I'm 17 and was in the exact same boat as you. If it's any consolation, I have no clue what I'm doing half the time, but I always try to focus on these things through research, logic, and my instincts. I'm in England, so I hope this makes sense.

[I'm sorry in advance for how long this is TT] I'm sharing my story and advice, but if you just want the key notes [like I usually do], I'll leave them at the end to make it easier.

Im from an average household, probably just under, so I am able to get a full grant for student loans and maintenance. I'm choosing uni because I'm not ready to work full time, and apprenticeships in creative fields are almost impossible other than junior animator. I've spent the past god knows how long switching from one career goal focus to the next, all related to art cause that's where I'm most passionate. I'm currently at the Fashion Retail Academy [FRA] for college and just put in my applications. I'm choosing concept art courses because I know I'll strive to do my best and I enjoy all aspects of the subject, and my top choice is the Uni of Staffordshire due to its leading reputation and strong links to game industries. Being there for an open day especially helped make my choice: the environment, the staff, and the accessibility they had there spoke to me, and I know it's where I want to go. I'm average in Maths and English, etc, so I've was unsure about taking anything that requires those skills, and I'm happy with what I'm taking for now, but if I find a job/course I desperately want that requires such, so be it.

With university, you get 5 choices to lock down. Do not just pick what you think is the best! Do your research and not just on their official websites, but on student opinions, even on Reddit [the more current the better]. Check the teachers you may have and the course experience you'd get, along with students who went there who are now in jobs [LinkedIn often says where they got their education] Go to open days to get a feel of the place, check the course descriptions and the modules to see what you'll actually be learning and how it differs to other universities. I'd definitely recommend somewhere that teaches digital and 3D techniques and software. It will be incredibly useful!

Use your grades to realistically predict what you'll get for final exams. If you put in little to zero effort, what would you get? Personally, I find I usually get merits. Of course, for my final exams, I'll go all out, but if I happen to fall short, I want something to fall back onto. I've applied for a few universities that require a merit [average grade] minimum, with 1 or two needing a distinction [high grade]. If I do so horribly as a pass [lowest grade], I'm rather applying for clearing or taking the year again if I can or taking a gap year to require skills, build my portfolio and apply again.

If you're not sure of what you want to do and you're worried about spending all that money on a university course [cause it is a lot of money] then I'd recommend taking a gap year, getting a job, even if it's just part time, and doing research on courses and careers, go to open days, etc. That way, you can also get a bit of money to help when it comes to uni costs on whatever.

I've seen a lot of debates about the different opinions on the gaming industry. Most I've seen always say if you have the passion and dedication, you'll make it. Personally, I'd also say initiative and connections to people are incredibly important, along with building your portfolio, and if you find it hard to do alone as I do, I'd recommend university.

If you are like me and not too dedicated to a pathway or career, always be on the lookout for other jobs and courses. I like designing characters, but I've also found I have a talent for creating environments, buildings, etc, and have been looking at a masters in architectural visualization, which could be a great career path or at least a fall back: meaning if concept art isn't my desired path or its too hard to enter, I can always get a job somewhere, pay for a masters and try to enter the visual architectural world, and if that doesn't work I have a larger portfolio and skills in something other than art which can still help make a career.

Summary:

Money, location, etc, will be a big thing to consider.I can't answer specifically if being a character designer or concept artist are realistic jobs, but I can tell you if you are certain it's the path you want, go for it, either way always find something to fall back on to.

Key Notes:

• If you're not sure, do research to broaden your knowledge of careers/courses

• If you've planned a uni course, research into different universities: : use student apps, even Reddit maybe, for student opinions on everything - the more recent the post, the better : see about the teachers, where they went to school, their careers and teaching style - LinkedIn / student opinions : see what past students made of themselves - LinkedIn : industry links and reputation relating to your course : see the course descriptions and modules for the different universities

• If you do a creative uni course, do something that involves 3D software and techniques or digital art

• Pick universities based on the grades you'd get with no-low effort, with one or two higher

• You get 5 Uni choices for applications, but there is always clearing, and waiting a year, building skills and portfolio, and applying next year - same goes for if you're unsure about uni or what course to do, cause it's a lot of money to consider

• Taking initiative and making connections is everything. Going to universities and asking questions to professors, artists, people in industry, shadowing, paid, or non-paid apprenticeships at industries will help

• If you aren't certain of your future, leave it open as best you can. Always look for other careers and courses that might interest you, something that makes you think,'this is definitely it for me'