Admission process, OSAP application, language assessment test, timetable building, scholarship application, buying stationaries & textbooks, before school starts in January.
I am going to college this winter everybody! I decided to do this while working at a pharmacy as an assistant to become office assistant. I stand to work so I wanted a sitting job. I decided to look for college program which is more centred around getting a career, rather than university degree, which focus more on studying the theories and going to higher education. Hopefully, this time, my education connects to what I do. I plan to work and study at the same time so that I don’t run out of money.
Admission
So I browsed multiple colleges of many program that I meet requirements for to find what program I am really interested in and come down to 3 programs: office administration (medical), pharmacy technician, and library technician. I used search engines:
https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/
I applied through ontario college website. They ask you to create profile and apply to 3 maximum programs. They ask for and send transcripts from your school directly so you don’t need to worry about calling the office of administration in university for transcripts. You may need to contact your high school though, if you are continuing the study like me for English 4U. Link:
Surprisingly and thankfully, I got admission from all of three colleges that I applied. You need to decline 2 and accept one in ontario college website so after contemplating for 3 weeks or so I decided t do office administration (medical). The reason behind is that it is online, giving me more time to work and that it is 2 years only with practical placement. Most importantly, that’s what I am interested in doing and wanted to know more about.
OSAP
If you are a domestic student like me, you are better off applying for OSAP before the deadline. I used my OAN and password to login. I filled in an application and summited all required documents and waiting for a funding. Funding is calculated prior so that you can get an estimate and get released in the first week of classes. I am familiar with this because I went to university already. Also, they provide the grant which is money you don’t have to pay them back. Of course, there is interest if you don’t pay back in time (6months after graduation) but I think it is still good to get one.
Language Assessment Test
I was a bit surprised to find out that I needed to do a language test to get a pass. They treat everybody fairly, I guess. The test is 3 hours long and basically you need to do a english test on computer in my case. You can do it online or you can book an appointment. I booked an appointment not to be bothered by technical details. The scary thing was there was no material to study from except for practice test. You can improve your English in a week, you know. I found later the purpose of the test is to know your level before placing into communication course. I passed the test and I was so happy. I needed to complete this before building the timetable.
Timetable
There is certain set time for timetable building. Mine was 6 am Wed. To be honest, I did not make it on time and had to do it 8am. I still got into courses that worked out with my work schedule. But, you don’t want to be late and risk your whole semester. I am enrolled in 7 courses. My school already had a computer system that is easy to use so I did that in less than 3 min.
I needed to remind myself to apply for scholarship by checking mailbox. You never know you’ll get it so always apply. It can not hurt.
Stationary
I bought notebooks. Believe it or not typing the lecture isn’t my thing. I can not follow the pace. so I bought 7 notebooks, each notebook for each class from indigo.
Textbooks
If you go to college bookstore website, there is link to put all your course code and they usually give you books expecte din their course. Mine was almost all online material and some courses did not even need a textbook. So, I decided not to worry about it until semester begins.
Summary
I am so glad I am going to school to upgrade my career. Good to be hopeful and trying. In 2023, I am planning to study, work and blog at the same time. Next year, I am adding interviewing for co-op and volunteering to the schedule and moving away from my current job. I pray that everything works well and my hard work pays off- that I get to do what I studied for and get to enjoy it.
Thank You.