Jaypoul A. Abas | Marleonie M. Bauyot
Discipline: Education
The experiences and difficulties Senior High School (SHS) graduates in the Philippines encounter while transferring to tertiary education are examined in this study. It seeks to comprehend how these experiences affect their adjustment to university life and college preparation, providing insights into the wider ramifications for the advancement of education in the ASEAN area. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with SHS graduates who are currently enrolled in higher education as part of a qualitative case study approach. The interview data was analyzed using thematic analysis, which is based on Braun and Clarke’s six-step process. Recurring themes and patterns that represent the graduates' experiences and difficulties were found. According to the study, SHS experiences have a major impact on the growth of self-reliance, flexibility, timemanagement abilities, and academic proficiency-all of which are essential for being prepared for college. During SHS, extracurricular activities and social interactions develop important networks and interpersonal skills that help students move to college. But graduates also have to deal with difficulties including adjusting to new situations, handling pressure from the classroom, and striking a balance between their personal and academic obligations. Graduates show perseverance, proactive problem-solving, and good communication skills in spite of these obstacles, which enable them to successfully negotiate the complexities of college life. The importance of SHS experiences in preparing graduates for postsecondary education is shown by this study. SHS prepares students to overcome the obstacles they encounter during the transition to college by cultivating critical skills and resilience. The results emphasize how important it is for educators, decision-maker, and support services to keep up their efforts in order to guarantee that SHS graduates are ready for both their academic and personal journeys into higher education.