There are plenty of things you should be doing when choosing your GCSE or National Qualification options, but has anybody ever told you what NOT to do when you're making your choices?
Here, some people who've been through the process share their advice on a few of the common pitfalls when choosing your GCSE or National Qualification options. Watch the short video and then scroll down for a recap.
T'Challa: Here’s what NOT to do when you’re choosing your GCSE or Nationals options.
Nung: The most important thing is to choose what is right for you and not for anyone else.
Chloe: Don’t just do what your friends do!
Lauren: All my friends did art, so I did too and I ended up finding it much harder than I thought I would.
Chloe: Don’t choose a subject just because you like the teacher either – 'cos they might not be the one teaching you.
Jacintha: And don’t pick what sounds cool! Think about what YOU find interesting.
Joe: Find out exactly what the course covers rather than assuming you know. I chose computer science and although it was a great subject, it wasn’t like I thought.
Niall: It’s good to take advice, but be careful who you listen to - we’re all different. Everyone told me biology was easy, but I found it really difficult!
T'Challa: You could speak to people who know the course well and know how you work and study, like your subject teacher.
Daniel: Bear in mind what you’re thinking of doing in the future! Find out as much as you can about which subjects you need to take to move into the future you want.
T'Challa: Don’t pick for anyone else – pick for you!
Top tips for choosing your GCSE or National options
When choosing his options, Daniel found out as much as he could about the subjects he wanted to take, "Bear in mind what you’re thinking of doing in the future!" Our expert T'Challa says, "You could speak to people who know the course well and know how you work and study, like your subject teacher." But Mind Set coach Niall has a warning, "It’s good to take advice, but be careful who you listen to – we're all different. Everyone told me biology was easy, but I found it really difficult!"
Chloe's tip is to not choose a subject just because you like the teacher as they might not be the one teaching you. Lauren chose art because all her friends were doing it, but she says "I ended up finding it much harder than I thought I would." Nung has a similar piece of advice, "The most important thing is to choose what is right for you and not for anyone else. You’re the one taking the exam!"
If you need some advice on how options work in different parts of the UK, go to…
Everything you need to know about choosing your GCSE subjects in England
GCSEs in Northern Ireland: What are my options?
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.
The Ultimate Options Guide 2025
Find out more about some of the subjects that may be on offer when choosing your GCSE or National options.
Top tips on choosing the best GCSE or National options for you
Some top tips to consider when looking at what the best GCSE or National options are for you.
Choosing your options 2025
A one-stop shop for support with choosing your GCSE or National Qualifications.
