Academic Transition between Grade 12 and Post-secondary
What issues might I face as I prepare for this transition?
Time management
Reading
Lectures
Secondary School
! 25 – 30 hours in class
! Homework after school
! Time managed by others
! Up to 80 pages per week
! Group reading
! Facts
! 22 in a class or less
! Lots of questions and answer
opportunities
! Copy notes from white board, power
point, board
Note taking
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Studying
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Exams/tests
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University/College
! 20 hours in lectures
! Tutorials, labs, homework
! Time managed by self
! Up to 250 pages per week
! Individual reading
! Active reading/analysis
! Up to 400 in the class
! Preparing for lectures required
! Responsible for determining the important points to
record
! Print power point notes prior to arriving at the
lecture. Have them highlighted beforehand as well.
Notes from class
! Responsible for synthesizing reading and lecture
notes
Shorter period of time usually required ! Study material must be created
Memory work
! Strong focus on critical analysis, application,
Study outlines given by teacher
problem solving
1 hour tests
2 hour exams
Frequent tests
Some multiple choice
! 3 hour exams
! Numerous multiple choice questions in the first year
programs
! Fewer assessments
! Higher weighing on each assessment
What Parents Can do to Assist the Post Secondary Planning…
Start the conversation! Discuss postsecondary options as a family – location, size of institution, college vs. university, finances, etc.
Ask your son/daughter what his/her interests and strengths are. Look at previous marks. Students should never hesitate to continue
to study in areas which fascinate them.
Discuss career choices and programs offered at various schools. Most have excellent websites.
Pay careful attention to the courses that your son/daughter is currently enrolled in and those that will be required in Grade 12 as
prerequisites for specific postsecondary programs.
Discuss the following broad university programs:
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Arts (including languages, social sciences, humanities and media studies)
Business (including business administration, commerce and information systems
Fine or Performing Arts
Sciences (including mathematics, physical, health or computer sciences)
Collect information, materials and ask questions.
Call a few universities/colleges to book tours and visit the campus. Go with your son/daughter to see the city/town and campus. Be
sure to look at the residence rooms, libraries, student centers, cafeteria and general facilities. Ask questions!
Start a binder/box with collected university/college information. Keep everything in one place. This is your research and it will come
in handy later.
Talk to older siblings, friends, relatives, teachers and neighbou4rs about the postsecondary institutions they attended. Ask them
about their experiences.
Help your child to be realistic about his/her goals and know his/her strengths and weaknesses. They will feel more successful in the
end. Keep in mind that over 70% of university/college students change their major and nearly 40% change it twice or more.