Post-Secondary BC takes the stress out of preparing for university or college

(This story is sponsored by Post-Secondary BC.)

Getting out of bed each morning for class is hard but figuring out what postsecondary schools offer the courses that interest you can be even harder. Along with finding an exciting program, prospective university and college students need to understand each school’s admission requirements and application processes.

The transition from high school to postsecondary can seem intimidating. Thankfully, Post-Secondary BC (PSBC) provides advice and resources to Grade 11 and 12 students and their parents. PSBC is a collaborative group of the Student Recruitment Offices from all 25 public postsecondary institutions in B.C., along with four private nonprofit colleges and universities, and the Royal Military College.

Through online resources and virtual fairs, the 30 PSBC members (also known as recruiters) help steer students and parents in the right direction. Last fall and again this fall, the schedule of PSBC fairs will take a virtual format. Online presentations will cover topics like application processes, admission requirements, and other information that students need to know.

Fair attendees will also get the opportunity to chat with a recruiter or ask any questions that they may have.

The PSBC website is also a great resource and can be accessed around the clock. It features complete profiles and detailed information from all 30 institutions and any student or parent can connect directly with a recruiter for further guidance. The website also highlights news and the many upcoming free information events hosted by different colleges and universities. Due to the pandemic, all events will take place online at this time.

“There are so many program options in every career field so students should take the time to explore them all,” says Josh Keller, administrative coordinator at Post-Secondary BC. “Don’t make the mistake of just looking at one or two universities because there are so many others to consider. Think about what’s the right place for you, as a student. PSBC wants to see the right students choose the right place for the right reasons.”

If your parents require more information than the brief snippet you provide them with in passing, recommend that they check out the PSBC website. Parents will find an entire section, filled with downloadable resources dedicated to them. There are also special sections on the website for high school counsellors and students. In the Knowledgebase section, there’s Career Information and some history about postsecondary education in Canada.

For Grade 10 students, the PSBC website can assist them with picking the courses they’ll need to take in Grade 11 and 12 to ensure that they can get into a particular program. For example, students who want to get into a nursing program need to take chemistry in Grade 11 and biology in Grade 12.

The PSBC website also features a comprehensive list of programs and areas of study, as well as a terminology guide to help you decipher confusing university terminology.

For more information and resources or to explore members profiles, visit www.postsecondarybc.ca/.