Thinking back to grade 12 seems like
an eternity ago. It may have only been 5 years, but it seems like it's been ages since I was frantically searching university sites, trying to find that one
university program that would work for me. I had my choices narrowed down to my
top 6 and applied to those schools after visiting the campuses and making sure
I had the pre-requisites to be considered eligible.
I was avid about visiting every
campus I was considering, and wouldn't have changed a thing about these visits.
Visiting the campuses was definitely the most beneficial way to narrow down my
options, and it will help you realize some of your own priorities that you
might not have considered. The campus tour is important to meet some current
students at the university, ask questions about classes and student life, but
most importantly, it will give you a feel of the campus and people. Consider
the location of the campus, too, and don’t take this consideration too lightly.
Living away from home is a big shift, and you will be making this campus your
new home for the next 4 years or so. If you’re commuting, try the commute by yourself, with a parent or a friend to see what
that route would be like and if there are any alternate routes. Prepare
yourself as much as you feel necessary so that you’re comfortable prioritizing
your choices and you will feel much more secure about making a decision.
Ok, I will admit that I was probably
a little too much of a control-freak and my guidance counsellor was tired of
our weekly updates, but I am very happy with my decision to come to UTM for
many reasons. I am in a Concurrent Education program that is partnered with
OISE. I liked the fact that two hugely recognized schools were offering this
combined program with small size classes. I liked that I was slightly outside
of the city (being a Toronto-native, I couldn’t be too far from a big city, but
didn’t want to be right in the middle of it), but still was able to take
courses at the St. George campus if I wanted a different experience to shake
things up. If there was one thing I would change, it would be my anxiety level
throughout the whole process. I actually enjoyed
applying for university, doing the research, considering myself in different
programs and wondering where they could lead. I became so obsessed with getting in that I would actually ask to
leave class to “get a drink of water” or “go to the washroom” just to run to
the library to check if OUAC had been updated. I don’t suggest this, as your
librarian will catch onto you. (This was also before the time of data
plans on smartphones, so forgive me for being so brutally ancient.) Don’t be
worried if friends are hearing back from schools before you. It is a lengthy
process, and you will hear back eventually. Once you have completed your
applications and visited the campuses, all you can really do to ensure you get
in is focus on your current classes and do the best you can in those classes.
This can be a really fun experience,
envisioning your future in many different ways and learning about yourself by
prioritizing your needs in a school and in a program. Through discussions with
your parents, guidance counsellors, friends and teachers, you can discuss what
you think is most important for your transition and what is most realistic to
cater towards your goals. Enjoy this learning experience! Good luck!
Emily Johnston is a fifth year student in the Concurrent
Teacher Education Program. She is working toward both a Bachelor of Education
and an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a Double Major in Teaching and Learning
French as a Second Language and English. She has loved her time at UTM for the small campus life and opportunities to get involved.
