Many students with multiple offers of admission from colleges and universities are trying to decide where they should enrol to have the best post-secondary experience. While our Educational Consultants work closely with students to find the “right fit” for them, they also encourage applicants to engage in exploratory self-reflection to strengthen the decision-making process.
Students, here are five important questions that you should consider when planning your next steps!
1. Where do I want to live?
Many students underestimate just how important geography is. Remember: you will be living in your chosen city for at least four years, so pay special attention to your surroundings. Each part of Canada has distinctive landscapes and cultures: so-called “vibes” formed by its people, practices, and pastimes.
In what province or territory do you want to study? Would you prefer a large, metropolitan area, like Toronto or Vancouver, or a smaller, rural city like Guelph or Sherbrooke? Do you want to be close to water, trails, forests, or ski mountains? Can you handle long, Canadian winters and wind chill factors?
We always suggest touring the city and campus grounds. When this is not possible, take a virtual tour!
2. What do I want the campus to look like?
Most colleges and university campuses in Canada are “contained” in that their classes, residences, and halls are located on the same, walkable grounds. However, some schools, especially those in larger cities like Toronto, have a more urban feel, which may involve buildings being spread out across a downtown core. Some campuses are more conducive to large social gatherings, while others are great for nightlife.
Do you want your campus to have historical buildings or modern architecture? Do you envision yourself studying in a bustling café or a traditional, quiet library? Do you want to be immersed in nature or a cityscape? Would you prefer the company of 50,000 students or 15,000? Would you learn best in large lecture halls with 500 classmates or in smaller rooms with 50 students?
School have unique personalities; don’t be afraid to ask our Educational Consultants about them!
3. How much will school cost?
We encourage our students to have a lengthy, detailed discussion with their parents or guardians about financial feasibility. Pursuing post-secondary education can be an expensive endeavour, so we want to ensure that your final choice meets your budgetary needs. Consider and compare the costs of tuition, housing (i.e., on-campus residence and off-campus living), meal plans, transportation, return airfare (if applicable), entertainment, and academic resources, such books, supplies, and ancillary fees.
Residence dorms tend to differ in pricing according to their space, privacy, and amenities. So, you will need to think about whether you want to live by yourself, with a roommate, or with several roommates in an apartment style or “suite” setting as part of your freshman experience. Universities and colleges will do their best to place you with fellow students whom they believe share your interests and values.
Each university and college website has a breakdown of estimated costs for incoming, first-year students. There are ALSO several options to help pay for school, like scholarships, awards, bursaries, grants, and loans, all of which should be researched before starting your Frosh Week celebrations!
Crunch the numbers as a family to ensure that you have a fun (and financially responsible) time.
4. What program should I accept?
If you have been accepted to more than one program at the same college or university, or multiple programs across numerous schools, choosing the right program requires some due diligence. Think about what you would truly enjoy studying and learning about every day for the next four years.
Have you looked at each program’s curriculum online? Each program website typically lists all required and elective classes, along with informative course descriptions. What career path might you want to pursue after graduation? What type of degree might you need to work in your chosen field?
Many schools, like UBC, offer a flexible first year of study, during which time students can decide which program or specialization they would like to pursue. Though transferring between programs or schools is an option (with which we can help), it is never too early to think about your trajectory and plans.
Consider, too, whether a program has a co-op (work term) option that would allow you to gain valuable, real-world experience as an undergraduate student. Many of these co-op positions are also paid!
Our Educational Consultants are happy to discuss any of these questions with you, and provide meaningful, informative resources that will help you make your decision with peace of mind.
5. What opportunities and services are available?
As part of your on-campus experience, consider what your school can offer you beyond your classes.
Take into consideration, for instance, which varsity teams, competitive clubs, and intramural leagues you can join so that you can stay active. Look into schools’ gyms, fitness areas, and pools, as well. Many schools across Canada are known for their sports. Catching a game with your friends and classmates, especially during “Homecoming,” can be a memorable bonding experience that shows school pride!
Beyond athletics, peruse each school’s website to look at other extra-curricular activities, like student clubs, environmental initiatives, social justice and equity programs, community-based services, faith and spirituality organizations, conferences, workshops, and professional development, internships and co-ops, volunteerism, and student leadership opportunities. There truly is something for everyone!
While on campus, we want you to feel healthy, supported, and safe. We encourage all students to familiarize themselves with school resources, departments, and services that prioritize their mental health, identity, wellness, human rights, and academics. We are happy to help you locate these.
Before move in day…
Deciding where to go to school is an exciting process that involves many steps. Our Educational Consultants are always happy to help students navigate each part of the process, from program acceptance to residence and scholarship applications, and course selection.
Prior to making your final choice (and buying your new favourite comforter), make sure that you reflect upon your values and non-negotiables. What is most important to you? What do you need around you to feel happy, secure, prepared, and fulfilled? At Options Solutions, we want to ensure that every student enjoys a seamless, transformative transition from high school to post-secondary studies!
