Career Education & Planning: Where Do I Begin?
#1 Understand Your Self.
One of the most valuable career development skills is to know your self. This means taking a look at what you enjoy doing naturally, examine your strengths and weakness, think about the life style you want, and naturally consider how much money/autonomy/ status/ mean to you. Most people will change their careers four or five times in their lifetime so there is no need to decide on specifically what you want to do for a career when you are in high school. It is more effective to choose a discipline (e.g. trades, medical, business, computer science, math, science, humanities.) and then pursue studies in that field. The actual job you end up with will become more apparent once you are in the correct field of study.
#2 Gather Information.
Gathering information is the first step in deciding which institution to attend and which program to pursue. We encourage students to consider the following opportunities during this phase of researching and collecting information:
The Grade 12 Interview: During the months of September and October, grade 12 students are invited to participate in a 15 minute interview with one of the guidance counsellors in order to:
Websites: One of the main sources of information is the Internet. All post secondary institutions have web pages. A few commonly used sites are (www.nbcc.ca ) (UNB) (Mt. A.) (Acadia) (M. St. V) (Memorial) (Dal) (St. Mary’s). A valuable internet resource is www.schoolfinder.com, a web based site that provides valuable information on schools and programs across North America. Using this site will take you quickly and easily to any program or school you are considering.
Open Houses/Career Fairs: All universities and post secondary schools host Open Houses, annual events whereby prospective students can spend a day on campus, attend classes and experience life as a student. Open houses are an excellent way to check out various schools and institutions. The guidance centre receives information on when these Open Houses are held. Times and contact information can be found on the individual web pages. Students can also book their own campus tours through recruitment offices. An excellent time to visit would be on days when school is closed for teacher professional development.
Ask Questions: The following are questions students may wish to ask as they research and gather information:
GENERAL:
1. Where is the institution located? Is it in a large city, a small city or a rural area?
2. How many students attend the university/college?
3. Is it coed?
ACADEMICS:
1. What is the faculty to student ratio? What is the average class size?
2. Does the university/college offer majors I am interested in studying? What programs does your institution offer?
3. What programs does your institution offer?
4. Is there a student computer center on campus?
5. What laboratory facilities are available at the college?
6. Is there an honors program?
7. Can I withdraw from a class I don't like or can't handle?
8. Can I transfer from one program to another? Can I transfer to(from) your institution after first year?
9. What are your strongest programs?
10. Do you offer co-op programs? In what areas?
11. How do I know what classes to take?
12. How big is the library? Will I be expected to find things on my own?
13. Where will my classes be located?
14. What are the sizes of first year classes?
15. Is there a place where I can get Academic Assistance?
ADMISSION POLICY:
1. What entrance requirements does the college have? Is it open admissions, or does it require specific
academic coursework, test results, recommendations or an interview?
2. What is the application /scholarship deadline?
3. Are campus tours, open houses and on campus interviews provided?
4. How can I get on the mailing list?
5. Do you have an early notification, and if so, what are the criteria used for selection?
6. Are SAT's and ACHIEVEMENT TESTS required?
7. Do you have an OPEN HOUSE or Summer Orientation?
8. Can I change programs without restriction within your institution?
COST/FINANCIAL AID:
1. How much does it cost to attend the college? What is the tuition? How much is room and board? Are
there any additional charges for being an out-of-state student (American Colleges)?
2. Does your school offer scholarships? (athletic, academic etc.) Are any scholarships guaranteed for a specific standing?
3. Are any scholarships guaranteed for a specific standing? What criteria are considered in the scholarship process?
4. What types of financial aid are offered?
5. What is the payment schedule?
6. How do I get an on-campus job?
SOCIAL RECREATIONAL LIFE:
1. What type of intramural activities take place on campus?
2. What opportunities are available for entertainment off/on campus.
3. Does the university/college have an active student government?
4. Are there any varsity sports? What sports?
STUDENT SERVICES:
1. Does the university/college offer on-campus and/or off-campus housing?
2. Are there special parking facilities for commuters?
3. Is there a health clinic at the college?
4. Are child care services available on-campus?
5. Is residence guaranteed?
6. What services to students are available? How do I sign up?
7. What services does the institution provide with respect to computers, the Internet and Software?
8. How can I get more information?
#3 Begin the Application Stage.
Admission Application: Some institutions have rolling, or on-going applications whereby students apply on a continuous basis. The New Brunswick Community College is one such institution. Starting November 1 NBCC processes applications on a first come first served bases, meaning students can apply any time in the fall up until November 1. Universities and private training schools will take applications at any time as long as there are seats available in the programs students are applying for.
Science/business/engineering/nursing/computer science/kinesiology programs usually require an overall academic average of 75% based on five academic grade12 courses, whereas, most arts/humanities program require an admission average of between 65-70%.
All applications require an application fee. Fees range from $35-$55 and must accompany the application form.
All Ontario Colleges and university applications are processed through a central office. Students applying to study in Ontario may apply up to three different universities on the one application.
All institutions have web based applications or if student prefer they may apply with paper applications available in the guidance office.
Students will need to submit their transcript of high school marks to each institution they apply to. Transcript request forms are available in the school office. Secretaries will ensure that student marks are sent to whatever school each student is considering. There is no fee for sending transcripts.
Scholarships/Bursaries: If students are considering scholarships, each institution has scholarship/bursary deadlines that students must adhere to. Most students need to apply for admission some time after the November high school grades are issued as admission is often based on the first term grade 12 marks. Most institutions have scholarship deadlines of February 15, with a few exceptions like McGill which is February 1. Early application based on grade 11 marks is available at Acadia, Mt Allison and St. FX.
Of course, besides the scholarships and bursaries offered by post-secondary institutions, there are many other scholarship and bursary opportunities waiting to be seized. Consider the following:
WEB SITES
Register with your specific information ON-LINE with such sites as listed below. They will keep you updated once you are registered.
FAMILY CONTACTS
Ask you employer, your parents’ employers, service clubs that you, your parents, or grandparents belong to about scholarships/bursaries.
LOCAL/SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications are available, as they arrive, at the guidance office for those scholarships listed on the master list for KVHS (www.kvhigh.com ). These awards are given out at graduation. Students should keep an eye on the “white board” in the guidance area and listen to announcements for more information
MEDIA
Check newspapers and other media for contests or other competitive scholarship opportunities.
DISTRICT WEBISTE
www.district6.nbed.nb.ca link to What’s New, link to Older News, link to Scholarship Info, and finally click on the blue line that starts with http://gnb.ca/0000/publications/ss/Scholarshipinfo.pdf
This list is similar to the local/school list found on the school website, but the added feature is that you can download some application forms.