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Lesson Plans
Getting Started: A Check List for all Learners
Post-Secondary Educational Planning
Getting Started: A Check List for All Learners
For learners who are looking at post-secondary studies for the first time there are a number of steps that deal with the big picture of getting an education. These steps cover a wide range of issues that effect learners regardless of their eventual area of study. Another way to look at these steps is to view them as an initial checklist that needs to be completed before being ready to move on to selecting a specific course or program of study.
The Post-Secondary Planning Check List: Items 1 to 8
1. Become familiar with the terminology used in post-secondary education.
2. Discover the different types of post-secondary programs available in BC.
3. Determine programs that match your learning time frame.
4. Determine tuition and related fees for your program.
5. Prepare a Budget.
6. Understand Financial Assistance Available.
7. Prepare documentation for application.
Let's briefly look at each of the items on our checklist.
Item 1: Become Familiar with Post-Secondary Terminology: Knowing some of the common post-secondary terms or how to look them up will take the mystery out of accessing post-secondary studies. Although these terms may seem unusual or even intimidating to a new learner in reality they are not difficult to grasp. By understanding this terminology the process of program planning becomes a much easier task to navigate.
Follow this link to refer to a glossary of terms that you will find helpful as a reference: Glossary of Terms Used
Item 2: Discover the Different Post-Secondary Offerings in BC: Learn which institutions offer what types of training.
Follow this link to use a searchable table that outlines in a glance Who Offers What (WOW) programs:
http://www.educationplanner.bc.ca/wow.cfm
Item 3: Determine Programs That Match Your Learning Time Frame:
Can you spend two years, four years or do you need to complete your studies within a year? Can you attend full-time days, part-time days, or only evenings and weekends? Answers to these questions will narrow down the types of programs that will work for you.
Follow this link to search programs by the length of time it takes to complete:
http://www.educationplanner.bc.ca/programs.cfm?filter=lengths
Item 4: Determine Tuition and Related Fees for Your Program: The cost of getting an education varies greatly depending on the program of interest and the institution offering the training. Potential learners should not assume that because different institutions offer similar training that the cost will be relatively the same. Those who do their homework in this area may be able to reduce the cost needed for getting their education.
Each program description in Education Planner provides information on tuition fees as well as the cost of books and supplies. To reach Education Planner click on the following link:
http://www.educationplanner.bc.ca/index.cfm
Item 5: Prepare a Budget: Besides knowing program related costs a budget needs to be tailored to fit individual circumstances. Issues such as place of residence, program length, transportation, and employment situation all play significant roles in determining the amount of funds needed to obtain your education.
For help with preparing a budget refer to the following link:
http://www.educationplanner.bc.ca/moneymatters.cfm?page=42
Item 6: Understand Financial Assistance Available: After preparing a budget you will have a better understanding of your personal financial situation. You may then wish to explore the possibilities of receiving financial assistance.
Follow the link below to find information about financial assistance for learners in BC:
http://www.educationplanner.bc.ca/moneymatters.cfm?page=43
Item 7: Prepare Documentation for Application: Before applying to post-secondary institutions in the province be prepared to present:
- Proof of citizenship or residency status
- Your Personal Education Number (PEN) if you are directly out of high school
- High School transcript records or transcript records from other post-secondary institutions you have attained within or outside of BC.
If you have attended various post-secondary institutions you must submit all of your transcripts and not just the one from the last institution you attended. You must also ensure you request an electronic copy or a hard copy of your transcripts be sent from any institution you have attended to the institution you are planning to attend. (Unfortunately for those who have kept a copy of your transcripts on file, they can not be used as part of your application process). To coordinate and prepare the documents needed to submit an application can be time consuming, so be sure to start this task well in advance of actually applying.