Not sure that a university degree is worth the time, money, and effort? A new report from the Council of Ontario Universities has some fairly positive facts about the value of a university education.

Take a look:

• More than 93% of students find employment within 6 months of graduation. Nearly 85% of those say their job is related to their field of study.
• More than 300,000 new jobs were created for university graduates during the recession, while 430,000 jobs were lost for those without postsecondary education.
• Unemployment rates are lowest for university graduates than those with any other learning credential.
• University graduate earn, on average, 53% more than those without postsecondary education

via University of Western Ontario

They’ve written tests and exams.

They’ve handed in countless projects and assignments.

They studied hours upon hours.

They’ve written and passed entrance exams.

They’ve applied to schools and have been accepted.

But, just how ready is your teen for College or University?

Well, according to the US-based Alliance for Excellent Education, about one-third of college freshmen need to take a catch up course in reading, math or English. Other sources say that number of teens who are unprepared is as high as 75%.

The US is not alone; Some 55% of Ontario professors think that first-year university students are not as prepared as they should be, and are  lacking in critical thinking skills.

And many students themselves share similar sentiments, worrying about handling the increased workload and academic demands of university.

So, what can be done to ensure that teens are ready for higher education and  will be able to avoid the first year drop out crises?

If necessary, take a victory lap to review key subjects.  Or, consider taking a year off to renew school motivation.  Better yet, contact Oxford Learning to take a course that develops top-notch study skills, teaches test-taking techniques, perfects time management abilities, and improves critical thinking abilities.

Contact your local Oxford Learning centre to find out more about our College and University Prep Courses.

High School is typically a four-year commitment. However, an increasing number of teens are choosing to return for a a so-called Victory Lap.

The Victory Lap is a term that refers to returning after graduation for an extra semester or two.

Why would teens want to return to high school? There are many reasons:

• Not feeling emotionally or socially prepared for college or university
• To continue with sports
• To improve grades
• To complete credits
• To increase self-confidence
• To increase post-secondary qualifications
• To save money

Some estimates say that as many as 15-20% of Ontario students return for an extra year. If students don’t feel ready to go to university or college, or don’t have the grades, and high school will allow them to re-take courses, or to take additional courses, then is there anything wrong with staying in high school for an extra year?
But critics say that in terms of the cost of education, it’s an expensive habit that is a waste of taxpayers money.

The official government of Ontario position is that not all students learn at the same rate, and if certain students need an extra year to obtain the necessary grades to graduate, then—as long as the students is under 21—this is perfectly acceptable.

Other critics say that it gives students an unfair advantage over others who don’t have the option of taking a Victory Lap—that students who remain behind to take (or to re-take) courses to bring up their averages may be unfairly stacking university admission odds in their favour.

Those who support the extra year of high school say that it helps students better cope with transition anxiety, as the move from High School to Post-Secondary is recognized as one of the biggest life transitions, right up there with marriage and retirement.

Factor in the high cost of post-secondary tuition and the alarmingly high first-year drop out rate, staying in high school to improve grades, and increasing university readiness will help high schoolers be more successful in college and university.

Read more:
The Gap Year
Are students ready for College and University?

Hello Head Office!

We just wanted to share the joy. We enrolled Aaron last December, and he will no longer need anymore help from Oxford Learning. How do we know? Well, it turns out that Aaron has just been accepted into the University of Hartford!

This former C student, who is now on the honor roll has what it takes to go onto higher education – and early admission no less! Aaron’s SAT score reflected his new abilities and new skills, thanks to all the preparation that he did with us!

Aaron came to us because he had very few college prospects with a 2.0 GPA, and less than 750 SAT score. His new GPA is 3.2 and his new and improved SAT score? Over 1000!

We cried when he showed us his acceptance letter — we were just so proud of him!

We know that all students have this potential. It is possible. To find out more about our SAT Plus program click here, or to find a location near you, click here.

Dear Oxford Learning,

My name is Lynn Sampson. I have been studying at Oxford Learning for almost a year now, and have been seeing great changes in my work habits. I’m receiving a lot of school support as well as developing extended study skills. These skills have helped me through the past year at school. They have helped to organize my time, study for tests, write an essay and remember important information.

I’m really grateful to have come across such a great program, especially in my last year of high school. I’m not even worried about taking the SAT. And, these important life tools that I’ve been taught will be carried with me into university and used throughout the rest of my life.

I recommend Oxford for anyone who is seeking not only the right answers, but for carefully thought-out skills that can be used in any aspect of life.

Thanks so much!

Lynn Sampson
Fruit Cove, Florida

If you are feeling the pressure of the last year of high school, you are not alone.

Everything that happens this year has a direct effect on what happens next year!

But fear not — we have a program designed specifically to help senior high school students breeze through their final year and onto post secondary education, especially if they start early. Now is always the best time to get stated.

Read these letters (posted in this blog) about how we helped take away the now-what? stress. You’ll be convinced!