Post-Secondary Prep Checklist

We all know we’re going to enter the post-secondary world someday, and we may be tricked into thinking it’ll all work out naturally. But suddenly it hits you – grade 12 and all those dreaded questions about what you’ll be doing after graduation come to the forefront. As overwhelming as it may seem, preparing for post-secondary can be broken down into four manageable parts.

Step 1: Get the Requirements

This is an obvious statement, but your marks play a significant role in affecting what your future post-secondary career path will look like. Obviously, your high-school qualifications need to meet the requirements of the program at your chosen school, so that means study hard this year! Some universities, like Harvard and Yale, place great emphasis upon extracurricular activities, such as athletics, fine arts and volunteering. So make sure that when you begin the application process, you start browsing the requirements at your chosen program and school and prepare yourself accordingly.

Step 2: Discover Your Interests

Next, decide what courses and subjects are of the most interest to you. The best job is one you enjoy doing, so consider both your strengths and your interests. Skim through the descriptions of different courses offered at post-secondary institutions, and the ones that catch your eye should lead you in the direction of the program that is best suited to you.

Step 3: Pick Your School

Now it’s time to decide on a particular place to study. Many factors play into this ultimate decision. For example, you must decide if you are ready to move away from home, as post-secondary education is a huge step in itself. You should also consider what a particular school can offer you and your area of study. And lastly, the financial cost of attending a specific post-secondary institute should be considered.

Step 4: Get Your Finances in Order

Money, money, money – you’re going to need it to go the post-secondary route. While post-secondary education can be a costly endeavour, the good news is that students can significantly lower their expenses by applying for scholarships and bursaries. Apply for every scholarship that you find, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, for you may be the most qualified of the applicants. Also, get a part-time job and start saving up for school – you’ll thank yourself for your foresight later on!

The post-secondary process may seem overwhelming and unmanageable; however, following this four-part approach can greatly reduce the stress associated with the application process and give you the confidence you need to succeed.