The pressures on teenagers today are immense. Many are convinced that their entire lives will be determined by one number ”” their ENTER score. But, many who do not do well at school or university go on to have highly successful careers. And many who perform brilliantly at school and university somehow end up living obscure and unsatisfying lives. It is well known that a mature-age student whose entry score was so-so will usually outperform the school leaver with top marks. Taking some time off, studying at TAFE or working for a few years may be the best path to university. Mature students know what they want and have the life skills to make sure they get it.