Summer Struggles-Deciding Whether to Apply to College
Posted on Saturday, July 9th, 2016
It’s true that most college bound students have their plans in place for this fall, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to apply to a college program. In fact, every summer there is a small panic among hundreds of students who are frantically trying to get everything in place to enroll in college.
So, why do they leave it so late? In many cases it is circumstances, but more frequently they are dealing with a stomach pit of uncertainly of what lies ahead. Many applicants are simply worried they won’t be accepted into college or they won’t be successful.
One of the great things about today’s college system is that there are plenty of supports to help students succeed, and that support starts before they actually begin their classroom studies. Through the admissions process there will be helping hands from staff who work in counselling, registration, student recruitment and financial aid.
Whether it’s taking a campus tour, having transcripts reviewed to determine whether an applicant has the necessary pre-requisites for a program, or learning about student loans and grants, a summer applicant can quickly get the answers they need to make an informed decision.
While many college programs will now be closed or wait-listed because all of the seats have been filled, there are still dozens of programs that have availability. For example, programs like Business, Office Administration-Executive, Construction Techniques and Environmental Technician at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus remain open to applicants.
There’s no question that having a post-secondary credential has become paramount to a person’s ability to progress in the workplace. Increasingly, employers are asking for a minimum of a college certificate or diploma as a starting point to be considered for a job posting. That reality is the primary factor that drives a person’s decision to enroll in a college program.
Colleges have always been accessible to people of all ages and educational backgrounds. Whether it’s a student coming directly from high school, a university graduate who is enrolling in college to strengthen their practical skills within their field of study, or a laid off middle age worker who is training for a new career, there are plenty of options available to students.
So, if you’ve been procrastinating about applying to college, you’re not alone. Hundreds of would-be college students are struggling with the same decision this summer. The good news is, it’s not too late!
If you would like more information you can also register for our upcoming Discovery Evening on Thursday, August 4 @ 6:30 p.m.
Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus.
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