Looking Ahead to Graduation

Your Grade 12 Year is ALREADY 20% COMPLETE!! Your Grade 12 Year is ALREADY 20% COMPLETE!! Get organized, and, if you don’t know, ask. (your parents, teachers, counsellors, administrators, or even helpful websites!)

High School Graduation check with your counsellor to confirm that you have taken, or are taking, the courses necessary for: graduation career options admission to post-secondary programs. Our first at risk letters will be mailed out Nov 16, 2015 Graduation Transition Plan (GTP) Workshops organized by work experience

University Admission Requirements The rule of thumb for university admission in BC (it will be similar elsewhere!) is four academic Grade 12 courses:  English 12, plus three others, with the minimum mark for any one course being 67%, C+  sometimes a fifth, non-academic Grade 12 course Admission averages are usually in the % range, depending upon the program for which you’re applying. Most universities now calculate the admission average and scholarship scores based on the final mark for the courses required for admission to the program (not all marks) High school graduation is required. Specific course pre-requisites, including mathematics and second languages, vary from university to university and program to program. Check calendars and/or websites for specifics.

College and Trades School Admission Requirements admission requirements vary from program to program and institution to institution. University Transfer programs require English 12 (C or C+) and other program-specific requirements. You must consult the appropriate institution’s calendar or website for specific current information.

Planning Ahead The following will be required in the next few months: ◦ A Finalized Post-Graduation plan. Will you be applying to post secondary? What are the deadlines for application? ◦ Create letters of introduction and academic resumes, in anticipation of their use in applying for scholarships, bursaries, programs, or jobs. ◦ Obtain at least two letters of reference (at least one from a teacher or administrator) to include with #2. ◦ Gather information on financial support for your post-secondary plans. Check out or for scholarship information, as well as other sources of funding. Student loan information can be found at:

University and College Admission Deadlines Usually the end of February or beginning of March Some colleges and universities allow for year-round application (eg. NIC, Camosun) or early application (eg. VIU, UVIC). Some college programs have numerous start dates. Check the calendars in the Counselling Office, or, better yet, the school’s website for specific dates and requirements (application forms, fees, etc.).  The easiest way to apply to university and college programs in BC is to go to:   Opportunity for releasing marks for PSI is now available, please see handout  Post Secondary Institution Day is Nov 4.

So, What’s it all going to cost?

Students Should Consider All Possible Sources of Funding  Parent and family support  Savings from part-time & summer jobs  Loans (government; financial institutions)  Entrance Scholarships  Bursaries  Affiliation (parents, relatives, 1 st Nations Status, etc.)  Work Study / other part-time work How are we going to pay for this?

Scholarships and Bursaries Scholarship awards are primarily determined based upon G.P.A. Bursaries will usually use a number of criteria (often including G.P.A. and financial need, plus others) to determine eligibility.  Be aware that financial awards may have restrictions as to when they can/must be used. These may be offered throughout the year, and application deadlines and eligibility criteria will vary.

Entrance Scholarships These are not awarded until after your application for admission to the specific institution has been approved. If the institution requires special application, deadlines are usually prior to the end of March, but check to be sure.

Vanier Bursaries Information about the scholarships and bursaries offered through the school can be accessed through the Vanier Website at: and click on “Graduation”, then the “Bursaries” link. Bursary packages will be available in early February and due just prior to Spring Break

Provincial Scholarship Program Eligibility is automatically calculated based upon your results on all government exams: English, Math and Science 10 Social Studies 11/First Nation Studies 12 English 12 / Communications 12 The top 5000 averages (with minimum mark of 73% on the EN12 exam) will be awarded $1000. Recipients will be informed by mail.

Finally Start NOW to make decisions about your future, to get organized, and to take steps to make it happen. Good luck!