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Table of Contents
How to use this page
How to use this page
We have designed this page to serve all Secondary students, from someone who is just beginning to explore post-secondary education, to someone who is familiar with navigating the post-secondary world. Scrolling from the top to the bottom of this page will take you through an introduction to post-secondary information to the academic world beyond Secondary school.
Post-Secondary Vocabulary
Post-Secondary Vocabulary
Advising: Academic advising is the process between the student and an academic advisor of exploring the value of a general education, reviewing the services and policies of the institution, discussing educational and career plans, and making appropriate course selections. It is critical to connect with an advisor as you can be responsible to organize the choosing and timing of the classes that you take at the University level. To connect with/find an advisor for a University you are interested in simply google the phrase “advising for (University/College Name)”
Academic advisors help students
make sense of their plans and aspirations,
harness their strengths and interests, and
develop an academic plan that articulates these things while satisfying the requirements of their chosen degree program in support of their career planning.
Academic advisors also help you, as a student,
learn and understand policies and regulations,
access campus resources, and
enhance your skills while becoming a self-directed life-long learner and innovator.
Bachelor Degree/Bachelor Program/Baccalaureate: an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study usually lasting 4 years (this can take three to seven years, depending on institution and academic discipline).
Diploma/Certificate: a certificate awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study usually lasting 2 to 3 years.
General Studies/Exploratory Studies: a way to start engaging in university courses without committing to a specific program. This can be used as a step toward a desired educational goal or a step toward determining an educational or career goal. There is no certificate, diploma or degree in General Studies/Exploratory Studies so you are encouraged to access the support of the Advising department at the university you are attending to help you work toward determining your next goal.
Prerequisites: a course or other requirement that a student must have taken prior to enrolling in a specific course or program.
Post-Secondary: education that follows the successful completion high school ( or secondary education). Post-secondary education includes universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools.
Recruitment Officer: a person who is employed by a university (or specific program at a university) who searches for prospective students and encourages them to apply for the educational programs of the institution.
Undergraduate Programs: the first level of post-secondary education students can pursue and involve a mix of general education requirements and courses specific to one's particular area of study or degree specialization. While a student is in a university studying to get a Bachelor's Degree, they are called "undergraduates" or "undergrads".
Finding General to Semi-Specific Information
Finding General to Semi-Specific Information
If you have any idea of what school you might like to attend or a program you may want to look into start with a simple google search. Using this specific phrase in your search will yield favorable results:
"School of choice" "program of choice" admission requirements
For example:
"VIU admission requirements"
or
"VIU Nursing Program admission requirements"
Finding Additional Programs Related to Areas you are Interested In
Finding Additional Programs Related to Areas you are Interested In
Check out Education Planner BC to help you find direction in post secondary studies. Use the "Search" box on the left hand side of the home page and type in a program that you might be interested in. For example: "forestry", or "business".
You can search related academic programs of interest here. For example, if you are interested in a Nursing program you can check out a list of other related health occupations.
Some Helpful Resources for Students and Parents
Some Helpful Resources for Students and Parents
For more information and to learn more about planning for post-secondary education, visit Post Secondary BC and browse under "For Students" and "For Parents".
You Should Definitely Call an Advisor - But What to Ask?
You Should Definitely Call an Advisor - But What to Ask?
Sometimes it is difficult to reach out for help because you don't know where to start. Here is a list of questions for you to consider when calling a University Advisor:
How do I submit an application?
When could I start my program?
Is it difficult to get admitted to my program? Are the any things I can do to give me an advantage over other applicants?
Do I meet the admission requirements?
How are admission requirements different from prerequisites?
How do I apply for Scholarships and Bursaries?
How much would my program cost? How do I apply for a student loan?
How do I know what courses I need for my program?
How many courses do I take in my First year?
What can I do if I don’t get admitted to my program?
Do you have a program for me if I don’t know yet what I want to study?
Is there anything else that you think I should know that I just don’t know to ask’
Online Campus Tours and Information Sessions
Online Campus Tours and Information Sessions
Covid is a drag, but one benefit is that Post-Secondary institutions have made their information more readily available! Events that were region-specific are now available online. Put on your comfiest sweatpants and tour potential post-secondary options from the comfort of your living room! Take a virtual tour of a University campus that you may be interested in attending. Popular tour sites include:
"Must -Attend" Multi-Post-Secondary Events
"Must -Attend" Multi-Post-Secondary Events
If you are even somewhat interested in attending a post-secondary institution you should visit the websites below! Save time and get more bang for your buck (spoiler alert, the events are all free!) The following websites host events that showcase multiple Universities and Post-Secondary Intuitions all over British Columbia and Canada.
Canadian University Event (CUE) - check out the list of post-secondary institutions in Canada, from Coast to Coast!
BC Post-Secondary Institution - individual BC institution virtual events are posted here!
Post Secondary B.C. Virtual Fair - check out information, presentations, and videos from different BC institutions!
Education and Career Fair BC - Don't miss the opportunity to experience ECF and learn more about education programs and job opportunities!
Entrance Scholarships - Contact Your Future University
Entrance Scholarships - Contact Your Future University
Once you have decide on a University to attend, check out their website for information on entrance scholarships. Many universities have available scholarships that go unused each year due to lack of applicants.
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