After over a decade of working hard in grade school, you’re finally at the end! Take a moment to congratulate yourself and reflect on how far you’ve come. Now, it’s time to focus on the future - what happens once you leave the sanctuary and enter the great unknown? Determining how to prepare for life after high school is certainly challenging, but here are some steps to take to make your transition smoother.
Written by Tavie Johnson
Apply to University/College
If post-secondary education is the right path for you, make sure you apply to your desired institutions well before their deadlines. First, find the general area of study you would like to pursue. Then consider which schools offer programs of interest while taking into account your grades and application strength, personal values, and financial situation. Attend webinars, visit campuses, and connect with current students to get a sense of whether a school is right for you. You can then complete the OUAC 101 or 105 application, as well as any other applications for the specific institutions. Make sure to check your application status frequently to upload any supplementary documents or transcripts, and to accept or deny your offer of admission in the spring of your final year.
Find Scholarships
Many scholarship applications have early deadlines in the fall of your senior year, so it’s important to get started on the scholarship hunt right away. You can find scholarships by searching online on a variety of Canada-specific databases. You should also search in your community by asking friends, family members, teachers, and counsellors. Make sure to keep track of application deadlines in multiple ways by adding them to your calendars or organizers. You can also create a spreadsheet or document with information about different scholarships that you are eligible for, and share that resource with friends and family if you would like.
Determine your Financial Situation
Financing your education is certainly difficult. Scholarships, student lines of credit, provincial student loans, bursaries, and RESPs are all methods of funding you may be able to access. It’s important to have discussions about finances with your family to see what will work best for you. You can make a budget by determining your costs and then searching for sources of income to offset expenses. Applying for loans should generally be done in the spring of your senior year, but you should research specific programs and their deadlines. Now is also a good time to start working part-time if you have not already. You can put your earnings in a TFSA (tax-free savings account) and draw funds when you need to.
Get Involved
Extracurricular activities, volunteer initiatives and work experience are all excellent resume boosters. It is never too late to get involved in these opportunities as a grade 12 student. Pursuing school activities and community-based initiatives displays commitment, dedication, and preparedness in interviews and applications. In addition, being involved is rewarding and inspiring to yourself and others. Balancing different responsibilities will prepare you for post-secondary education and teach you critical life skills for adulthood.
Take Preparatory Courses
Lastly, search for online courses that can further your knowledge on a topic related to your career path. Khan Academy, Duolingo, and Skillshare are excellent free resources for students. Colleges and universities often have online programs that run for a few weeks at a time, which can help you get a sense of whether a certain institution or program is right for you.
Conclusion
One final note: don’t stress too much during grade 12. Applying for scholarships and navigating university admissions can be overwhelming, but it is important to take the time to live in the moment, do what you love, and enjoy how few responsibilities you have. You are only a high school senior once, so don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
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