One of the comments often heard from students is that their parents would like them to go to a major research university in the province (e.g.-UBC, UVic, SFU, UNBC) so that they have the best opportunity of meeting future career goals. There is no doubt that all of these institutions offer excellent study opportunities.

There are, however, several reasons why many students' best interests are better served by initially considering colleges, different types of universities or institutes closer to home.

 1. The BC post-secondary system is unique in North America. It offers excellent opportunities for students to begin their studies at a college or institute within their region then transfer to a variety of post-secondary institutions offering degrees. This enables students to take first- and second-year courses and seamlessly transfer into third-year studies of a four-year degree program.

 2. Special Purpose Teaching Universities offer a first rate education.  A study (May 2004) by the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) showed that undergrads with degrees from both special purpose teaching universities (formerly called university colleges)and research intensive universities had very positive labour market outcomes, life-long learning orientations, and satisfaction levels. Equally important, a significantly higher proportion of graduates from special purpose teaching universities, reported that they were very satisfied with their program of study compared to research intensive university graduates.

 3. The time for a research intensive university may be later. Quite often  research intensive universities set themselves apart from other post-secondary institutions in the province by the tremendous amount of specialized training they are able to offer at the graduate studies level (ie-Master's & Doctorate degrees). As a growing number of undergraduate degree grads are pursuing more professional or graduate study opportunities they are likely to end up at research intensive universities for their second, and even possibly their third degree.

 4. The costs of getting an education close to home are far less. Not only are tuition fees lower, if you are able to avoid living expenses (e.g.-such as paying to live in residence) you are away ahead in the financial game. Those often surprised with the cost of a university education are academic scholarship winners who quickly see their awards disappear because of higher tuition fees and associated living costs.

 5. Commuting a significant distance to a research intensive university can be time consuming, stressful and hard on the pocket book. Students who are taking two to three hours a day to get to their studies are losing valuable time that their fellow students with lesser commutes are using to study, socialize or pay for their education through part-time employment. Lengthy commuting can also be a costly endeavour. Special Purpose Teaching Universities and/or colleges are designed to be community based.

 6. Smaller class sizes often allow students more interaction with both their instructors and other students. As students transition into post-secondary the idea of being able to receive regular feedback from an instructor is beneficial and the feeling of not being isolated from other students can also be a huge factor in post-secondary study success.

 So, when it comes time to choosing an educational direction, sometimes it is the path that is easily overlooked that can make all of the difference for future success. Consider your home field advantage.

Tagged In: Adult Learners , Parents , Planning , Success Strategies , Transition , Youth