At SJS, the vast majority of Grade 12s will be looking forward to university next year. But choosing where to go and which program is a big decision. Thankfully the graduating class have the SJS University Counsellors in their corner to help make the choice feel less daunting.
SJS News sat down with Grade 12s Anthea and Thomas to get the inside scoop on how they chose their post-secondary schools and what advice they have for students about to start their own university search.
Anthea — University of Edinburgh, Faculty of Arts (Classical Studies)
One of the key things I looked for when starting my university search were schools that had a lot of international students. I really want the opportunity to get to know more people around the world, so that was an important factor for me. And because I knew I wanted to take Classical Studies, I looked for strong humanities departments that offered hands-on experiences like field work and trips. Those factors helped refine my search, and I applied to universities both around the UK and in Canada.
I actually accepted an offer from Queen’s University in Ontario first, but something never sat quite right with me. I haven’t been to Edinburgh, but through my research it really felt like it had everything I was looking for: lots of student clubs, great outdoor activities and a strong city social scene. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that Edinburgh just felt right.
It was scary to make that decision. I was super stressed about it and I’m grateful my parents were really supportive of me. In the end it wasn’t as big a deal to change my mind as I thought it was going to be, and I feel so much happier with my choice now. I’m looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and having that fresh start; new school, new city, new country! And I’ll be back in the summers so home will always be there.
My biggest advice is to stay on top of deadlines. If you’re considering schools outside of Vancouver, especially if you can’t visit them in person, look up Youtube videos and social media accounts of people studying there. I found that it gives a much more authentic look at what it’s actually like to go to that school than what’s on the school’s website. But ultimately, you have to trust your gut. Finding the right fit for you really comes down to a feeling. It has to feel right for you.
Thomas — McGill University, Faculty of Arts
For me, the most important factor when looking at universities was location. I knew I wanted to go somewhere outside of British Columbia, but stay in Canada. I applied to a few places, but Montreal was at the top of my list. The city felt like the right fit for me. I really love the art scene and how it’s not just a university town.
Visiting the campuses had a big influence on my decision, especially when comparing schools within the same city. For me, personally, McGill’s campus felt like the better fit. I also spoke to family and friends who had gone there, to get their trusted opinions on the schools. Plus, McGill has a great arts program, and since I’m going in undeclared I wanted to make sure I’d have the opportunity to try a bunch of different things.
My advice to other students would be to narrow down what you’re specifically looking for. Make a priority list of the factors you’re considering. Is location most important, or the program? What size of school matters most to you? Do you want a school known for their academic research or for the sports program? When you know what matters most to you, that helps narrow down the list. And there are so many resources you can use. We have really good counsellors at the school who can help and guide you. If you can, go visit campuses, or talk to the reps that come to visit us. And definitely stay on top of the deadlines.
You will get into a school, so remember to breathe. You have time. There really isn’t a bad choice. You have to make the most out of whichever school you pick, you can have a great experience no matter where you go. It’s hard to describe, but that right “fit” really comes down to a feeling. Follow your heart, and if it feels like the right choice, it probably is.
