What You Can Do Now to Prepare for University
How to prepare to apply for university
Your final year of high school is a busy time. Between class work, school events, clubs, part-time jobs, graduation, and applying to university, there's a lot to do! To help you out with some of what your final year holds, we've listed our top tips for preparing to apply to university.
Think about what you're interested in
The sooner you start to narrow down your options and find out what you're truly interested in, the easier applying to university will be.
If you're not sure what you're really interested in, try taking an online quiz, read up on different career fields, or talk to people you know who are working in fields that appeal to you. Read our student-written article for a more detailed guide on how to choose a university program.
Watch for universities coming to your country
Some universities have representatives that travel to other countries to meet with students. Check university websites and see if they are going to be near you soon. Meeting with a representative can be a great way to learn more about schools you're interested in and ask any questions you have.
Check out universities online
When you can't make it out to campus, the internet is the next best thing. Universities have websites, social media accounts, and YouTube channels filled with tons of information. From programs to student life and everything in between, you're sure to find everything online! At Waterloo, we have a website dedicated to future students!
Sign up for mailing lists
Universities often have mailing lists you can sign up for. Make sure you sign up so that you don't miss any important information!
Get some experience
Gaining experience is great for so many reasons. Whether your experience is though working or volunteering, you can start to build your professional network, figure out what you like to do (and don't like to do), and start growing your resume.
Have fun
Take some time to enjoy your time before university. Thinking about applying to university can be overwhelming, so it's good to take some time to relax and have fun! Do something you've always wanted to do or go somewhere you've never been! Although summer is a great time to start getting prepared, it's still summer!
We hope this helps you feel more confident when it comes to applying to universities. For tips on how to have a great final year, check out our ultimate guide for grade 12 success.