MODULES: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7/8 | 9

MODULE 2 : Shattering Myths[ download PDF ]

Myth #1 — If I make all these decisions about my future now, I will be locked into something I’m not sure about.

The average student across North America will change their major: 3 times.

Myth #2 — There are so many career choices available, so I should just choose one that pays a lot of money.

Average earnings by Level of Education (2001)

Myth #3 — Post-secondary education is just like high school. It's going to be more of the same.

What are some differences between High School and PSE?

Leaving high school and entering post-secondary study is a big adjustment for students. If the student is aware of some of these differences, he / she will be better prepared for the changes in attitudes and behaviors necessary. Some of the differences can be:

1. Classes are usually bigger and there are a lot more students on campus.
2. Instructions is mainly lecture method with students taking notes.
3. Students need to be more self-directed and are expected to be more independent.
4. Student progress and attendance is not closely monitored by the instructors.
5. There is less contact with instructors, less individual feedback and less time is spent in class.
6. Group projects are often required so you will have to work well with other students.
7. Time management and planning are critical to success.
8. Grades can often be based on only two or three test scores.
9. Being able to use the library effectively is essential.
10. Failing two or more courses may result in your being asked to withdraw from the program.
11. Students are responsible for making their own study schedules and following the schedules conscientiously.

Myth #4 — Post-secondary institutions only care about marks.

When applying for scholarships, it’s important to know what you have in the way of strengths. The majority of scholarships are still based on grades, but some administrators are starting to look for other attributes as well. To know what you can get from a scholarship, you have to first know what you have in the way of assets.

Do you:
Participate in any extracurricular activities?
Participate in school events?
Get involved in sporting events?
Help out in your community?
Volunteer anywhere?

Have you ever:
Been in a school performance?
Worked on a farm?
Run for student council?
Been on an exchange program?
Written a play?

Anything that differentiates you from the other students applying for
scholarships is important. Try sitting down with your family and brainstorm to develop a list. Something that seems routine to you might be
extraordinary to someone else.

Average entering Grade: 85% (and above)

Myth #5 — Post-secondary institutions are big, impersonal and scary places.

Canadian universities are much more than academic institutions; they also
provide support and opportunities for their students through a wide range
of services and resources. University life extends beyond the lecture hall or
lab to include:

• student exchange programs (study abroad for part of your degree)
• first-year student programs (orientation week, study skills workshops, counselling)
• academic and campus services (bookstore, career placement centre, academic advisors)
• financial assistance (entrance scholarships and bursaries)
• athletics (recreational, inter-university teams, fitness centres)

Myth #6 — I can earn as much money starting work now as I would if I went to school and began working later... And I won't have any debt!

• University graduates on average earn $1 million more than do those without a post secondary education.
• Between 1990 and 2004, 1.5 million jobs were created for university graduates.
• Conversely, 1.2 million jobs were lost for those who had not completed high school.
• Average earnings of graduates from post-secondary education are higher than those with high school or less (see chart from Perspective 1)
• 2003 unemployment rates of post-secondary graduates, high school graduates and high school dropouts, respectively: 7%, 9%, and 15%.

Myth #7 — University is better than college. College is better than trades.

In general, the unemployment rate for those with college or trades training is
lower than the average unemployment rate in Canada, which includes university graduates. It’s true that 70% of jobs require some form of post-secondary education but that doesn’t mean university. In fact, only 11% of jobs require a degree.

Skilled trades job prospects: Skills shortages means an estimate of 913,000 job openings between 2003 to 2015. Major projects, such as the Olympics being held in Vancouver in 2010, will also intensify the need for skilled labour.

Do the skilled trades pay well? Tradespersons in general actually earn a salary of approximately 3.1% above the average of all the careers combined in Canada. Another big benefit of apprenticeship training is that debt loads after completion of apprenticeships are much lower since an apprentice “earns while they learn.

Myth #8 — A Bachelor's degree in the Liberal Arts won't get me anywhere in life.

• Graduates in humanities and social sciences readily find jobs and generally earn high incomes, according to data obtained from Statistics Canada.
• Most graduates in humanities and social sciences are employed in a
  professional or managerial capacity (50-81%).
• A background in social sciences and humanities appears to have a major impact on earning power. From their twenties to their fifties, men who graduate in humanities see their income rise, on average, by 78%.
• Graduates in social sciences see their income rise 106% over the same period. That compares favorably to a 47% increase in income for community college graduates and an average 76% increase for university graduates across all fields.
• Cost-benefit analysis shows the rate of return to society on investment in the humanities (7.8%) is on a par with that of engineering and slightly higher than the rate of return for math and the physical sciences.

Myth #9 — You have to be an A student to get any kind of scholarship or bursary.

Canada Student Loan (CSL): Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 60% (40% for students with permanent disabilities) of a full-time course load.

Grants: Students who meet specific qualifications may receive Canada Study Grants direct from the government. To earn Canada Study Grants, you must meet at least one of the following criteria: You are permanently disabled. You require exceptional financial assistance. You have children.You are a woman, enrolled in certain doctoral studies.

Bursaries: The federal government and provincial governments earmark funds each year to help Canadian students overcome financial need and attend the college or university of their choice. Bursaries are awards that do not have to be repaid by students. Bursaries are distributed by the government to needy students on the basis of academic excellence or demonstrated acts of remarkable citizenship.

Scholarships: Private foundations and community organizations administer smaller scholarship funds throughout Canada. Usually, these scholarships reward students who meet certain eligibility conditions, such as ethnicity, community
involvement, academic achievement, or residency in a particular community.

Institutional Merit Scholarships

Myth #10 — My parents can't afford to pay for my education, so I have no hope of coming up with the money.

52% of the full-time post-secondary students aged 18 to 24 with parental income below $40,000 received a loan from the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) in 2000.

Average tuition fees for UNIVERSITY students:
Canada: $4,214
British Columbia: $4,874

Average tuition fees for COLLEGE students:
British Columbia: $3,075
Average tuition fees for TRADE SCHOOL students:
Canada: $200-$800 per session

• Scholarships and needs-based aid provided by universities surpassed $900 million in 04-05, a 6-fold increase since 1990.
• In 02-03, 26,413 British Columbia students received provincial grants, while 65,255 received loans.
• The average amount of a provincial student loan in 02-03 was $2,086
• The average amount of a provincial grant in 02-03 was $3,193
• In British Columbia, 64% of students worked during the school year.

Myth #11 — Only certain types of people go on to post-secondary education.

Percentage of students enter different levels of education by secondary school grades