Start planning now!

Each decision you make from grade 9 onward will impact the likelihood of being able to pursue your chosen major at the university/university level—and consequently impact your future career plans.

Colleges and universities take into account the course selection on your transcript, the level at which the course was taken and your final marks starting from grade 9. Without planning enough, you might make misinformed decisions regarding the breadth and level of courses to take.

Investigate your needs, values and goals early on in high school to determine your best match in terms of major, career and future jobs. Learning more about yourself and your career opportunities will enable you to enjoy a more productive college/university experience. Instead of drifting from one course to another, you will have the opportunity to enjoy other aspects of your major, such as research, internships, jobs and volunteer positions.

Here are some tips on how  to make good decisions now!

1. Take a variety of courses in high school. Don’t drop the sciences or math. It might be difficult to pursue certain majors at the college/university level if you drop grade 10 science or math.

2. Take the most difficult courses you can.

3. Read about majors available at the undergraduate level.

4. Determine career opportunities available in each major.

5. Talk with your teachers, guidance counsellors and your parents regarding possible paths you may pursue and how best to keep these options open while you’re in high school.

6. Join clubs and activities that will give you out-of-classroom experiences.

7. Use the summer to enroll in volunteer opportunities, pursue jobs, conduct research, participate in competitions and to network in your potential career field. These activities will add to your portfolio regardless of which major you choose.

8. As you get ready to apply to college or university, read more about the departments at the chosen schools. 

EduPlan Associates provides educational counseling services to high school, undergraduate and graduate students. Reach them at 1-866-HOW-2-EXCEL or www.planning-for-university.com.

PLANNING YOUR PORTFOLIO
One way to plan and refine your high school experience is with a personal portfolio. A personal portfolio is a collection of items that demonstrates your accomplishments while in and out of school. Your portfolio is evidence of your courses, activities and achievements.

Start building your portfolio now!

Include these items:

Contact information and current grade

Transcript, test scores and placement scores

Academic awards and distinctions

Extracurricular activities, certificates, photographs, letters of recommendation and awards received

Work experiences, such as volunteering, internships, co-ops and jobs

Any special skills you have

A “career map” that outlines your goals for each year of high school or college/university

Any publications you have written or presented

Your current résumé 

To develop your portfolio:

Gather the necessary information.

Determine the organization of the portfolio contents to make it easy to assess.

Assess the portfolio contents in terms of breadth, depth and consistency.

Edit the portfolio for spelling and grammar.

Ensure all items have been included that demonstrate your potential.

Determine where your strengths and weaknesses are to ensure you fill in the gaps before applying to college/university. That advice also applies when you prepare for a job interview, graduate and/or professional school.

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