Post-Secondary Planning
Post Secondary Planning
How to Prepare While in High School
Required and recommended courses for University and College
It is very important to make sure that you have all the required courses for the program you want to pursue. All programs need a Grade 12 English, and may need senior Math. Some programs also have required courses. If you have the required courses, but not the recommended courses, you can still apply to a program. You may not be accepted, depending on how strong your application is in other areas.
Some post secondary schools also require experience in the field you are applying to. Make sure that you check this out with the guidance counselor and make plans for getting the "hands on" experience that you need. Regardless, it's good to have a resume that includes both volunteer and leadership activities, along with paid work. Remember, it's your responsibility to make sure that you meet all requirements.
Grade 9
When you get to high school, everything starts to "count". All your courses, marks and credits will be on your transcript. Become involved in extra-curricular activities, establish good study habits, and work hard to get good marks.
Grade 10
In addition to working hard in school and being involved in a variety of activities, try to identify your abilities, interests, and strengths. Also, look for opportunities to further develop your skills and talents.
This is also a good time to look at pre-requisites for Grade 11 and Grade 12 courses that you may need when applying to post secondary schools.
Grade 11
This is the year to start looking seriously at your post-secondary options and to also start planning visits to colleges/universities. Be sure to check out college/university websites to see if they have special tours and event days for future students.
If you are planning to add out of province, American, or other out of country possibilities to your search, talk to the guidance counselor to see about additional requirements and tests.
Grade 12
In Grade 12, all of your planning and hard work pay off. As you complete college/university applications, make sure that you are aware of the application requirements, and that you meet all deadlines. For some programs you will be required to fill out Personal Information Forms, produce a portfolio of work, or take pre-placement tests.
If you are hoping to get a scholarship, you will also need to fill out scholarship applications. Make sure that you look at all of the scholarships that you are eligible for, including those from your high school, your local community, and from post-secondary institutions.
Adapted from Getting the Most Out of High School (O'Brien, 2012) available at www.woodburnpress.com
Choose a path that is right for you...
University
Geared toward: A more academic and theoretical approach to learning
What to expect: Bigger workload than high school, and high academic expectations. There is also a lot of independent reading & research
College
Geared toward: A more practical approach to a skill or profession, to help you hit the ground running after graduation.
What to expect: Even though they are less academically oriented than universities, you will still be expected to work hard. There is a lot of hands-on work and teamwork.
Choosing a College or University
http://www.transitionresourceguide.ca/resources/choosing-a-college-or-university
College – University Transfer Programs
A guide to help students find pathways and links between college and university programs – yes you can do both!
Apprenticeship
Applying to Schools in U.S.A (Free Test) - Prep Program for SAT
https://www.tweentribune.com/article/teacher/free-test-prep-program-sat-goes-online/