Frequently asked questions

GYDL researches how students make decisions about university, fields of study, and future careers—and where educational guidance may be falling short. 
We collect anonymous student experiences, compare patterns across schools and countries, and publish the findings in accessible formats. Over time, the evidence may also inform practical recommendations for schools, educational organisations, and public institutions. Our first research focus is secondary-school students preparing to make decisions about university and their future direction.

Secondary schools with students in their final two years may apply, regardless of country.

We are looking for schools willing to support student participation, help us understand their local educational context, and provide honest feedback as the research process develops. There is no participation cost during the pilot phase.

Yes. Students may apply individually through the For Students page and complete the GYDL survey independently. Participants under the age of 18 may require parental or guardian consent.

Individual responses primarily contribute to the wider anonymised dataset and help us understand broader patterns in student decision-making. Participation may encourage personal reflection, but it may not provide a direct individual recommendation or immediate personal benefit.

For more information about individual participation, please contact us.

Yes. Participation is free for pilot schools and students during the pilot phase. GYDL’s published research findings and public summaries will also remain freely accessible.

Participation is voluntary, consent-based, and designed to protect students’ privacy.
Responses are anonymised or collected without unnecessary identifying information. Schools receive findings at cohort level only, not individual student responses. Data is stored securely and used only for the research purposes explained to participants.

Participants may also request to withdraw their data where identification and removal remain possible under the study’s procedures.

A typical career test usually provides an individual result or suggests a set of possible careers.
GYDL is primarily a research initiative. We study the wider influences behind students’ decisions, including confidence, pressure, expectations, available guidance, personal priorities, and educational context.
Our purpose is not to assign students a label or tell them what to choose. It is to produce evidence that can help students and the people supporting them better understand how these decisions are made.

GYDL was founded in June 2026 as a student-led international research initiative.
Its development is supported by advisers and collaborators with experience in psychology, education, research, and student guidance, who help strengthen the methodology and ensure that the project develops responsibly.

If you represent a school, contact us about joining a future research round and contributing to the international study.
If you are a student, complete the application on the For Students page to take part in the survey.
Students who strongly believe in GYDL’s mission can also introduce the initiative to their school. This may help their school become a research partner and could create future opportunities for students to serve as GYDL school ambassadors.
If you are an educator, researcher, or supporter, contact us to discuss how your experience, network, or expertise could contribute to the project.