The Game Plan
A one-of-a-kind course to *really* GET ready for COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
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The Game Plan also teaches you what not to expect when you’re in college or university...such as..
- your prof to extend deadlines (they probably won’t because the term is short, plus you're an academic now and they expect you to meet deadlines)
- re-weight grades because you were busy with other courses (absolutely not happening)
- re-grade your paper because your worked really hard on it (we don’t grade effort, we grade output)
- for your IEP or accommodations to automatically follow you after high school (it doesn't, YOU have to pursue accommodations)
- explain where you lost marks. You didn't. You didn't start with 100. You started with zero
I share all of this and more in The Game Plan because what you don't know can absolutely blind-side you…..like, you think it’s going to be like high school, but with more freedom… It's not like high school. At all...
The Game Plan helps quiet anxious thoughts, build confidence, and develop the mindset needed to keep moving forward when things get hard.
Because success in college or university is not just about being smart. It's about learning how to think (on purpose), respond, adapt, and keep going.
- How to research and choose the right school and program for you
- Where, when and how to study (your learning style matters)
- Recognizing the differences between high school and college/university (meaning.. where do you do most learning?)
- Navigating your new environment, how to deal with roommates, and where to find “your people”
- How to manage your time, workload, and your calendar
- How to take notes (“like, what am I supposed to record or write down?”, asks everyone)
- How to study based on your learning style.. do you know yours?
- Why cramming doesn’t work
- Finding resources on campus…such as tutors, research help, mental health supports, and Student Accessibility Services
- How to practice self-care or how to deal with loneliness if you have no friends.. (yet)
The Game Plan covers:
Are you ready for college or university?
Many students are excited, but at the same time feel anxious, worried about keeping up or fitting in, and can’t imagine how they’ll manage the workload of 10 full-time courses over the span of just 28 weeks.
Yep, that’s a whole year’s worth of learning in about half a year...and the standard workload at post-secondary.
Adding to the strain are worries about living away from home, striking out alone, knowing no one, and being in a completely unfamiliar environment.
Exhilarating for some.. unnerving for others...
I was inspired to write The Game Plan because I knew I could help…
I’m the one who builds and teaches university courses, designs assessments, and knows how the college or university experience goes because I have taught first year classes for over 20 years, so I have the inside scoop.
I know what the school wants and expects from you,
I know why coursework is designed the way it is,
I know why deadlines are actually deadlines,
I know why you “have to take that stupid class” even when you think you’ll never need that content…
Because this experience is about so much more than academics.
- 19 informative, inspiring and engaging audio recordings (7 hours in total) where I guide your through all the things you need to know
- 19 transcripts of those recordings for those who like to follow along visually as well
- A lesson-by-lesson downloadable workbook called The Playbook for you to record your thoughts, plans, and goals
- A Learning Styles Quiz for you to identify what kind of learner you are. (Auditory, Visual, Kinaesthetic, or Read and Write) Knowing this determines how you learn, study, and take notes
- Sample email templates you can use to contact your professors if you need help, accommodations, or if you have been away
- And email/text access to me whenever you need help
Get The Game Plan
What’s included in The Game Plan:
$279 CDN
Frequently asked Questions
I’m already in my first year of university — is it too late for The Game Plan to help?
What makes The Game Plan different from other post-secondary prep courses?
Is The Game Plan only for students who plan on attending university?
Won’t my university or college make sure I’m ready to succeed at their school?
Get The Game Plan
In a word: no. Students quickly discover that colleges and universities are institutions of higher learning, and that THEY THEMSELVES need to be ready for the experience. Yes, staff and faculty care deeply about their students, but they do not have the capacity to coddle them as they make their transition to post-secondary school. The expectation is that they are there, ready to learn. The Game Plan however does provide the resources, insights and support students will benefit from when they need some guidance and answers, now. This plan was designed by me to help students successfully navigate their new learning (and living) environments. And I love to see you WIN.
Won’t my university or college make sure I’m ready to succeed at their school?
Not at all! The Game Plan is designed to be applicable to both university and college life. The life transition is similar, whether you are attending university or college. Contrary to popular belief, programs offered at post-secondary institutions, whether they be 2, 3 or 4 year programs can ALL be MAJORLY rigorous and The Game Plan will ensure you are prepared to make the leap and support you once you get there, no matter the destination.
Is The Game Plan only for students who plan on attending university?
Unlike some other courses that focus primarily on substantive subject material (a.k.a. math, science, language and so on), The Game Plan is designed to prepare and support students for the life part of college or university. Meaning, it addresses alllll the things, including finding friends, navigating academics, sport commitments, addressing learning exceptionalities or language barriers, as well as keeping stress levels low and maximizing the joy that this adventure can bring!
What makes The Game Plan different from other post-secondary prep courses?
Absolutely not. Now that you’ve already come face to face with some of the challenges that are common to post-secondary life, The Game Plan will be even more beneficial. The weekly live coaching sessions and Q+A time can have an immediate impact on your experience, and help you make the necessary shifts to adapt and thrive in your new environment.
I’m already in my first year of university — is it too late for The Game Plan to help?
Testimonial
“I wanted to send you a note to genuinely say thank you. These past couple of days of transition have proven to be quite difficult and made me feel hopeless. Your support however truly made me feel like I am exactly where I am supposed to be. You (so lovingly) proved that this path was meant to be, and my journey is only beginning. From the bottom of my heart thank you. You have already made such a profound impact on me.”
— Gracie
Student transitioning to post-secondary school
“Professor Deanna is probably one of the only professors whose lectures I can recall when I was in her university classes because they all had a dose of inspiration. When I was assigned to have a guest speaker come to the Ontario Veterinary College, I immediately knew that she was the one I had to get in contact with. She taught (us) how to use every single day as a way to build ourselves from the ground up, and work our way to the top using the concept of resilience. She taught us that without hardships, we would likely not be able to learn all the necessary skills of overcoming adversities which are highly indicative of a person’s character and paves the way to the greatest moments of one’s life. She taught us that it is important to embrace the negatives in order to achieve the positives, which is a concept not usually discussed. She also supports the development of resiliency, and that it is a skill that one can develop over time. With mental health and well-being at the forefront of today’s society, her message is of utmost importance.”
— Harleen Taggar
Graduate & research program service attendant, Ontario Veterinary College
