Last week, UCAS applications closed and school leavers began the nervous wait for replies from their preferred universities.
In fact, many will have already received offers, with applications for Oxbridge and some specialist courses closing back in October.
But while they sit at home pondering their future, young people must realise university is not the only option.
Whether they have five offers from five Russell Group universities, or end up with no offers at all, the alternative options to university should be fully considered.
An apprenticeship or higher apprenticeship may well be better for the individual in question. They can propel a young person into a top, highly skilled job at blue chip companies such as Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls Royce, without all the drawbacks of a university education.
No £50,000 debt. Not just another piece of paper. Greater employment prospects upon the course's conclusion.
Less theory, more practice. Learn on the job and begin earning money straight away.
The apprenticeship route is incredibly attractive, the reasoning behind choosing such a path over a degree compelling.
So my message to 2014's school leavers is a simple one. Do not put all of your eggs in one basket.
It is no longer university or bust. Having a successful career does not depend on you getting a degree.
Instead of being one of thousands leaving university in three years time with precious little more career prospects than when you started, you can get ahead of the crowd.
The apprenticeship revolution is beginning to take hold. Take advantage of it.