1. Welcome to postsecondary 101
By PresenterMedia.com

2. Thoughts from IB2s for YOU 
The best way to really understand your choices is to get on campus
Keep your options open because you might change your mind
It is important to start writing essays in the summer…fall of IB2 is very busy… If I could do it over again, I would have finished a number of essays.
Avoid last minute stress…. Get the applications done well before the deadline
I severely underestimated the writing process… I am currently on a massive spree to make up for the potential time lost.
Get help from (your) counsellor as often as possible…. They are a huge asset throughout the application process

3. Resources and Support Counsellor; Leigh Berndsen; reference materials
UCO
Counsellor; Leigh Berndsen; reference materials
University Reps
70+ liaison reps to UCC from Canada, UK and US
Future Ties
Weekly newsletter from UCO beginning in April
NAVIANCE
Tool for postsecondary prep (access via Haiku)
Guide Books
Maclean’s Canadian University; For Grads Only
WORKSHOPS
Applications, scholarships, interviews
Guidance and support
PARENTS

4. General Expectations
CAS
Maintain/enhance co-curricular involvement ; initiative, leadership
RESUME
Update regularly to keep it current
NAVIANCE
All aspects of postsecondary applications
ACADEMICS
Strong IB1 finish including EE & TOK
Reduce stress: research > visit schools > create a plan for the next 12 months
START NOW

5. Timeline Overview - All IB1 students
Meet counsellor > discuss programs, schools, plan Research programs for YOUR interests & academic fit
Arrange campus visit(s)
Future Ties > available weekly in Spring
Spring workshops > US and UK schools and Canadian scholarship and essay applications
Remainder of IB1
Summer
Review potential schools following IB1 June grades
Arrange campus visits
Attend university liaison rep UCC
Attend all relevant application & scholarship workshops
Participate in a practice interview session
Fall IB2

6. FOR EDITING SUPPORT: ALL ESSAYS MUST BE COMPLETED A MINIMUM
Canadian Timeline
Use Maclean’s guide to become familiar with schools
Ontario university open houses in March Break
Remainder of IB1
Summer
Arrange/ campus visits
Attend Ontario University Fair in September
Submit OUAC application > Reference number > Access to school specific supplemental applications
Complete out-of-province application(s) > some need OUAC reference number
Early submission may mean early (pre-January) offer
Ideally complete personal essays before December
break
Fall IB2
FOR EDITING SUPPORT: ALL ESSAYS MUST BE COMPLETED A MINIMUM
1 WEEK PRIOR TO DEADLINE

7. FOR EDITING SUPPORT: ALL ESSAYS MUST BE COMPLETED A MINIMUM
UK Timeline
Research IB subject and grade requirements for program of interest
Early applicants (Oct) > finalize referee before June
Remainder of IB1
Prepare for any standardized tests
Conduct extensive reading into proposed area of study
Early applicants: finish personal statement prior to fall term
Summer
Attend mandatory UCAS application registration workshop
Register for and take required standardized tests
Regular applicants: finalize referee by October 15
Internal deadlines for application completion:
September 30 = Early; December 1 = Regular
Interviews: medical are in person; OxBridge: in person or Skype
Fall IB2
FOR EDITING SUPPORT: ALL ESSAYS MUST BE COMPLETED A MINIMUM
1 WEEK PRIOR TO DEADLINE

8. FOR EDITING SUPPORT: ALL ESSAYS MUST BE COMPLETED A MINIMUM
US Timeline
With counsellor, review potential schools; research to refine list
Standardized test prep; register & write ACT/SAT / Subject tests
Athletics: Register with NCAA and reach out to coaches
Early applicants: finalize 2 academic referees before June exams
Remainder of IB1
Summer
Prepare and register for any additional standardized tests
Early applicants (Nov 1): complete the Common Application essay and supplemental essays drafts prior to start of fall term
Attend mandatory Common Application workshop (or last June)
Register for and complete any required SAT/ACT/Subject tests
Regular applicants: finalize referees by October 15
Internal deadlines for application completion:
September 30 = Early; December 1 = Regular
Early Decision offer > must withdraw ALL other applications
Fall IB2
FOR EDITING SUPPORT: ALL ESSAYS MUST BE COMPLETED A MINIMUM
1 WEEK PRIOR TO DEADLINE

9. Understanding the Admission Process
Your Task: To evaluate the suitability of candidates for selective post-secondary programs
What are the criteria considered in each case?
What are the key elements of each student’s profile?
How does the writing sample enhance the candidate’s chances for admission?
As a committee, assess the students’ fit for each program—would you make them an offer? Why/Why Not?

10. Homework Parent: factors important for your son’s postsecondary
options?
(his interests, learning style, program, location, school size, cost)
Student: factors important to you for postsecondary options?
( your interests, learning style, program, location, school size, cost)
Both: Hopes for his/your postsecondary education?
Career Studies Reminders:
Post-Secondary Liaison Presentation (April 21)
Campus Visit Report (September 19)

11. WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT AND GUIDE YOU
Take Away
Breathe 
No “ONE” path – YOUR Best FIT is essential
Discuss + Research + Visit + Reflect
Develop a plan of next steps together to keep options open and minimize stress
WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT AND GUIDE YOU