Guidance Counsellors’ Overview of the Graduation Year and Beyond, for Parents Ms. Cheryl Blynn A-K Mr. Gareth Luke L-Z October 27, 2009

ON GRADUATION DAY THERE WILL BE AT LEAST TWO VERY IMPORTANT PIECES OF PAPER PRESENTED TO YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER

Here is the less important one:

This one is much more important:

The High School Transcript Interim versions are used during the school year for applying to post secondary before the final marks are in.

CREDIT CHECK AND GRAD LIST The counsellors have checked the students for graduation status but it remains the responsibility of students and parents to ensure that all graduation requirements are met. The Potential Grad List is the list of all grade 12 students and will be posted at various times of the year. The one posted the day before graduation is the actual Graduation List. The list is meant to show what we have on record as the full name in order to prepare graduation diplomas. It must be the correct full legal name.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? Go directly to full-time work Apprenticeship (a formal on-the-job training program) Community College Military Training and Employment Private Career College: Business, Computer, Cosmetology, Flight School, Services, etc. University – public, private (US), religious

GRADUATING, DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT COURSES AND GOOD ENOUGH MARKS FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION? Check the college/university calendar…a book of their programs, courses and information This can be reviewed at any time with a counsellor if needed The word “program” refers to a set of courses that leads to a particular certificate, diploma or degree.

REQUIREMENTS FOR POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS

REQUIREMENTS FOR NSCC Minimum grade 12 or equivalent for most programs. Some technology programs may require Math12, Physics 12, and/or Chemistry 12 Resumes and Portfolios may also be required. It is important to check the requirements in the NSCC Calendar book, available in Student Services. Applications can be received starting September 15th. Course space is limited. Apply now!

Typical Requirements for University Admission in Atlantic Canada English 12 and four other acceptable Grade 12 academic courses (may have to include Math or Pre-Calculus Math and/or other courses depending on desired program) About 70% in each of the required courses and about a 70% average in the five courses with no mark below 60% (Note: these are typical but some cut-off averages can be higher or lower ) Math is not necessarily a requirement for some programs. Check the program for specific requirements. Deadlines typically as late as the summer except for limited- enrolment programs. Much earlier outside the Maritimes and earlier for scholarships (typically March 1)

U.S. and other foreign INSTITUTIONS Should apply before Christmas. Fee required. Outside North America may have deadlines as early as October. Usually require SAT scores: -apply by late October to write in early December or apply in mid November to write in late January  Check

Finding Post-secondary Information Brochures and calendars in the Guidance Office (or call or write for your own) Go on-line to institution sites Attend presentations here at Cole Harbour by visiting representatives Go to Open Houses at institutions throughout our region Visit your counsellor and/or guidance website

Applying to University or College (typical procedure) Obtain application form. Complete form and attach admission fee Sign-up to request a Transcript from the Guidance Secretary. Mail or take to the institution prior to deadline.

Completing the Application- following graduation In all cases final marks must be sent to the institution following graduation. Graduates are given three official copies of their transcript at the ceremony. It is the student’s responsibility to deliver the final transcript to the institution. Students pick actual courses and schedules in the summer or in September, on-line or at the institution.

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Typical Fees and Supplies Community College: $2500 to $3000/yr for most programs. 1 or 2 yrs. University: $5000 to $7000/yr (less outside NS) Commonly 4 or 5 years for first degree. Add more years for additional degrees, e.g. teaching, medicine, law, dentistry, vet, masters degree. Private Career College: $5000 to over $20,000/yr. 1 or 2 years. Flight College: approximately $20,000/yr. 2 years

Monetary Awards Local awards provided by local service clubs, foundations and businesses (may be based on affinity and/or need as well as marks) Applications usually January to early June. Some are administered by the school. Examples: Kinsmen, Church, Rotary, Masons, Community Awards. Values $100 to $1000. Not always necessary to be an academic student … other factors like community service and involvement may be required. To be considered for certain Local Awards or nominated awards, the student must pass in an In-School Application Form. Students should have a resume and reference letters for award applications. Create and obtain these now.

Entrance Scholarships Awarded by practically all universities, and by some private colleges. Intended to attract the top students Values typically $200 to $8000. May be renewable. At least 80% admissions average needed for smaller ones. Mid to upper-90’s typically for largest.

African Nova Scotian Student Awards Students must apply. Available to both University, College, Trade School and Performing Arts School bound students. Awards range from depending on the post secondary institution and marks.

Entrance Scholarships... Some are guaranteed. A certain average nets a scholarship. Most are competitive. Depends on who applies for what in any given year and their admission averages. A few require a separate scholarship application.

Entrance Scholarships. Scholarships awarded by the institutions are based on marks available by the end of first semester. The marks used for entrance scholarships are usually the same ones required for entrance into the school. For Arts this may include English 12 and the best 4 other academic Grade 12 marks. For Science, Eng 12, Pre-Cal Math and 2 Sciences plus one other. Grade 11 marks will be used after using 1 st semester marks. Differs from school to school, program to program!

Student Loans Two types: government and private

Government Student Loans Commonly called Canada Student Loans but really a combination of CSL and NS Student Loans. Administered by the NS Dept of Education. They determine eligibility. The lower the family income and the higher the cost of the program, the bigger the available loan. Many students are not eligible due to a combination of higher family income and/or relatively low education costs.

Private Student Loans Student line of credit offered by many chartered banks. No government involvement. Useful for families with a medium income, not eligible for a government loan but who would have difficulty in paying for college or university. Based on a student budget and on having a co-signer with an acceptable credit rating (usually a parent, but not necessarily) Student draws funds as necessary. Interest, at a preferred rate, is paid monthly on the amount borrowed. The principal is not paid on until after studies end. Apply anytime, once plans are firm.

The Online Guidance Office

As the parent or guardian you may want to act as the….. Career Coach

End of Part I