This document provides an overview of post-secondary pathways and the application process for students. It outlines various options for college, university, apprenticeships, and direct entry into the workforce. Important dates and deadlines are indicated. Resources for researching options and applying are listed, including internet sites, university/college fairs, and guidance counselors. The document stresses reflecting on interests and strengths, researching options thoroughly, applying early, and taking advantage of available supports and scholarships.

1. Post Secondary Pathways

2. Session Overview Application Request Form & Graduation Form Finding Your Fit… Application Timelines Admission Criteria Resources Scholarships, Awards and OSAP Ontario University Fair Field Trip

3. Important Forms APPLICATION REQUEST FORM (blue) Required to initiate college and university application process You must indicate College or University Print name, date, sign and return today GRAD INFORMATION FORM (yellow) Diploma and Grad ceremony information Complete and return today

4. Finding Your Fit…. Considerations for your Post Secondary Pathway What could you do? Where could you go? What else is out there? Where are you?

5. Making Good Choices Reflect – What’s best for me? Research – Internet, printed resources Visit – fairs, campuses, open houses, tours, departments, residences, cities Consult – student services, counsellors, faculty advisors, departments, workplace Discuss – parents, teachers, counsellors, friends, graduates Experience – March break, day and/or summer programs, join friends already at post secondary institutions

6. Process Timelines **Use and refer to your Timeline (orange) ** Sep – Jan: Research choices, attend information sessions and fairs Nov – Jan: Complete online applications for College & University Nov - Dec: Applications and interviews for Apprenticeships and School to Career opportunities Early Feb: Earliest Date for Admission Offers Late May: Student Confirms Choice

7. Transmission Timelines Late November: Semester 1 midterm marks sent to OCAS Semester 1 and 2 course choices sent to OUAC Late February: Semester 1 final marks sent to OCAS/OUAC Mid April: Semester 2 midterm marks sent to OCAS/OUAC Early July: Semester 2 final marks sent to OCAS/OUAC

8. Good News! Schools are looking for reasons to accept your student…not to decline admission Your student’s job is to provide them with the evidence and information to be accepted

9. More Good News! Your student’s hard work, excellent teachers, and support from home make a difference Ridge graduates report that they have been very well prepared and successful in their post secondary programs

10. Admission Criteria School to Career Earn credits toward OSSD Explore career options Application process through PCC office Specific High School course prerequisites at the workplace, college or university level Apprenticeships Most Require OSSD 40 hours Community Service Successful completion of the Literacy Test Specific High School course prerequisites at the workplace or college Level

11. Admission Criteria College OSSD (includes 40 hours of community service and successful completion of the Literacy Test) College level courses with specific prerequisites based on program choice University OSSD (includes 40 hours of community service and successful completion of the Literacy Test) 6 Grade 12 U or M level courses (including English) with specific prerequisites based on program choice

12. Community Hours!! Due to Ms. Cook in PCC by the end of October.

13. Apprenticeships Involve a supervised, paid, on-the-job learning experience (3-5 years) Involve training at College (2-3 blocks) Many apprenticeships require a high school diploma There is currently high demand for careers in the skilled trades Many different access points to apprenticeships (OYAP, College, Direct Entry)

14. Learn more at www.apprenticesearch.com

15. College Admission Applications are submitted online to OCAS Diploma programs (2-3 years) require college level prerequisites Bachelor and Applied degree programs (3-4 years) require university admission prerequisites Some programs require supplemental information (personal essay, audition, portfolio, proficiency tests, or interview) Supplemental information is submitted to the colleges directly (not to OCAS) Prerequisite course marks are an admission consideration for most programs

16. Learn more at www.ontariocolleges.ca

17. Did you know… Colleges offer degree programs Many colleges are partnered with universities for a number of program pathway options Acceptance to many college programs is very competitive due to both the demand for and success of its graduates College programming provides a balance between theoretical and practical learning

18. University Admission Applications are submitted online to OUAC Degree Programs require 6 Grade 12 U and/or Grade 12 M level courses Prerequisites as well as admission averages vary by program, university and application year Some programs require supplemental information (personal essay, audition, portfolio, or interview) Supplemental information is submitted directly to the universities (not to OUAC) Policies for upgraded courses vary by university

19. Learn more at www.electronicinfo.ca

20. Other Institutions There are a variety of private and independent post-secondary learning institutes These offer highly specialized training and certification opportunities often within a more concentrated timeline Cost and funding for these institutions will vary widely

21. Applying Outside Ontario Inform PCC that you are applying out of province Each application is separate; consult the individual school’s website to download all application information Some universities can receive information directly from OUAC (Bishop’s, Concordia, McGill, Simon Fraser, UBC, U Victoria and Dalhousie)

22. Applying to US Schools Apply to each school individually All compulsory courses (Grade 9 – 12) are included in the application and GPA calculation Requires completion of the SAT Financial considerations NCAA eligibility

23. Learn more at www.collegeboard.com

24. Getting started… Refer to your blue info sheet TRAILBLAZERS

25. Internet Resources Refer to your yellow bookmark www.myblueprint.ca www.osca.ca www.careercruising.com www.schooltocareer.ca www.apprenticesearch.com www.ontariocolleges.ca www.electronicinfo.ca Individual college and university websites

26. Research your options IRHS counsellors, post secondary resources in the PCC office and Grade 12 information sessions College and university liaison visits to IRHS (lunch sessions), information fairs, and campus visits Internet resources (refer to your yellow bookmark ) School to Career assembly and displays Job shadowing to help fine-tune your preferences Grad newsletters

27. Scholarships and Awards Scholarships and awards are provided by: Corporations Employers Government agencies Community organizations Private donors Board and IRHS initiatives Individual University and College programs

28. Learn more… At www.scholarshipscanada.com and www.studentawards.com On the IRHS Scholarship/Award Board (outside PCC) REMEMBER: IRHS Awards Applications are due May 4 th to PCC Through individual University and College websites and undergraduate calendars At our OSAP information session in semester 2

29. We encourage our June 2012 graduates (and their parents) to take advantage of the Ontario Universities’ Fair to research institutions and collect program information, speak directly with university representatives about degree requirements, campus life, scholarships etc.

30. Learn More…

31. Ontario College Information Fairs October 25 th 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Direct Energy Centre, Toronto) October 27 th 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM October 28 th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Hamilton – Mohawk College) IRHS students will be bussed to the Hamilton ‘Ontario College Information Fair’ to explore a college campus (Mohawk) and speak with reps from colleges across the province on Friday, October 28 th

32. Learn More…

33. Make the most of it… Visit all exhibits and info sessions Learn about undergraduate programs Discuss campus life and co-curriculars with university representatives Prepare questions specific to you Be smart about your safety

34. And finally… Take a deep breath………… The more you know the better you feel Enjoy Grade 12 but take it seriously Strive for a balance between school, marks and co-curriculars Keep parents/caregivers in the loop Use all the resources available to you Consider your options Get answers to your questions

35. LEND A HAND Please help stack all the chairs and move to the outside of the room. You guys rock!!!

36. Thank You! Personal and Career Counselling Staff Ms. Anstett, Ms. Cook, Mr. Reeve, Mrs. Spelman, Ms. Stecca CommCo Ms. Olmsted and company