March is a transitional month in the post-secondary planning process. For some Grade 12 students, admissions decisions may start to arrive, while others continue to wait. For Grade 11 students, this month is about building momentum and turning early exploration into clearer direction. While priorities differ by grade, March is a time to stay engaged, informed, and intentional. At Options Solutions, our educational consultants recommend the following focus areas for March:
For Grade 12 Students
For Grade 12s, March is about staying organized while beginning to think more intentionally about decision-making. As offers arrive for some students and others continue to wait, this is a key month for reflection and research.
1. Update grades with any new information
Some universities may request updated marks or mid-term information during this time. Confirm that any new or revised grades have been submitted correctly and appear in each applicant portal, or that your self-reported marks are accurate. Addressing updates promptly helps ensure your application continues to be reviewed with the most current information.
2. Identify key values for decision-making
As you begin receiving offers, or prepare for them, it’s important to reflect on what matters most to you. Consider factors such as program structure, campus environment, location, class size, experiential learning opportunities, and overall fit. Identifying your priorities now will make final decisions feel more confident and less overwhelming later.
3. Research first-year courses, majors, and program perks
Go beyond general program descriptions and take a closer look at first-year courses, available majors or specializations, and unique program features. Understanding what your academic experience will actually look like in first year can be a major deciding factor. Our educational consultants often help students compare these details across offers to clarify which programs best align with their goals.
4. Attend spring break tours to support final decision-making
Spring break is a great opportunity to visit campuses, attend tours, and participate in admitted student events. Seeing a campus in person, or attending a virtual tour, can help you better imagine yourself there and confirm whether a school feels like the right fit. If you’re unsure which tours to prioritize, our team can help guide your planning.
5. Try to keep calm as you wait for admissions decisions
March can still involve a lot of waiting, which can feel stressful. Remember that admissions timelines vary widely by institution and program. Stay focused on your current coursework, maintain balance, and reach out for support if uncertainty starts to feel overwhelming.
For Grade 11 Students
For Grade 11s, March is a time to check in, refine your thinking, and continue building a strong foundation for the year ahead. This month is ideal for thoughtful planning and exploration.
1. Review second-semester progress
Now that the second semester is underway, take time to assess how things are going. Consider your grades, workload, and study habits, and identify any areas where adjustments could help you finish the year strong. Early reflection allows time to make meaningful changes before final marks are in.
2. Attend the “What to Expect in Grade 12” webinar on March 4
Learning what lies ahead can make the transition into Grade 12 feel far more manageable. Our “What to Expect in Grade 12” webinar provides an overview of key timelines, expectations, and planning considerations for the year ahead. This event is free, but registration is required. Reserve your spot here.
3. Begin matching fields of interest to potential post-secondary institutions
As your academic interests become clearer, start exploring which universities or colleges offer strong programs in those areas. This early matching process helps narrow future research and makes Grade 12 planning more focused and efficient. Our consultants often work with students at this stage to connect interests with realistic and well-aligned options.
4. Audit extracurriculars and continue to look for ways to fill gaps
March is another useful checkpoint for extracurricular involvement. Consider whether your activities reflect your interests, values, and goals. Look for opportunities to deepen involvement, take on leadership, or explore something new rather than simply adding more commitments.
5. Continue to think about summer plans
With summer approaching, continue refining your ideas around how you’d like to spend the break. Whether through work, volunteering, enrichment programs, or skill-building opportunities, intentional summer planning supports both personal growth and future applications.
March is about momentum. Whether you’re weighing options in Grade 12 or building direction in Grade 11, staying engaged now makes the months ahead feel clearer and more manageable. The Options Solutions educational consultants are here to support students at every stage of the planning process.
