1. Top Ten Fears of Post Secondary Education

2. Number 10…..

3. At your high schoolAt 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

4. Number 9…..

5. 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.

6. Number 8…..

7. 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

8. Number 7…..

9. StructureChoices  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!

10. Number 6…..

11. In your communityChoices  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

12. Number 5…..

13. The employment marketA 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

14. Number 4…..

15. SupportsKey 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!

16. Number 3…..

17. TrueHowever…  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

18. Number 2…..

19. Don’t worryBut 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

20. Number 1…..

21. Tuition costsThink 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