At this time of year, it can be easy to run out of steam. Overlapping assignment deadlines, extra-curricular engagements, and personal commitments can start to take a toll on students’ drive, especially with the winter holidays just around the corner. Luckily, our Educational Consultants have developed a list of six ways to help keep students on track! If you missed part one, check it out here; otherwise, check out part two below.
Make connections
Whether you’re in your first or final year of high school, growing your social and professional network is a rewarding process. High school offers students the opportunity to share their opinions, connect with like-minded peers, and bond with classmates over mutual interests and values. Making new friends can sometimes be a challenge, but being able to share special moments in good company can enrich your educational experience. Student clubs, volunteer opportunities, community initiatives, peer networks, intramurals, team sports, fundraisers, organized competitions, camps, enrichment programs, dances, and other social events are excellent venues to display school spirit and establish meaningful rapports.
Beyond cultivating friendships, students should think about how to connect with professionals, industry experts, and alumni, as well. Would you like to speak with someone working in your prospective career path? Would you like to know more about what to expect at college or university, and in the workplace? Do you have questions about internships, part-time jobs, student housing, courses, or campus culture? Would you like to reach out to someone who has taken a gap year? Though our Educational Consultants are always happy to share their advice and expertise, taking the initiative to chat with others, including your teachers, can offer you a holistic understanding informed by multiple voices and perspectives.
For graduating students, grade 12 can be a transformative year of transition that brings about a whole new group of classmates, friendships, and connections. In addition to spending quality time with your fellow graduates, it is a good idea to start thinking about how you can grow your network and market yourself online, as well. Update your cover letter and resume, create a LinkedIn profile and, on social media, join official student groups (by program, year, and residence) created by your prospective school.
Don’t coast!
Many students in grade 12 believe that, once they have been issued an offer of admission from a college or university, they no longer need to maintain their academic standing or extra-curricular commitments. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case! Any offer of admission is a conditional one that is made based on your marks at the time of application. However, if your grades drop, the school that has issued your offer can rescind it. For example, UBC explains that if a student’s average changes as little as 2% across their academic courses (and 4% across related courses), the school may re-evaluate its admission offer.
You are nearing the finish line, but you are not done yet! Receiving an offer of admission does not mean that you are guaranteed a spot at any university or college—even if you have already accepted the offer. Schools expect grade 12 students to maintain their marks, complete all degree requirements (including provincial numeracy and literacy assessments), and submit any outstanding documentation (like letters of reference, unofficial transcripts, and personal profiles) that might be required for program admission. If you require academic assistance, reach out to your teachers for help or consult a tutor. If you have an outstanding assignment that needs to be submitted, make sure that you hand it in as soon as possible!
Scholarships offers are also subject to change if students do not meet all requirements throughout their final year of high school. The need to fulfill your academic obligations offers a meaningful lesson in work ethic, consistency, and accountability that teaches students to see an endeavour through until its end.
Our writing coaches are executive functioning experts, so if you need help with your organization or studying habits, contact us today, and check out part three of our motivation series at the end of this month!
