1. Looking Ahead to Graduation

2. 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!)

3. 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 at the beginning of November.
Graduation Transition Plan (GTP)
Workshops organized by work experience

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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:

7. 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.
Most Post Secondary Institutions have a deadline for completion of online courses
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: Or
Opportunity for releasing marks for PSI is now available, please see handout
Post Secondary Institution Day is Nov 2.

8. So, What’s it all going to cost?

9. Students Should Consider All Possible Sources of Funding
How are we going to pay for this?
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, 1st Nations Status, etc.)
Work Study / other part-time work

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

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