Choosing a School

If you are pursuing a specific career, choosing a school may be easy, as only a small number of schools may offer the required program. When it comes to more common trades and programs, the choice can become overwhelming. The following are provided as a general guide to help make the process easier.

The Basics:

  • Decide on the type of school you would like to attend: College, University, Vocational school or institute.
  • Determine how school will fit into your life. Will you be attending full-time or part-time? This may be a deciding factor, as some programs are only offered full-time.
  • Research each school! Visit their Web sites, request school and course information and visit each school if possible. Try to find current students or recent graduates to learn more about their experiences. Some other things to consider are:
    • School location;
    • Size of school and classes;
    • School reputation and job placement rate of recent graduates;
    • Opportunities for co-operative programs and international exchanges;
    • Fees and financial aid availability (e.g. scholarships, grants);
    • Admission requirements (may vary by province or territory);
    • Recreational and other activities (e.g. clubs, sports, newspaper);
    • Availability and cost of housing or residence accommodation;
    • Financial implications (cost of living near the school, rent, etc); and
    • If you have special needs, can the school accommodate you?
  • Research each program! When you are investing time, money and your future into the program it is important to know if it will meet your needs:
    • Will the program prepare you for your chosen career?
    • Is the program recognized in the job market?
    • What skills and knowledge will you acquire?

Helpful Web Sites:

  • Maclean's magazine provides an annual overall academic excellence evaluation of universities across the country.