The moment you log into your course authority and don’t see your dream course sending you an offer can seem like the end of the world.

While you definitely have the right to be upset, it’s also important not to let it be the be all and end all because it isn’t. In fact, there’s a plethora of things that matter way more than what course you get into when it comes to achieving your dreams.

#1 You Got The Marks You Wanted 

No matter what course you do or don’t get into, getting the marks you were aiming for will always be a better achievement. It’s solid proof that you have the ability to make real, tangible goals a reality. Pat yourself on the back, cause that isn’t nothing.

#2 Having So Much Time Ahead Of You

Being fresh out of high school means you have your whole life ahead of you. And that means many years to get yourself to where you want to be – in most cases that time is only one academic year. It may seem like a lot now, but once you transfer you’ll barely notice the difference.

Even if you don’t end up transferring into your coveted course, your 20s are built for experimenting, failing and getting back up again. So take this time and turn it into something you’re proud of. At the end of it all, time is your greatest weapon. Use it.

#3 Actually Finishing School

The pressure to get good marks often overshadows the colossal achievement of actually finishing school in the first place. But damn, you did it. You made it through practice exams and assessments and actual exams and lived to tell the tale. Your final year – the one you’ve been hyping up and stressing over – is done, and you conquered it. Whatever happens from here on out, you will always have that achievement.

#4 Skillz

When it comes to putting your dreams into action, there’s a certain set of skills that runs through every field. While knowledge of a specific field is helpful, you’ll notice that every job posting lists organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. These are the skills you’ll need to successfully make it in the workforce.

So having those base, transferrable skills in your back pocket is going to do you a world of help, no matter where you end up. Companies hire skilled workers, not skilled exam sitters. 

#5 Your Drive To Get Into The Course In The First Place

At the end of the day, your future isn’t going to be determined by a course. It’s going to depend on your drive: how badly and creatively you find a path to where you want to go. As well as a healthy dose of luck.

There really is a path to anywhere you want to go if you’re willing to ride the detours.

Whether it’s sticking out a year or two before transferring, or persevering through unpaid work until the right opportunity comes knocking, the ability to keep your head down and grind is what you really need to create the life you want.

Yeah, not getting into your dream course the first-time around can suck. But there are so many more things that are instrumental to making your dreams a reality. There really is a path to anywhere you want to go if you’re willing to ride the detours. So take this one and make the most of it.

Kim Koelmeyer is and Arts (Journalism)/Law student at Deakin University and deals primarily in memes and blogging.

(Lead image: Ali’s Wedding/Matchbox Productions)