Top Ten Fears of Post Secondary Education

Number 10…..

At your high school At college or online

Visit your school guidance office

Talk to your subject teachers

Use Career Cruising or other tools

Do an informational interview with someone in a job you’re considering

Visit a college Ask for help at college

career centres Talk to students and

faculty AND if you decide to

change your program, don’t despair. Some of your credits could transfer to a new program

Number 9…..

Many programs Programs in high demand

Most college programs require college level Math and English

Some programs do not require high averages as they are not in demand

Many students find taking a college program they enjoy results in higher marks!

If a program is oversubscribed, marks will be important, but other testing may play a role

You could choose to take a fundamentals course to prepare for a program where there are more applicants than spots.

Number 8…..

Certificates and Diplomas Part Time Studies

One year certificates available (ie, Small Engines)

One year certificates can ladder you into two and three year programs (ie, Environmental techniques leads to technician, then technologist)

Most college programs are 2 or 3 years

You can take certificates course by course in the evenings (ie,animal care worker)

You can take training like bartending or emergency services communications part time

Number 7…..

Structure Choices

No common hours; you could start class at 10 am or 3 pm

Most students in class for 20 hours/week

You are often in hands on labs or out on coop

Most programs require Communications which is an applied English

You choose a timetable electronically

You are studying courses related to your major (no more science if you are in design!)

Students are treated as adults responsible for their own learning—it’s a different world!

Number 6…..

In your community Choices

Georgian College has campuses in Barrie, Orillia, Owen Sound, Midland, Muskoka, Orangeville, Collingwood

You could drive to a campus and still live at home

Georgian offers certificates, diplomas, trades training, degrees and university programming

Online courses possible

Part time studies

Number 5…..

The employment market A new reality

For your parents, it may have been possible to get a good job with a high school diploma

Now studies show that 70-80% of jobs require post secondary education in some form

Post secondary education is an investment in your future, giving you more opportunity to make more money

Colleges provide support and awards for first generation students

Number 4…..

Supports Key points

Colleges have staff and services for students with learning and other disabilities

Includes testing accommodations, note takers, software

Disability specialists set up programs for students

A college student must disclose his/her disability and provide documentation

Colleges do not modify the learning outcomes of a program

12% of students at all Georgian locations use these services!

Number 3…..

True However…

Colleges have an application deadline of February 1

All students are considered equally then

Some programs will fill immediately

Some examples: firefighting and nursing

BUT..colleges continue to accept applications after Feb 1on a first come first served basis up until classes start

Many programs do not fill immediately

Check ontariocolleges.ca for program vacancy

Number 2…..

Don’t worry But do your research

A college class size ranges from 30 to 60 students

Some labs mean you will be one of 20

You will be with many classmates for several of your core classes

College campuses are larger than high school and can be overwhelming, but you will find your way around with time

Make sure you visit a campus to see if it’s a good fit for you

Number 1…..

Tuition costs Think about this

Tuition is about $2000 a year for the average college program

You will need to pay for books, student fees and supplies, so look at $4000 a year

Some programs have higher tuition

One of the biggest costs is housing, so stay at home if you can

Remember there are lots of awards available and the Ontario Student Assistance Program may be your answer