One of the most significant transitions any student will make is from high school to a particular post-secondary pathway. The hope is that through this process you will be supported with information, opportunities, and guidance by those in your life that have your best interests in mind and will work to ensure that all options are presented to you for your consideration.
Post-secondary pathway exploration can be an overwhelming process – so many choices and so much information to go along with each choice! Remember there are lots of things that can be done in advance of your grade 12 year to ensure you are prepared for the decisions and choices you will be making as you approach your high school graduation.
Planning Suggestions
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Start your journey early! Grade 9 is not too soon to begin to map out your post-secondary pathway plan. Seek out opportunities to learn about your options and begin to weigh which ones feel like they might be the right fit for you. - Take advantage of in-person opportunities that are offered to tour campuses and/or connect with students currently attending the institution or working in a chosen pathway or field.
- Ask questions throughout your research process and make sure you understand the responses you receive – these are high-stakes decisions and you want to ensure you are well-informed.
- Stay organized by keeping track of deadlines, documents, information reported to post-secondary institutions, and anything else that is crucial to your successful transition.
- Connect regularly with your Guidance Counsellor – they are there to partner with you in this process and empower you with the information you need to make the right decisions for you. Consider support that may also be helpful from your Special Education Resource Teacher, English As a Second Language Teacher, Student Success Teacher and other caring adults in your school community.
- Remember that this is YOUR journey - and it has to feel right for you! There is no one pathway that is better than another - comparison with friends or family will only lead to frustration. Stay focused on your plans and believe in the decisions you have made for yourself
Who can support you with this big decision and post-secondary planning?
- Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
- Teachers
- Guidance Counsellors
- Coaches
- Graduation Coaches and Mentors
- Employers
- Friends and Classmates
- Community Leaders
Planning for post-secondary destinations and pathways begins early in high school and requires
Forward and Backward Planning to ensure prerequisite courses and program requirements are met, regardless of destination after graduation. Remember that
myBlueprint is a powerful resource with many features that can help you explore your post-secondary planning options within Canada.
The following
Grade 12 Post-Secondary Planning Checklist can come in handy as you navigate each of the post-secondary pathways to help you meet your desired goals.
Timelines for Post-Secondary Planning
The following timelines provide some month by month considerations in your grade 12 year to help keep you on track and aware of what you need to do to ensure you’re on top of key processes tied to post-secondary planning.
September
- Ensure you have all required courses for graduation and your planned programs and pathways
- Attend Ontario Universities info sessions and regional fairs (dates vary)
- OUAC site opens for university applications
- Submit community involvement hours
October
- Attend Ontario Colleges info sessions and regional fairs (dates vary)
- OCAS site opens for college applications
- Submit community involvement hours
November
- Sign up for SHSM, OYAP and apprenticeship interviews
- Seek apprenticeships or work possibilities
- Visit Universities & Colleges
- Verify midterm marks
- If needed, drop courses before Full Disclosure (end of November - date varies so confirm with Guidance office)
- Submit community involvement hours
- Submit eLearning opt out form by this month if you won’t be completing 2 online courses
December
- Visit Colleges and Universities
- Submit community involvement hours
- Check scholarships/bursaries and awards for specific universities and colleges
- Attend Pathways Program Information evenings if looking at year 4/5 options
- Submit community involvement hours
January
- Study for exams and prepare for final performance tasks!
- OUAC applications due mid-January (confirm date with Guidance) for equal consideration
- Verify 6 U/M courses for University or 6 Senior C/U/M courses for colleges
- Check Scholarships, bursaries and awards for universities and colleges
- Submit community involvement hours
February
- Complete course selection, if needed for a Grade 12+ year
- OCAS applications early February (confirm date with Guidance) for equal consideration
- Submit community involvement hours
March
- Complete any supplementary applications, if needed
- Visit Colleges and Universities over March break
- Submit community involvement hours
April
- Look for scholarships & awards offered through community organizations
- Visit colleges and universities
- Verify midterm marks
- If needed, drop courses before Full Disclosure (end of April - date varies so confirm with Guidance office)
- Submit community involvement hours
May/June
- If needed, drop courses before Full Disclosure (end of April/early May - date varies so confirm with Guidance office)
- Verify all graduation requirements are met and submitted to Guidance
- Accept offers - verify specific timelines
- Apply for OSAP
- Apply for residence or look for housing possibilities
Explore - HDSB Guide to Post-Secondary