Figuring out what you want to do after high school graduation is no small decision (but you already knew that).
There are more options than ever with colleges, universities, apprenticeships and entry-level jobs intersecting and overlapping in new ways. In addition, most job requirements are becoming more open-ended and the job market itself has become more competitive.
It’s important to consider all your options as you plan your next steps after high school. Here are five questions to ask yourself to help figure out if university is right for you.
Let’s start where you want to end up – your dream career. Depending on your future goals, a university degree may be a requirement. In certain cases, additional education after your undergraduate studies.
Careers that require a bachelor's degree include:
Other career paths that may require a second degree, graduate program or professional certification include careers like:
By the time you factor in tuition, student fees, textbooks, living arrangements and general life expenses, the cost of university can really add up. But all these costs are also an investment in your future that will pay off in your future.
Statistics Canada has reported that bachelor’s degree graduates have higher annual incomes than college graduates, ranging from $52,000 to $80,000, compared with $41,000 to $65,000 for college graduates. Master’s and doctorate degrees graduates earn even higher incomes, ranging from $64,000-$106,000 annually.
University graduates on average also earn more over the course of their career and have a lower unemployment rate than those with other levels of education.
It’s easy to picture university classes as giant lecture halls filled with hundreds of students, and some classes are like that. But some of your classes – especially labs, tutorials and seminars – will be smaller. At Laurier, we have 25:1 student-to-professor ratio, meaning you’ll have more opportunities to connect with your professor and get to know your classmates.
It’s also important to remember that university classes aren’t all day, Monday to Friday. They could be in the morning, afternoon or even after dinner, and you could have one class on one day and four on another. You get to choose your classes, so you’ll have some control over your schedule We even have sample schedules for business, arts and science students:
While it might feel like you can only get into university if you have 95% average, it really depends on the program you want to study and the university you choose.
Universities will typically calculate your average based on your top six Grade 12 courses (or the equivalent). Competitive programs might require a higher admissions average – like 90% or more – but there can still be a spot for you in university if your average is a bit lower; some programs accept students with averages around 75%.
Competitive or specialized programs will likely require a higher admission average. And remember, a higher admission average could also help you qualify for a higher entrance scholarship!
Starting somewhere new can feel uncomfortable, and that's okay! Getting involved, saying yes to campus events and putting yourself out there can go a long way in helping you make friends at university.
Here are some great ways to meet other new students:
Become a Laurier Insider to get more inspiration and information that will help you decide if university life is for you.
We know you have lots of options and decisions ahead of you and we hope you know that Laurier is behind you all the way. Being a Laurier Golden Hawk is about making a meaningful impact – wherever you live and learn. It means being a student who works hard in class, but also finds ways to reach out, inspire lives and change the world. Find your future at Laurier.
