weigh in the counsel of those persons you look up to.” —Davao City councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta, UP Diliman Mass Communications alumna

PHOTOS BY JESSE RAMON BOGA