You're finishing up high school and wondering what’s next. Should you go to university or college or both? It's a tough decision. Let us help.
Erica Glossop recommends attending university if you are really brainy or if you need time to figure out the course of your life. "People who are cerebral and abstract thinkers should go to university just to turn in and tune out for a while. Also, those lacking direction often find university gives them the space and options to take some time to decide about majors. And, of course, students who want to go on with their degrees are somewhat forced to attend university," says Glossop, who has a degree in cultural studies from Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario.
Universities grant degrees and do not necessarily prepare you for a specific trade. But a university education does give you the analytical and organizational skills you will need once you graduate. University courses deal more with theory than with day-to-day practicalities.
This is not to say you should write off university if you have a careerist mindset. In fact, Elizabeth Cockle of Richmond Hill, Ontario, chose to attend university because she knew she wanted to pursue a professional career. Graduates of universities increase their chances of making it in the real world. "If you want to be taken seriously as a professional, you need a university degree. It is proof that you know how to learn and study and how to get things done," says Cockle, who has a degree from the University of Guelph in Ontario.
Universities provide many opportunities to shape students into well-rounded people with inquiring minds, good analytical skills and overall good work habits. Those are useful skills for any job. That’s why James Harbeck advises you not to look at university strictly from a careerist point of view.
"Unless you're doing a vocational or technical course such as can't be gotten at a university, I fail to see how a university would not be a better place to go than a community college," says Harbeck, who has a degree in theatre history from the University of Calgary in Alberta. Attending university, he says, not only makes you a better-educated person, but also gives you better credentials and contacts.
Attending university brought Tanya MacMillan closer to her chosen career path. "My undergraduate degree helped me go to Korea for a year, teach in Italy, and teach here (in Canada)," says MacMilllan, who has a degree in English from the University of Guelph and is now attending the University of Toronto.
Colleges offer diplomas and certificates. Colleges train students to enter specific careers. Practical work experience for specific career paths and professional training are the reasons Cockle chose to attend the Bell Centre for Creative Communications at Centennial College in Toronto following her graduation from the
University of Guelph. It was at the Bell Centre where she met industry professionals and participated in an internship –an integral part of many college programs that looks great on resumes and increases the odds of you landing your dream job.
Just attending a university may not even be enough education these days. "Nowadays, for a professional career, you need to go to postgraduate college or graduate school to get a ‘real’ job,” Cockle says.
“University is now a stepping stone to further training."
MacMillan is positive that going back to university next year for a master’s degree in speech pathology will be worth it. "I know that my degree in speech language pathology will land me a good job. I'll have my own office, make $60,000 and use skills that I've gained,” she says.
Harbeck advises: "Go to a community college if you're looking for non-academic training. But still go to university and get your brain exercised. Do college afterwards to pick up extra skills."
"The time allotment is also something to consider. High school students who have a hard time sticking with long-term projects are often not the most successful in university," says Glossop.
That's why you must study the requirements for your chosen program of study and consider whether or not you'll succeed.
Deciding which is a good university or college is often difficult. "It depends a lot on program, instructor and size. Doing research helps a lot," says MacMillan. "Sometimes it seems like a bit of a crap shoot. You lay your tuition on the table and hope your number comes up. If you're good, you find yourself a croupier whose style you like."
If you want the best of both postsecondary worlds, you can actually attend college and university at the same time. There are a number of joint programs between colleges and universities offered. For instance, you can earn an honours bachelor of design while learning from faculty at both Sheridan College and York University. Or you earn a diploma and a degree at the same time by enrolling in the joint program in creative advertising at Seneca College and York University. You’d graduate with the Seneca diploma in creative advertising and a York University bachelor’s of arts degree.
There are no right or wrong decisions, just the decision that feels right for you. Every university and college has a unique personality. Listen to the advice, but most of all, listen to yourself and put your own interests first no matter what type of school you decide to attend.
