Fall Into Your Future: October Guide to Goals and Growth
Source: Pixabay (@Mohamed_hassan)
Autumn is all about pumpkin spice and cozy sweater season. But, fellow high school seniors like myself can feel the creeping pressure of preparing for application season. It can be overwhelming when you’re jumping back into a packed and stressful routine right after summer break, but don’t worry, you’re not alone! Luckily, October is the perfect time to get organized, set goals, and step into leadership positions. By taking action now, students can be prepared to end their high school experience with success.
1. Preparing for Applications
For Grade 12 students, October often marks the start of the early application season. Your guidance counselor has probably urged you to open up your application portal. This is the time to stay organized. Start some in-depth research on programs you're interested in by reaching out to alumni and current students to gain some clarity and information you can’t find on the institution’s website. With well-rounded research, you can finalize your program choices and keep track of each school’s admission requirements and deadlines to ensure a smooth and stress-free application process. Additionally, as you decide on your applications, start gathering any required references or personal supplementary applications.
It’s also smart to look into scholarships and bursaries now, since many have fall deadlines. Websites like Scholarships Canada or your school’s guidance office can help you find opportunities you may qualify for. Additionally, take time to reach out to university advisors and sign up for newsletters so you can stay informed on open houses, campus tours, and school events. By planning early, you’ll avoid the stress of scrambling at the last minute and make more thoughtful decisions about your next steps.
2. Set Academic Goals for Success
By October, the rhythm of the school year has settled in. You’ve had your first assignments and quizzes, so now is the perfect time to reflect on how things are going. Maybe you’re on track in one class, but need to improve your skills for another class. Perhaps you’ve realized that balancing extracurriculars, clubs, work, and homework is harder than expected.
The best way to organize your thoughts is to set achievable goals. The best method to approach this is to set these goals with the SMART method. SMART is a parameter that helps you set goals properly and sustainably, with each letter of the acronym standing for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound, respectively. Give yourself a precise target that you can achieve in a given time frame. For example, researching 3 universities and highlighting their required courses by next weekend, SMART goals are realistic and give you a roadmap for success.
Strong grades in Grades 11 and 12 are not only valuable for admission averages but also for scholarships. Universities across Canada often consider both academic performance and extracurricular involvement, so setting clear goals now will pay off later when you apply, as your journey throughout the year will be well-rounded.
3. Step Into Leadership Opportunities
Leadership isn’t just about holding a title in a club; it’s about showing initiative, creativity, and responsibility. October is filled with events, from Thanksgiving food drive, Remembrance Day planning, fall sports season, to Halloween fundraisers. These are perfect opportunities to get involved and practice leadership skills. As the school year has begun, you could apply to executive positions in school clubs and committees, volunteer at events and fundraisers, or take charge of a school initiative. You can get involved in your community without having to join a school activity. Find an opportunity you are passionate about and find a way to participate. This could include coaching a youth team, volunteering at animal shelters and hospitals, or becoming a reading mentor at Learning Buddies Network! These experiences show universities and future employers that you’re a well-rounded student who can contribute positively to a community. Building leadership, collaboration, and communication skills now also helps you prepare for university life. Canadian universities value students who not only succeed academically, but also bring energy, collaboration, and fresh ideas to campus.
October is more than just a beautiful month, it’s a time to focus on growth, opportunities, and planning for the future. By staying organized with applications, setting meaningful academic goals, and embracing leadership roles, you’ll be well on your way to success both in high school and beyond. The habits you build this fall will help you stride confidently into the next chapter of your life.