2.  If considering post secondary education, you need to make an informed decision about whether to attend university or college.  Both provide different types of education with different benefits, costs, and time commitments.  This is likely the most important research project of your life thus far!

3.  Certificate –  (1 year)  Diploma –  (2-3 years)  Applied Degree - (4 years)  Collaborative Degree  Apprenticeship

4.  Job specific (ie. Paramedic)  Dependent learner ( hands-on learning with expert in field)  1, 2, or 3 years

5. Living away: $15,000 + Living at home: $7,000 +

6. 1. School(Which is the best fit for you?) 2. Program(Arts, Science, Engineering, Business, Nursing, etc.)

7.  Which schools offer the program?  What is the course of study? Not all programs will offer the same depth of focus.

8.  Prerequisite courses  Marks  Additional requirements - personal statement of experience - audition/personal interview - portfolio

9.  Paid work experience that helps students build their resume for future employment.  Can take place in alternate semesters or in 12-14 month blocks of time.  Entrance averages are often higher.

10.  Transportation to and from school  Family connections?  Cost of living (Oshawa vs. Toronto)

11.  Most students will live in residence for first year only.  Be aware of off-campus housing opportunities and costs.

12.  Types of rooms (single, double, apartment)  Washroom facilities (shared, co-ed)  Meal plan costs and options

13.  Each school has its own process for granting scholarships  Visit the school’s “Financial Aid” section in their website

14.  Attend College Open Houses: Visit the colleges’ websites to get specific dates  Book a private tour: Most schools have private tours if you cannot make it to the Open House events  Visit www.ontariocolleges.ca

16.  All applications are submitted online.  College Application: ‘date of equal consideration’ is February 1 st, 2015

17.  Students may apply to FIVE programs for a fee of $95.00. OCAS will send all inform to the colleges. Fee is non-refundable.  Fee can be paid through on line or telephone banking, credit card, or cheque.  Date funds are received is the date the application is processed.

18. The school sends marks to OCAS at five different times in the year: -November Student data file: all previously completed grade 11 and 12 courses and marks from all current courses -February final marks for semester 1 -April mid term marks for semester 2 -July final marks for semester 2 -August final summer school marks

19. OFFERS : start February 1 st 2015 - Earliest release of offers by the colleges to all applicants. Offers will continue to be issued until programs are filled or wait-lists are established. ACCEPT by May 1, 2015 - Applicants must confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission to their chosen program through ontariocolleges.ca by this date.

20.  All offers of admission are conditional unless a student has already completed enough required courses with the required entrance average.  Offers are firmed up in July after final marks have been received.  Conditions will be outlined with the offer of admission (ie. 70% in English).

21.  Now is the time to discuss finances with your family. Are there some funds available to you?  Costs will vary from program to program & school to school.  Some programs at some schools have higher tuitions, especially after first year. - Business, Engineering

22.  All schools have their own financial aid offices with information about assistance  Investigate employer / association assistance for education  Entrance scholarships are automatic  Special scholarships are based on marks plus resume and require applications

23.  Student loans based on financial need  Parents will have to provide information from their Income Tax return.  Ontario Student Access Guarantee  No repayment is required until six months after you have graduated and are no longer a student. Interest free!  www.osap.gov.on.ca Look at the OSAP calculator! www.osap.gov.on.ca

24.  Many major banks have a “student line of credit.”  Usually requires a co-signer (parent/guardian).  Interest usually accumulates from the moment the loan begins, but there may be a grace period.

25.  Some Universities may require payments as early as May. Colleges will not request payments before June 17, 2013.  Tuition and residence payments may be requested in the summer  Payment deferrals have to be set up through the school’s Financial Aid Office.  The OSAP site is accessible by February. Funds are not usually not released until mid September.

26.  It is normal to feel overwhelmed when considering all of your options.  You have plenty of time to research!  Concentrate on your classes and try to achieve the best marks possible.  Guidance staff is available to help you.