Student Guide

THE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SELECTING THE IDEAL SHS TRACK AND STRAND FOR YOU

Congratulations batch 2022 moving-up completers! We know that it’s quite stressful and worrying which track to take. It is necessary for you to take into consideration the crucial aspects that will decide which track will be "the one" for you. In this article, The FEED listed a step-by-step guide to assist you in your decision making.

/ 8 June 2022

The following are the two main reasons why students become unhappy with their strand decision: 1) It is possible that the track does not correspond to the student’s abilities, or 2) that they have picked it due to the influence of their peers. If you want to avoid these issues, you should make sure that your hopes, objectives, and ambitions are in line with the course of action that you will take.

Here are the steps you should take before you begin filling out your SHS form:

STEP 1: ASSESS YOUR SELF

At the age of 16 or 17, it is already expected that you understand what self-assessment is. Basically, it is the stage where you evaluate which areas you perform well in. It is important to differentiate what you “want” from what you “can”. “Want” is similar to emotions, which are temporary. It is possible that you develop a different perspective someday. “Can”, on the other hand, is much more stable and has developed in you. That is why it is important to focus on skills that already exist and not make permanent decisions out of temporary emotions.

STEP 2: RESEARCH. RESEARCH. RESEARCH.

You can’t get away with it. Research may be annoying because it is a laborious task, but it will soon grow on you. Research is important because it is the stage where you gather information about what strand you want to take. Actually, this is not a second step but rather a simultaneous stage with self-assessment. Google what each strand is all about, associate it with your skills, and evaluate. Aside from Google, there’s YouTube and Reddit to guide you with your expectations.

STEP 3: CHECK THE SUBJECTS OF THE STRANDS

Some schools offer a checklist of subjects in each strand. Acquire a copy or search online and ask yourself these questions: Will I enjoy studying these subjects? Will I be willing to spend two years doing this? It is a good sign if the thought pleases you.

STEP 4: CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL

After you have established what you want, evaluated what your skills can do, and associating which strand fits you, the last step is finding the right school for your desired track. Other people make the mistake of starting with choosing a university because, although it is not wrong, often times it might just lead to regret. Not everyone has the same educational opportunities. Shifting or transferring is not an option for them. This step is perhaps the most crucial because it involves a financial decision. It is important to read on Facebook, Google, or ask graduates from that school about their experiences.