Dear Grade 12 students:
I know you’re worrying about university applications, getting enough credits to graduate high school and getting awesome marks to get into an awesome school. But make sure you’re not concentrated on just one thing in your life, and you’re set! If you’re just into studying and academics, you’re competing with too many people; you need something to set yourself apart from other applicants. Volunteer, start something, or even join academic clubs. As for people who volunteer all the time? Make sure you don’t slack off in school! Marks are still important, even if it’s not the number one most important thing in life.
Also, it may be too late to tell you, but do not wait until your last year to join clubs and do activities. It will look strange on your application. The person might think that you’re only doing it because it’s your last year and it looks good on your application. They like commitment and if you’ve joined a club (and actually got involved instead of simply existing at the meetings), then your application looks 10 times better.
On another note, you’ve got scholarships to think about! Make sure you apply for the Rutherford at the least, and some schools should have entrance scholarships based on your marks. I know the University of Calgary deducted a portion of my tuition because of my marks. Try to maintain at least an 80% average each year. If you didn’t get stellar marks in the first two years of high school, you just might not be able to win a scholarship. But don’t fret; try to find what you’re good at and excel at it. Electives are good average boosters, and who knows? You might find what you’re in love with.
Also, apply to any scholarship you can find. You might not qualify, but some people don’t even apply for them and you could possibly win the scholarship by default. Oh, and if you’re someone who wants to take all three Sciences, I caution you: you will probably not have a lot of freedom in terms of getting into electives. And if you’re someone who needs two science-related courses, find out if your school has Computer Science. The University of Calgary, University of Alberta and University of Lethbridge accepts Computer Science 30 as a replacement for Biology 30, Chemistry 30 or Physics 30. I did, and it was a huge average booster for me. Computer Science doesn’t have a diploma and it requires logic, but you don’t have to memorize fifty bones in the body or apply Newton’s Laws. Just a suggestion for those struggling in the main sciences!
And don’t worry if you don’t want to go to university or don’t get into your first choice. University isn’t for everyone! There’s also SAIT, which is a fantastic school for trade work. The difference between a degree and a trades is flexibility. Most degrees don’t limit you to any kind of job (unless it has specific criteria), but a trade usually limits you to that one particular field. If you love baking, engineering or mechanics, then a school like SAIT would be perfect for you. A school like SAIT also tends to be cheaper than university, and usually requires two years of study instead of four. Another plus for SAIT is that it involves more internships and practicums, which allows you to gain real-world experience and looks great on your resume.
I hope this letter helps you in some way. Just avoid freaking out, panicking and having break-downs. Good luck, and I hope you succeed in whatever you do!
