How can I make sure my admissions strategy still leads to a university and department I actually want?

First, prioritize your criteria for choosing a university and department—such as the field you want to study, curriculum, learning environment, and possible post-graduation paths—and verify them through official websites, admissions materials, syllabi, and information sessions. Then build a list of several institutions based on both fit and admission likelihood, check each institution’s subjects, requirements, and dates, and choose backup options you would genuinely accept. Adjust your plan when practice-test results change, but regularly reconsider whether your non-negotiable priorities are still being met.