Making the choice to take the next step in your education is exciting. It’s also a time when you’re overwhelmed, confused and full of questions. Thankfully, Faze is here to help. So take a deep breath and don’t be nervous. With the proper guidance and these helpful tips, the process will be a breeze.
Rank Your Selections
Before you even start applying to schools, organize your selections into these three categories: Reach, Probable and Safety.
Reach: This would be where you’d place your dream schools. They are your top choices, but the number of acceptances are very limited and your grades are a bit on the low side of the requirements.
Probable: You meet these schools’ admission requirements.
Safety: Also known as your back-up options. These are the schools where you exceed the admission requirements.
Taking the time to rank your selections can help you narrow down your options when the time comes for you to apply.
Do Your Research
Just because most of your friends want to attend a certain school and think it’s a good choice does not mean that the school is the right choice for you! It’s about whether the school meets your requirements and suits your learning needs. Take the time to do thorough research on the different institutions and programs because each will offer different things. The internet is a good place to start. Visit the school websites and social media pages to collect some information. Choosing the right school is very important in determining your future path. Your countless hours of research will be worth it in the end.
Get Advice from People Working In the Career You’re Interested In
Before applying, don’t be shy to ask people who already work in your field to share their experiences. Hearing from people in the career you want is beneficial because they can give you some insight into the things that you could potentially end up doing. Try your best to attend career fair sessions where a variety of mentors and professionals will be attending. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions about what the particular career has been like for them and some of the challenges they’ve faced.
Visit Schools You’d Like to Attend
Sometimes it’s not enough to just read up on the colleges or universities you want to attend. It’s like seeing a dress you think is really cute online and then trying it on in a store for verification. Not only does the school need to look great, it has to feel great. That’s why, if possible, it’s a wonderful idea to take the time to visit the campuses of the schools. Check out the environment and the resources available to you. Go to the information sessions that are being held. Are you satisfied with the things that you see? Do you feel like most of your needs are met?
Ask Questions
Applying to post-secondary schools is a confusing and nerve-wracking process. If you’re unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask. Make use of the resources you have available to you. Your family, teachers and guidance counsellors are all there to help you during this exciting journey.
Don’t Be in a Rush
Do not look for the easy way out! While attractive to some, shorter programs could be an inconvenience for others. Sometimes these shorter programs do not offer you enough. Have a clear picture of what exactly you want out of a program so that you make the right choice.
Look at Your Finances
Be realistic and know what programs are within your financial reach. If you feel that you won’t be able to pay for a post-secondary education because you don’t have the money, don’t give up! A lot of students and families struggle with finding money to pay for tuition. Luckily, there are some options out there that can help you cover the cost. Ask your guidance counsellor for information on scholarships. Applying for financial aid is another option you might want to consider. Even if you think you won’t get approved, apply for it anyway. It doesn’t hurt to try!
Have an Impressive Resume
Volunteer work and extracurricular activities are great bonuses to have on your application. Although many programs only rely on academic standing to make admission decisions, there are some that take into account supplementary information. This is where your long hours of volunteer and after-school activities can benefit you. Some journalism and fine arts programs may require you to submit a portfolio, while others may ask for you to fill out a student profile. These help communicate the skill sets you have and provide information on the type of individual you are.
Write Down Important Dates
Missing an application deadline will always result in a late fee or a retracted offer of admission. To make sure this does not happen to you, get organized and write down all the important dates and deadlines. Here is a rough outline of the dates to keep in mind when you’re applying to post-secondary schools in Ontario. Make sure to consult each school that you are applying to, because the deadlines do vary.
November: Students start sending out applications.
February: Decisions of offers of admission are starting to be made.
March: Most offers of admission are out.
May: Applicants must confirm which offer they are accepting.
August: Tuition deposit for the school year is due.
Yes, the process requires a lot of hard work and determination. This is necessary if you want to ensure that you submit applications that are done to your best ability. By following the above tips, you’ll be more than prepared for applying to post-secondary institutions.
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