by Mrs. Shari Weinberg
Four sons, four different majors, four different careers! Helping my boys make decisions about their post-secondary options was definitely challenging at times. I remember that jumble of emotions they went through from excitement, terror and happiness of waiting and receiving offers, visiting universities, and contemplating decisions for their future. Depending on what your child wants to study and where, there may be a few schools or many schools to choose from.
In the next few weeks our Grade 12 students are finalizing their decisions regarding their post-secondary selections. Canada, Israel and the United States are home to so many high-quality universities and colleges that it’s hard to go wrong. In Ontario alone there are 20 publicly funded Universities and 24 Colleges all offering hundreds of programs to choose from. Parents play a key role in helping their kids in this post -secondary decision making. Parents finance their children’s education, share their experiences or simply support their children through this process. After all, choosing a university or college is often the first major decision your kids make which may have an impact on their life’s journey. So how can you support them?
Your kids have already been to the University and/or College fairs. They have talked to representatives from post-secondary institutions, heard from alumni who are at different stages in their studies or careers and hopefully have gone to visit some of their choices. Students have met with guidance counselors and teachers. They also have access to course calendars on the university websites in order to see the variety of courses offered in every program they are considering.
If your child is still unsure of which University or College, consider the following:
Research has shown that students who choose to study in a subject area that they enjoy and excel at do very well. Students should pursue the programs of interest, whether considering taking their degree or diploma at University or College. Every university has its academic strengths and weaknesses and therefore it is important to look for a university that caters to your children’s academic preferences. Will this university prepare me for a job market? Are your children interested in co-op education, international exchange programs or research opportunities?
Is this institution the right fit?
- Location/Campus: Travel time? Do they need student residence? Availability of kosher meals?
- Size: Is your child someone who can manage in a very large place? Would they be more comfortable in a smaller institution? What is the student/teacher ratio?
- School Resources: Is there health services? Campus Security? Academic Counselling? Remediation support?
- School Culture: Hillel? Diversity? What is campus culture like? What are the students like?
- Extra-curricular: Facilities? Recreational and other activities -sports, clubs or school newspaper?
- Fees and financial aid options: Not all programs cost the same amount. Many of our students have received entrance scholarships with their offers. Most of these scholarships are based on final marks and therefore the amount may change if a student’s marks either go up or down. This should be incentive for all of our students to continue to put in a strong effort until the end of this school year. Other scholarships or bursaries are available from each institution and many are available in subsequent years. Parents can research www.electronicinfo.ca and the school websites for scholarships and bursaries. OSAP, the Ontario Student Assistance Plan has a website to help estimate financial assistance at: www.osap.gov.on.ca.
Most importantly, make sure your children have been on the institution’s campus. They should see firsthand the University/College they are considering, talk to students or faculty in their program. They will be spending at least 4 years there and students will want to go to a place that they feel comfortable.
On one of many visits to University campuses, my son remarked “This place just feels right”. Four years later I stood watching him receive his diploma at his graduation on that campus. Often our kids have to go with their instinct. As both teachers and parents it is important to support your child but let it be their decision. Remember that there is flexibility in all programs and if your son or daughter decides that the program or university where they started is not right for them, they can always make changes. So now is the time for your sons and daughters to “Push that Button and pick a place to go after UO and YOC “. After all they are all grown up!
Shari Weinberg is Assistant Principal at Ulpanat Orot
