Life After High School
School is expensive.
An article posted by the Globe & Mail Is the university experience worth the cost? compares the costs and benefits of attending post-secondary.
According to Statistics Canada, the average student debt in 2015 was over $25 000. The cost of post-secondary school will typically depend on:
- where you live (stay at home or move away);
- what program you enroll into; and
- your living expenses (rent, food, travel).
With rising tuition costs and competitive job markets, colleges and universities should be challenged to provide a benefit to attending post-secondary schools. While some graduates have a hard time finding employment even with a degree, it is important to recognize that the experience post-secondary is valuable for individuals that take advantage of internships, studying abroad, networking and forming lasting friendships.
Follow your passions.
If you are going to spend that much money, it better be worth your while! Prospective students should consider their lifestyle and choose a program that suits their interests and goals. David Barnard of the University of Manitoba says, “of course it makes sense to pay attention to the economic realities of life, whatever choice you make is going to shape what you are able to do for the rest of your life, and it should be something that you are passionate about.”
Apply for free money!
The good news is there are ways to make school more affordable. Have a real talk with your parents about how they might be able to support your education. Thousands of scholarships receive no applicants. In 2015, over $5M in scholarship money was unclaimed. Research and apply for those scholarships, grants or student loans.
Are you thinking about your choices for after graduation? Which pathway do you plan to take (school, work, apprenticeship…your parents’ basement)? How can you prepare now for life after high school?
Personally, I feel that high schools are putting too much pressure on graduating students when it comes to post-secondary education. What high schools should do instead of waiting for grade 12 to drop the anvil of stress on them is to prepare students for post-secondary when they are in grade 10 so as to slowly ease them into getting used to how college/university works, knowing what they want to do after they graduate, and possibly saving much unnecessary stress on the student.
I have been contemplating about my post-secondary options. I currently have a variety of career choices lined up, although I am still unsure of which one to pursue. I am going to attend University, and then afterwards work towards getting a stable job and begin my career.(as whatever I choose to be)Right now, post-secondary seems very close, and I have already done a few things to help prepare myself. For instance, I started saving money towards post-secondary when I was very young. Another thing I have done is developed good study habits, and this helps ensure my marks stay at good average, and this also will help with the stress of University, and I prepare myself for the work load that will be involved.
Brandon, A common question asked of young kids has always been “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Children have been curious about the future since kindergarten. I agree that the thought of post-secondary causes stress, but its an envitable transition that can motivate you to seek out options. There are several resources online that you can access at any age and prepare for the future. Talk to your guidance counsellor for support or visit myBlueprint.ca
I have been thinking about post secondary. I am considering doing an apprenticeship. This choice would not leaving me in debt because I would be making money and be getting work place experience. To prepare for post secondary you can research programs you and interested in and take high school course related to the program. Also you can get a part-time job and save up for tuition.
My thoughts have been towards a University far away enough where I would have to stay in a rental apartment after my 1st year, and I know for both my parents and I it’s really stressful finding the money and saving for university. For myself however, I recently have started working a part-time job for my own benefits such as food, clothing, and entertainment I don’t want to have to rely on my parents as much anymore for money because they’re under a lot of stress at work and I’m old enough to work so why not help out? I’ve also invested my money into some saving bongs and education funds to benefit myself in the future for less stress to get money for post secondary, What are some good ways to invest your money for post secondary?
Amrit, sounds like you have a head start on saving for your future. Starting early with a Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) maximizes your Canada Education Saving Grant money (up to $500/year of contribution). Since post-secondary is less than 2 years away, invest your money in low-risk options so that you don’t lose your capital. Know your account profile and avoid too many service fees (some banks offer free accounts for students). Most importantly, don’t miss out on the free money! Apply for as many scholarships that you can.
personally, after high school I would want to go into college/university right away. This would help me gain more knowledge of the field that I am taking right away. It would be ideal to also have a part-time job while going to school because if I have any debts that I need to pay of, I can do so. This money would also help paying for books as well as food. This part-time job would also go towards my tuition so that if I get OSAP, I can pay them back with the money that I made.
I have been thinking about post secondary recently. There is two pathways that I want to take and they are school, work. I Picked school because after I graduate from Gonzaga I want to go to school to study Medicine and in order to pay for residence/ school I would need to get a part time job. I can prepare for life after high school by getting a job and saving up for stuff I’ll need during the post secondary school year.
I have been thinking about what options I have after I graduate. For awhile now I have been thinking about what it is I wish to do and I have that figured out but I still have different options on what I can do. For example I have my mind made up about psychology but I know things change and as an option I have looked into criminology as well. I would like to become a psychiatrist so I am planning on going to the university I choose and studying psychology and kinesiology. I have to go to med school as well. I have looked it up and the tuition is really expensive so I have been weighing out my options with that. I have my parents to help me out if needed but I don’t want to rely on them. Therefore I have been preparing myself for life after high school by working a part-time job. I am saving up for school and all the other expenses I will have. Also to help me out with school I will be applying for different grants, student loans, and scholarships. After I graduate and move forward to post-secondary I will continue to work part-time because realistically speaking I am going to need the money.
Post-secondary is approaching rather quickly and I have put a lot of thought into my next steps. I am sure that I want to attend university for a program of my choice, either commerce, or studying law and society. I agree that following your passion, and figuring out what you want to do is important and that is why it is important to me to get my under-grad in something that I love and will enjoy learning. I acknowledge that life after high school isn’t sunshine and rainbows and the reality is that it is stressful financially. I have a part time job and have had one since the age of 15. I have a savings account and save 70% of my paycheck in order to have funding for school, and books. But in the mean time, I try not to stress out too much; I shall do what I need to do in order to achieve my goals of keeping above an 85% average, working hard and getting money, having time for myself and time for fun. And I shall do all that and keep calm in doing so.