When you step into your high school era, it’s the perfect time to start evaluating your future perspectives and setting career goals. College or university considerations play a crucial part in this process. Yet, studies reveal that 62% of high school students don’t seriously start thinking about their further education until they are in their junior or senior year—the time when the biggest part of college recruitment is at its peak.
If you also find yourself undecided about your next academic step, we know that it may feel rather overwhelming now. However, you’re not alone there. It is natural to wonder, “What is post secondary education?” and ask yourself whether you need it, but we have you covered! This guide will answer all your questions to help you decide what to do next.
What Is Post-Secondary Education?
Post secondary education is a cumulative term for further education after high school graduation. It is also referred to as tertiary or higher education.
The institutions providing this kind of education include:
- Universities;
- Colleges;
- Conservatories;
- Professional and vocational institutions;
- Technical and specialist institutions.
Additionally, there are also online providers of higher education programmes and courses. This form of post-secondary education is, in fact, trending. Forbes reported that more than 1 in 4 students now choose a fully online learning format.
Depending on the selected institution, post-secondary programs can be divided into undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational ones. These programs can provide a diploma, degree, certificate, or other post-secondary credentials.
The Role of Post Secondary Education in the Modern World
So you already know the answer to the primary question—“What is post secondary education?” Now, how do you decide if it’s right for you or not?
With nearly 3 million students receiving degrees at UK higher education institutions, post-secondary entrance rates remain quite stable, though this indicator tends to drop in many other countries worldwide.
The entry rate for a first degree was 24.7% in 2006, peaked at 38.2% in 2021, and slightly dropped to 35.8% in 2023. Despite a small decline, most British high school students are still considering post-secondary education.
There are a few primary reasons for this:
- Post-secondary institutions empower students with crucial knowledge and life skills;
- It contributes to greater networking;
- Higher education unlocks more career opportunities and simplifies employment;
- Professionals who complete post-secondary education tend to receive higher salaries and advance their careers more.
Key Challenges of Post Secondary Education
Now that you know the potential benefits, you should also learn about the complexities of applying for a post-secondary degree.
Here are the most common challenges facing students today:
High competition. In 2024, university and college acceptance rates are decreasing as students tend to apply to more schools at once. Due to this reason, the competition is high, and getting noticed by the admissions committee is also uneasy. One way to overcome this is to order custom essay and let professionals craft a winning application essay that sets you apart.
Rising university costs. High tuition and fees often scare students off from applying to universities. Potential solutions to this challenge are scholarships and grants that help you cover your education cost fully or partially.
Hefty academic load. Finally, the intensiveness of post-secondary programs tends to be significantly higher compared to high school. It often leads to a variety of day-to-day challenges facing young people, including an ongoing lack of time, student burnout, and even mental health issues initiated by an intense load. The best way to overcome this challenge is to balance your personal life and studies, ensuring enough rest.
4 Handy Tips for a Smooth Transition to Post-Secondary Education
If, after assessing all the advantages and drawbacks, you decide to continue your education after high school, there are a few things you can do in advance to reduce the stress and get through your post-secondary program more easily.
1. Plan Ahead
Early planning is key to making your post-secondary journey smooth and enjoyable. Considering your academic opportunities early on gives you more time to research and prepare thoroughly.
2. Research Well
It would be best to do plenty of research and analysis when considering different majors and schools. Take time to figure out your passions and interests. Next, analyse your field’s market demand and salary levels. Finally, research different schools, their programs and teachers, campuses and facilities, etc. Get as much information as you can to make an informed decision.
3. Define Your Budget
After primary research, spend some time putting your budget together. You need to define the cost of tuition that suits your pocket and add to this the cost of living, personal expenses, and entertainment. Doing so will help you prepare financially for your college experience.
Additionally, research the available scholarships and other funding options if necessary.
4. Spend Enough Time Preparing Your Application
As mentioned earlier, competition in higher education institutions is high, and students are meticulously selected not only based on their grades but also on their extracurricular activities and other accomplishments. If you want to gain a competitive advantage:
- Start preparing for your application well in advance.
- Participate in sports and extracurriculars, volunteer, and gain other experiences that will set you apart from the competition.
- Take your admissions essay seriously to make it unique and memorable.
The Bottom Line
So, what is post secondary education? It is a form of education acquired after high school in universities, colleges, and similar institutions. Despite the decreasing number of university applications worldwide, the importance of degrees is still high. Post-secondary programs can contribute to your personal and professional growth and allow you to build a more prosperous career.
Of course, there are also certain challenges in acquiring post-secondary education. The primary ones include high competition, expensive tuition, and an increasing academic load. Yet, if you decide to enrol at the university despite the challenges, now you know everything you need to set up for success!
