CHCI - Post Secondary Information Night Wednesday, November 9, 2016 Presented by: Sue Martin, M.Ed., Department Head of Guidance & Career Education

Welcome: Students and Families

AGENDA: 6:15-6:45 – Overview of the University Application Process 7:00-7:10 – U.I.P - Opening Address 7:15-7:45 – Session #1 7:50-8:20 – Session #2 8:25-8:45 – Roam – Q&A

Part A: Researching Post Secondary Options There are no short cuts. Take time to research options. Consider personality characteristics, passion and values. Previous Experiences: job shadow, informal interviews, co-op placements, part time jobs, mentoring, volunteering, summer work and exchanges.

Part A: Researching Options Available Resources: UIP – University Information Program Night at Cameron Heights – Nov. 9, 2016 at 7pm Lunch workshops with university and college representatives Attend (daily) campus tours – Fall Preview Days and March Break Open House Days Fall Preview Days are listed on eINFO website

Part A: Researching Options Meet with your guidance counsellor Access Career Cruising Complete inventories: School Match Canada, JVIS, Strong Interest Inventory Visit websites: eINFO and Ontario Colleges.ca

Part B: Application Process University applicants pick up their PIN number to access the OUAC – Ontario University Application Centre website PIN numbers are available in the Guidance Office with photo identification. Cost: 3 applications = $150 Each additional application = $50 NEW* - $50 fee for program changes between universities

Part B: Application Process College applicants create an account on the Ontario Colleges website – Ontario Colleges.ca Cost: 5 applications = $95

Part B: Application Process Students may apply to a maximum of 3 programs at any ONE institution Students may apply to as many universities as they wish Gap year students are encouraged to research if deferrals are granted Consider alternate offers Carefully rank order applications Understand the conditions of the offer

Part B: Application Process Workshops are available early in November to assist students with the application process Students may meet individually with guidance counsellors – drop in or use the new online booking system located on the CHCI website – guidance homepage.

Part C: Admission Information Admission averages for colleges vary between institutions. For competitive programs, some colleges calculate averages based on pre-requisite courses only while others use various combinations of final grades. Non-competitive programs accept students who have the required courses.

Part C: Admission Information Most universities calculate admission averages based on the top 6 Gr.12 “4U/4M” courses including pre-requisites. E.g. Engineering – at UW has 5 pre-requisite courses (ENG, MHF, MCV, SPH, SCH) The OUAC receives all grades for 3U/3M and 4U/4M courses.

Part C: Admission Information Early in the admission process, many universities will calculate admission averages using both grade 11 and 12 final grades. Very early offers (December & January) will be based on grade 11 achievement. Grade 12 first semester mid-term marks are NOT used in admission calculations. Some universities (e.g. McMaster) calculate averages ONLY based on grade 12 marks.

Part C: Admission Information Mid-way through the admission cycle, averages will be calculated using grade 12 marks and grade 11 marks - in the absence of grade 12 pre-requisite courses being taken in semester 2. Later in the admission process, (which applies to highly competitive programs) universities calculate admission averages using first semester final marks and second semester mid-term marks.

Part C: Admission Information Supplementary Forms such as UW’s –AIF (Additional Information Form) or WLU’s – ABS (Applicant Background Summary) forms are very important to the admission process – particularly for students on the bubble. Always complete the form even if it’s optional and carefully review it before submission. Video interviews & personality tests (e.g.CASPER) apply to some programs.

Part D: Important Timelines College Application Deadline: February 1, 2017 for equal consideration University Application Deadline: January 11, 2017 Final changes to university applications: February 3, 2017

Part D: Timelines May 26, 2017 – the latest date by which all secondary school applicants can expect a response from an Ontario university June 1, 2017 – the earliest date by which Ontario universities may require a response to an offer of admission and a financial commitment of any kind May 1, 2017 – deadline for confirmation for college applicants who receive offers of admission Mid-June – college tuition deposit due

Part E: Tips for Parents Encourage students to check their email often. This is the primary form of communication between the universities and applicants. Help students keep organized files and notes with PIN numbers, written correspondence, print outs of changes to the application, verification of payment, etc.

Part E: Tips for Parents Research college and university program options early! Help students create artificial (early) deadlines so applications and submissions/portfolios are completed on time and are not rushed. Accompany students on campus tours, ask questions and gather print/online resources.

Part E: Tips for Parents Remember Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “To thine own self be true” Spend time listening to your children – their interests and aspirations Enjoy the journey!

Part F: Scholarships & Bursaries Entrance scholarships are given to first year students. These are typically based on strong admission averages. Students are encouraged to apply for other scholarships (even if they do not fully meet the criteria). Encourage students to visit the CHCI – Guidance website for a current listing of scholarships and follow us on Twitter.

Part F: Scholarships Visit the following websites: Studentawards.com ScholarshipsCanada.com OSAP – Ontario Student Assistance Program

Questions and Answers:

…for joining us this evening! Safe return home! THANK YOU…. …for joining us this evening! Safe return home!