Preparing Grade 12s For A Big Decision

In Upper School, we encourage all the boys to do a lot of self-analysis and reflection to better discover who they are, their strengths and areas of interest. From Mentor discussions to Grade 10 Careers class to one-on-one meetings with the University Counsellors, our aim is to make sure they are well-informed to make university selection decisions in Grade 12. However, regardless of the planning and preparation, it’s completely normal for all the Grade 12 boys to feel angst and anxiety over making their university choices. That’s why we encourage them to learn as much as they can about the universities they are considering.
 
The Grade 12s question the unknown. Many fear that they won’t get accepted into the program of their choice, that they might disappoint their parents, that their peers will leave them behind, that they will lose their connections. All of this, combined with the need to maintain higher grades, can be daunting for even the strongest of heart. Of course, the boys all need to make a decision in the end. One of the hardest things for many of the boys to do is hit the accept button for one of the offers they receive.
 
It is important to keep things in perspective. Yes, the competition to get into programs is there, and that’s why we emphasize that it’s important for the boys to be thoughtful about the university programs that they consider. We encourage all the boys to visit the schools they are applying to, so they can identify which ones are a good fit for them.
 
Here’s what we tell the boys to look for when they visit a university:

1. Spend time investigating what the first-year courses will be.
2. Look at the residences and the surrounding community to see what is available to do when you are not in class.
3. Check out the list of co-curricular activities and the clubs available which will round out your four-year university experience.
4. Ask about the food plan, what’s on the menu, where to go to do laundry (and how to do laundry!).

The university experience is much more than just courses. It’s the day-to-day activities that will fill life after Crescent School. The more the boys are familiar with what the university they are considering offers, the easier it is for them to actually move to the next step and hit that accept button.
 
Learn more about University Counselling at Crescent
 
See where Crescent graduates go