Ms. Bowes (surnames A-L) and Ms. Lovett (surnames M-Z)

Dates to Remember Prom: June 17th (Holiday Inn Dartmouth) Graduation: June 28 Rebecca Cohn- 10 am.

Can I Graduate? About Post Secondary How Do I Apply?

GRADE 12 = Potential Grad Students who, when the year begins, can graduate at the end of this school year.

CREDIT CHECK AND GRAD LIST Guidance Counsellors complete credit checks to ensure a student is eligible to graduate. Students should also take responsibility and check their graduation status. The Potential Grad List is the list of all who are eligible to graduate. The list is meant to show you what we have on record as a student’s legal full name in order to prepare their diploma for graduation. This will be posted Monday, Oct. 17. We are meeting with all potential grads individually during October and November.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Maximum 7 Grade 10 credits Minimum 5 Grade 12 Must include 13 specific credits listed at the right: 3 English Science #1 & #2 2 Math (10 & 11) 1 Cdn History 11 1 Global Studies 12 1 Physical Education 1 Fine Arts 2 further Math/Sci/Tech

You may be meeting graduation requirements BUT your courses might not be suitable for admission into your preferred post-secondary program. For Example: -Precalculus 12 for MOST Bachelor of Science programs. -Grade 12 Physics required for some diagnostic health programs. -Grade 11 Physics/Academic Math required for some community college courses.

CAREER SERVICES IN THE GUIDANCE OFFICE AND ONLINE There is a scholarship and awards list on the Guidance website. Awards are also There is a calendar of events on the Guidance website including: Post Secondary schools visiting MHS and Post Secondary Open Houses AARAO Tour- October 27 th (Atlantic Association of Registrars and Admissions Officers) University and College representatives in the MHS gym for students to ask questions and gather information/resources. Career Counselling in Guidance Office Make an appointment by speaking directly with your counsellor or Ms. Costard If our door is open- come in!

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? (“Post-secondary options”) Go directly to full-time work Military Training and Employment Apprenticeship (a formal on-the-job training program) for skilled trades Private Career College: Business, Cosmetology, Computer etc. Community College for trades, technology, business University Students can talk to their counsellor about any of these options!

University Programming Typically, programs are at least three-four years long The most popular programs are in: Arts (such as English, History, Languages, Sociology, etc), Sciences (such as Physics, Biology, Nursing, etc), Commerce or Business. These do not usually train you specifically for a particular occupation, but are necessary for entry into many occupations, where you get specific training. There are many more options available- it is important to look through programs at a variety of schools when making decisions.

Requirements for University Admission Admission requirements differ widely for various programs and institutions. Requirements can change without notice. Students should check University websites or talk to Guidance Counsellors about requirements.

Plan Ahead Many careers require you to: First complete a bachelor’s degree Then go on to further university for at least one other degree (Masters Degree).

RMC & CGC: Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario: a military university requires high academics for acceptance must be accepted into military Tuition covered; paid while there military life while there; military training summers must serve for 5+ years after completion Check with Military recruiters about this and other military options. Canadian Coast Guard College, Sydney Tuition covered, requires high marks, Math, Physics

U.S. UNIVERSITIES Should apply as soon as possible. Usually require SAT I (or ACT) scores: -SATs can be written at Dalhousie -apply online by late October to write in early December or apply in mid December to write in late January -SAT’s may also be needed for international scholarships

Community College Offer programs that train you for specific occupations. Some of these occupations or trades may pay more than university-oriented jobs and have more likelihood of employment. Skilled trades, Computers/Technology, Business, Service, Helping Occupations Programs take 1 or 2 years (less than university) and can be less expensive Some programs require academic High School credits. Many don’t. For information, see your Guidance Counsellor or contact the college.

NS COMMUNITY COLLEGE You can apply as soon as you enter your Gr 11 year. “First come – first qualified.” $25 to apply See the NSCC website for list of programs and descriptions.

NS Community College “Some NSCC programs provide a '2+2' option, which means a two-year NSCC Diploma can be recognized for up to two years of a four-year university degree, providing students with an excellent pathway from college to university.” For a full list of NSCC courses that can be recognized toward degree work- please visit their website.

Community Colleges in Atlantic Canada NS Community College NB Community College NB College of Forest Technology Holland College (PEI) College of the North Atlantic (Nfld) College de l’Acadie (NS – part of U Ste Anne)

PRIVATE COLLEGES Also called private trade schools, career colleges, business colleges, etc. These are private businesses operated for profit. Programs are usually 1 or 2 years Train you specifically for a certain occupation There are many right here in the Halifax area. Many concentrate on business and human service training programs

Apprenticeship Training Many skilled trades require you to be an apprentice (on job learner) before you are fully qualified (journeyperson). An apprenticeship is a program in which you learn on the job under the supervision of a qualified person. Involves some in-school time (Some courses at NSCC) Get paid while working as an apprentice Can take pure apprenticeship without going to community college. This route is basically free, as you are paid while under training. More info at:

How Do I Apply?

Applying to University or College (typical procedure) Access the online applications (some are open now for early conditional acceptance- although not all schools/programs offer early acceptance) There are application fees ($25+) Sometimes Universities/Colleges offer an “Open House” where you can visit the campus and *sometimes* apply FOR FREE. A schedule of open houses is on our Guidance website. Request transcripts from Guidance (binder on counter), and pick up when ready. Or, Ms. Costard can fax it to the school where you have applied. If you are hoping to be considered for entrance scholarships there are specific deadlines you have to meet for each school

List of Open Houses in NS NSCC –Tuesday Oct 18 th - all campuses. Waive the application fee Acadia – October 21st Dalhousie- October 22nd SMU- October 28 th – register online. MSVU –Thursday Nov 10 th If a student is attending an open house during school time, please call the attendance line and indicate this. Students will be marked as SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE which will not count toward their exam exemption.

Financing your education Check out Canada Student Loans Program Talk to bank about student line of credit Apply for every bursary and scholarship you are eligible for! A full list of scholarships and bursaries are is on our Guidance Website listed by the month they are due. We also TWEET this information regularly. Financing your Education Presentation for Parents and Students March 2 nd 2017 at 3:30 pm.

Conclusion Confirm you are a grad on Monday Confirm the correct spelling/ names in PowerSchool (this is what will be on the High School Diploma) Start looking at post-secondary options. Consider your financing options Attend the Student Loan presentation in March and check back to our website FREQUENTLY