Transition to College and University Preparing Parents for the Post-Secondary Experience

Topics  University & Colleges  Planning Dates  College Degrees  ONTransfer.ca  Financial Assistance  Prerequisite Courses  Choosing Wisely  After Grade 12  Transition Support  Accommodations  Professional Programs  Important Dates

21 Ontario Universities

28 Ontario Colleges

Post-Secondary Planning Dates  Community Hours (ASAP)  Individual Pathway Planning Visits (Grades 12) December 9 th to 12 th (myBlueprint)  November 27: University/College Assembly

Why College?  University transfer programs & joint programs with universities  Tuition savings  Smaller class sizes  83% of students found employment within 6 months of graduation

ONTransfer.ca  Learn how to transfer your credits in Ontario’s post secondary system  Explore Collaborative Programs  Find Course and Program Transfers  Explore fast-track Diploma Programs offered at Ontario Colleges  Check out Graduate Certificate Programs offered at Ontario Colleges

University Tuition Fees

Types of Financing  Scholarships  Bursaries  Loans  Grants

Government Financing  Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers two kinds of money: A) Student Loan(s) you need to repay B) Grants: Money you don’t have to pay back  If you apply for OSAP, you are automatically considered for the 30% Off Ontario Tuition Grant (OTG)

How Much OSAP Can I Get?  The basic formula is:  Allowed education expenses – money you’re expected to contribute = financial need  Maximum amount for one academic year (two terms) for a typical, full-time student is $12,240 (single with no dependents)

When Do I Get OSAP?  You will usually get money in 2 installments:  When you begin your studies (usually in September)  Halfway through your study period

Prerequisite Courses  Available resources: myBlueprint, electronicinfo.ca, ontariocolleges.ca  Universities: 6 U/M level grade 12 courses (ENG4U0 required)  Colleges 4 C/M level grade 11 or 12 courses (ENG4C0 required)  Ensure grade 11 prerequisites are met

Choosing Wisely  Consider what you Child excels at or have an interest in  15.1 percent of University students drop out after the 1 st year  Roughly 22.6% of College students drop out after the 1 st year  Roughly 50% of College students change programs

Be Prepared  Nearly 50% of all students saw their marks decline by one letter grade  About 23% saw their grades plummet by two letters or more  About 25% maintained averages consistent with their high school marks  Only 2.5% saw their grades improve

After Grade 12  5 th Year in High School  Work Experience  Bridging Programs (e.g. York – Steps program)  Upgrading (e.g. Sheridan – Academic Upgrading program)  Transfer (e.g. Sheridan – University Profile General Arts and Science)  Mature Student Status (19 yrs+)

Post-Secondary Supports Available for the Transition  Summer and Fall Transition Program  Summer Academic Orientation Programs  Leadership Programs  Non-Credit Preparatory Courses  Personal Academic Advising  Peer Mentorship  Student Success Centre (Counselling and Health)

Students with Disabilities  Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC)  Resource Guide For Students With Disabilities (3)  Info On:  Selecting postsecondary  Scholarships  Bursaries  Support services

Post-Secondary Services Offered  Each school will have a range of services to support students (often underused)  Accommodations may include:  No more than one exam per day  Note-taker in class

To Access Accomodations  Many institutions require more specific & comprehensive documentation (especially for ADHD and learning disabilities)  Incoming students will NOT AUTOMATICALLY receive the same accommodations that they received at high school  To discuss available accommodations, students should contact their post- secondary school directly

Professional (Graduate) Programs  E.g. Architecture, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry  Apply only once you are in University  No “Pre” programs  Too early to decide

Important Dates  January 14: OUAC application deadline ($140 – 3 choices)  February 1 st : College application deadline (Equal consideration) ($95 – 5 choices  February 3rd: Recommended last day for OUAC changes

Additional Dates  May 1st: Deadline to confirm College offers  May 28th: Latest date for University offers  June 1st: Earliest date Universities may require response and financial commitment

Thank You