Leaside High School - Toronto District School Board

Leaside High School
Grade 12 Student Guide
2012-2013
University/College
Application Process
CONTENTS
•
Introduction
1
•
Important Dates
2
•
University/College Application Process
3
•
Post Secondary Studies Resources on the Internet
4
•
How Do I Choose A University/College?
5
•
Ontario University Application Process & Ontario University Admission
Requirements
6
•
University/College Visits : Questions to Ask
7
•
University/College Visits at Leaside: Dates and Times of the Visits
•
Secondary School Online Application SSOLA
•
Out of Province Applications
11
•
U.S. Universities/Colleges
12
•
Scholarships & Financial Aid
13
•
English Language Requirements
14
8 -9
10- 11
Introduction
Welcome to your final year at Leaside!
We hope that this year will be a very successful one for you. There is plenty of help available at Leaside
High School. You may discuss your options with your subject teachers and the Guidance Counsellors. We
are here to help you with the critical decision of choosing the right university/college. This will help you
relieve the anxiety of the process of selecting a suitable post-secondary institution. Even though you have
many events and obligations at school the university/college selection process must be a high priority.
In reading this guide you will note that many things will happen in the first few months of school. It is an
exciting time; however, it is also a critical time. You will be provided with an abundance of information.
We are available for appointments and meetings to help you with your university/college selection and to
discuss your goals. Please feel free to drop in to the Guidance Office any time during the year if you have
any questions or concerns.
Good Luck and best wishes for your future endeavours! The Leaside Guidance Staff
Ms. Wilson: Assistant Curriculum Leader: Guidance (M-Z)
Mr. Bigelow: Guidance Counsellor (A-L)
Ms.Ramcharan: Guidance Office Assistant
1
Important Dates 2012/13
September 28 – September 30, 2012
Ontario Universities Fair, Metro Convention Centre
www.ouf.ca
October 23, 2012
Ontario Colleges Fair, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto
www.collegefair.ca
September 27, 2012
Assembly for University/College applicants. 10:15 am in Leaside Auditorium. Guidance Counsellors will
review the application process.
October 12, 2012
Leaside High School resumes due to the Guidance Office
October 4, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Leaside Gr. 11/12 Parent Information Night (Post Secondary)
October 19, 2012 @ 11:30 AM
Guidance Counsellors will review College application process, in the Guidance Office
January 16, 2013
Last date to submit on-line University applications to OUAC
February 1, 2013
Last date to submit online college applications to OCAS for equal consideration. After this date, colleges
consider applications on a first-come first-served basis.
February 5, 2013
RECOMMENDED last date for students to submit all information to OUAC, including university and
program changes as well as additional active choices, to be eligible for consideration for early admission.
May 29, 2013
The latest date by which secondary school applicants shall expect a response from an Ontario university.
June 3, 2013
The earliest date by which Ontario universities may require a response to an offer of admission and a
financial commitment of any kind.
2
UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications for Ontario Universities/Colleges are completed and submitted by students online. We
STRONGLY encourage you to submit your University and College applications before December
21, 2012. The University applications are due on January 16, 2013. College applications are due
before February 1, 2013.
Website volume is highest on the due dates, please apply early!
Important Definitions for the Ontario University and College Applications:
eInfo (Electronic Info) www.electronicinfo.ca
An on-line guide/reference tool, that outlines programs offered at Ontario universities, and the minimum
required marks/averages and pre-requisite courses.
Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) www.ouac.on.ca
The centre in Guelph that processes all Ontario applications. All your marks and Ontario university
selections are sent to this centre whereupon they are forwarded to the individual universities.
**Your OUAC reference number will also allow access to your marks, address and other important
information for McGill, Concordia, Bishops, Dalhousie, UBC and Victoria
Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) www.ontariocolleges.ca
The centre in Guelph that processes the Ontario College applications.
3
POST SECONDARY STUDIES RESOURCES ON THE INTERNET
WEBSITES FOR ONTARIO UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE INFORMATION RESEARCH:
• Ontario University Application Centre: http://www.ouac.on.ca/links/site-links.html – a link to
each Ontario University, undergraduate calendars, directory of Canadian universities, Ontario College
University Transfer Guide, Ontario Student Assistance Program…etc.
• Ontario College Application Service: www.ontariocolleges.ca –each community college website.
• Joint College-University Programs (Transfer guide): http://www.ocutg.on.ca/
• OSAP funds: www.osap.gov.on.ca (Student Loans Program)
• Scholarships: www.scholarshipscanada.com
•
If you don’t know what you want to take at university/college try taking the interest survey on this
website. It will link your interests to programs and career areas. www.careercruising.com (User
Name: Toronto, Password: 40930)
•
www.myBlueprint.ca : customized educational planner
CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES & CAREER COLLEGES RESEARCH:
• Info on over 700 Canadian universities & career colleges, including admission requirements, costs,
programs & contact details: www.schoolfinder.com
WEBSITES FOR WESTERN UNIVERSITIES RESEARCH:
• University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta: www.ualberta.ca
• University of British Columbia, Vancouver, and Kelowna, B.C.: www.welcome.ubc.ca
• Guide to all 28 post-secondary institutions in British Columbia, www.educationplanner.bc.ca
• Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, B.C.: www.sfu.ca
• Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Vancouver, B.C. :www.eciad.bc.ca
• University of North British Columbia, Prince George, B.C.: www.unbc.ca
WEBSITES FOR QUEBEC UNIVERSITIES RESEARCH:
• Bishop’s University, Lennoxville, Quebec: www.ubishops.ca
• Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec: www.concordia.ca
• McGill University, Montreal, Quebec: www.mcgill.ca
WEBSITES FOR EASTERN UNIVERSITIES RESEARCH:
• Mount Allison University, Sackville, N.B.: www.mta.ca
• University of New Brunswick, Frederickton, N.B.: www.unb.ca
• Dalhousie University, Halifax, N.S.: www.dal.ca
• St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, www.stfx.ca
WEBSITES FOR U.S. STUDIES RESEARCH:
• Listings of every four-year college website in U.S.: www.clas.ufl.edu/CLAS/americanuniversities.html
• Common Application form used for university application: www.commonapp.org
• SATs – Scholastic Aptitude Tests. Students register for these online and can take the tutorials online
as well at: www.collegeboard.com
• US Financial aid information: www.fafsa.org NCAA Eligibility Center,
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
4
How Do I Choose a University/College?
•
eINFO: all information for Ontario universities can be found on www.electronicinfo.ca This will list
all Ontario universities: their programs, admission averages and pre-requisite courses. It is critical that
you carefully review the information with particular emphasis on the schools that you are interested in
attending
•
University Liaison Visits to Leaside You will be given plenty of opportunity to discover your options.
Many of the Ontario Universities and out of province schools will visit Leaside High School. These
visits will occur in the fall. It is important to make a point of coming to these sessions and asking
questions. A schedule of visits is included in this booklet.
•
Ontario University Fair This is a great opportunity to gather information and discuss with the
Ontario Universities: September 28 – 30, 2012, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, as all of
the Ontario Universities will provide information about their schools, programs and required entrance
requirements. The Ontario Colleges fair is on October 23, 2012 Exhibition Place.
•
Talk to friends, relatives and former graduates. People who know you and know the academic rigor,
lifestyle and vibe on campus are all helpful resources.
•
Read about the Schools: There is a lot of information in the Guidance Office and on the Guidance
bulletin boards. As well you should read independent literature on the institutions, for example, each
year Macleans magazine reviews and ranks all Canadian Universities.
•
Campus Visits: Many universities have Open Houses throughout the year. All Universities welcome
students to their campuses.
Research on the Internet: All universities have their own websites. As well, you can often find student
run websites that give a student perspective of life on campus
Facebook, Twitter. Blogs and You Tube: most universities and colleges have social media accounts.
They have been encouraging students to sign up as they are very up to date and helpful.
•
•
** You should also review that you are taking all the necessary Grade 12 courses to get you into the
programs of your interest.**
Ultimately the decision is a personal one. It is imperative that you find a university that is a match
for you. You will find that each university and college has its own personality.
5
Ontario University Application Process
Entrance to all Ontario Universities is based upon your average of your six best Grade 12 U or M marks.
Universities may request a specific average for a required course. Pre-requisite courses for the program
MUST be included in your average calculations. For early conditional acceptance universities will also
examine your Grade 11 marks, including prerequisites for the particular program. All of your Grade 11
and Grade 12 marks are forwarded to the university. Some universities MAY use your Grade 11 marks
throughout the admission process.
Registration to Ontario Universities is made through SSOLA, the online application (also known as
www.ouac.on.ca COMPASS.101) from the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). You can
select as many universities and programs as you wish. The cost for the first three selections is $ 130.00.
Beyond this there is a charge of $ 44 per selection due: Jan. 16, 2013. Once you have applied it is
possible to make changes. It is best to make changes before February 5, 2013.
Once you have made an application to a university you will usually be asked to fill in a personal
information form or supplementary information form. This is an opportunity to let the universities know
of your extra curricular activities and interests and any awards that you may have earned. If you are
academically on the border of being accepted, the personal information form will play a vital role in
determining whether or not you will be accepted. Some programs require a portfolio, interview or
audition as part of the application process. MOST UNIVERSITIES WILL NOTIFY YOU BY
EMAIL OR REGULAR MAIL WITH THIS REQUEST!!!
Toronto District School Board will forward your entire Grade 11 and Grade 12 marks to the OUAC
by mid February. Another set of marks will be sent by the end of April. Final marks are sent
early in July. If you attend Summer School, it is your responsibility to notify the universities and
to send your transcript to the admissions office.
Universities will make conditional offers of acceptance for admission. This may also include offers of
residence and entrance scholarships. It is important to remember that this is a conditional offer. Your
marks cannot drop significantly from the marks forwarded by the school in April. How much is
significant? Each university has developed its own policy on this issue. Please check with the Guidance
Office for clarification. However, the best policy is to continue working diligently until June. Many
universities are now using final June marks for finalizing entrance scholarships. Your June marks may
award you an excellent scholarship!
Ontario University Admission Requirements
Students are advised to check specific university admission requirements. DO YOUR
RESEARCH NOW !!! Check electronic eINFO at www.electronicinfo.ca . Not all universities
have the same prerequisites.
• Grade 12 Courses used for admission purposes: 4U, 4M* (*M is the ministry code for
University/College courses). Some universities accept a limited number of “M” courses. Check
the eINFO website and the Universities’ websites.
• CO-OP, Open ‘O’, & College ‘C’ courses are NOT considered for admission requirements to
university. Community Service Requirements: Grade 12 Graduating Students must complete 40
hours of community service as a diploma requirement. Students have to complete this requirement and
must submit the information to the Guidance Department to be entered on your transcript. The
universities will not accept students who do not have a Diploma. You must complete your
community service hours to graduate!!!
6
University / College Visits
Place & Time: Please see the attached schedule of visits to Leaside. These are presented by the
University/College Representatives.
What to Ask: The following are questions you may want to ask:
•
Size of school
•
Urban/rural setting
•
Types of programs – what are they known for?
•
What makes them different from other universities/colleges?
•
What scholarships are available?
•
With admission, is residence guaranteed?
•
What is the cost?
•
Can I defer my admission?
•
Does the university have exchange programs with other universities?
•
Does the university accept M level credits?
•
Does the university accept AP courses?
•
How are repeated courses considered in the average calculation?
•
Are there any special days scheduled for Grade 12 students to visit the campuses?
7
LEASIDE HIGH SCHOOL - 2010-2011
SCHEDULE FOR UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE LIAISON VISITS
DATE
TIME
NAME OF INSTITUTION
LOCATION
Wed SEPT 22
9:00 am
ASSEMBLY for all GRADE 12's
Auditorium
Thurs SEP 23
9:00 am
St. THOMAS University, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Guidance
Thurs SEP 23
11:30 am
CONCORDIA University
Auditorium
Fri, Sat, Sun - SEPT 24, 25, 26
www.ouf.ca for detailed schedule
www.studentlifeexpo.com
ONTARIO UNIVERSITY FAIR
&
The Student Life Expo
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(South Building)
222 Bremner Blvd
Mon SEP 27
11:30 am
YORK University (Keele Campus)
Auditorium
Wed SEP 29
11:30 am
DALHOUSIE University
Auditorium
Wed SEP 29
1:00 pm
MEMORIAL University
TBA
Thurs SEP 30
9:00 am
University of GUELPH- HUMBER
TBA
Thurs SEP 30
10:15 am
University of ONTARIO Institute of Technology
TBA
Thurs SEP 30
11:30 am
RYERSON University (Engineering)
Auditorium
Fri OCT 1
11:30 am
Scholarship Information Session
Auditorium
Mon OCT 4
11:30 am
HUMBER College
Guidance Office
Wed OCT 6
11:30
COLLEGE APPLICATION Information Session
Guidance Office
Thurs OCT 7
11:30 am
CARLETON University
Auditorium
1:00 pm
University of WINDSOR
Guidance Office
Thurs OCT 7
2:00 pm
GEORGE BROWN College
TBA
Fri OCT 8
10:15 am
University of WESTERN ONTARIO
TBA
Wed OCT 13
9:00 am
SENECA College
TBA
Wed OCT 13
11:30 am
RYERSON University
Auditorium
Thurs OCT 14
11:30 am
International University Application Info Session
Guidance Office
Thurs OCT 14
2:00 pm
ALGOMA University
Guidance Office
Fri OCT 15
11:30 am
KING’S University College (Western)
Auditorium
Fri OCT 15
2:00 am
WILFRIED LAURIER University
TBA
Mon OCT 18
9:00 am
ACADIA University
Guidance Office
Mon OCT 18
2:00 pm
University of NEW BRUNSWICK
Guidance Office
Tue OCT 19
11:30 am
SAT Seminar
Guidance Office
Tue OCT 19
www.collegefair.ca for detailed schedule
ONTARIO COLLEGE FAIR
Direct Energy Centre
Exhibition Place, Toronto
Wed OCT 20
9:00 am
University of KING’S College, Halifax
Guidance Office
Wed OCT 20
11:30 am
IVEY School of Business (Western)
Auditorium
Fri OCT 22
11:30 am
University of Toronto (Engineering)
Auditorium
Mon OCT 25
10:15 am
NIPISSING University
Guidance Office
Mon Oct 25
2:15 pm
QUEEN’S University
TBA
Thurs OCT 28
11:30 am
St. FRANCIS XAVIER University
Auditorium
Fri OCT 29
11:30 am
TRENT University
Guidance Office
Thurs OCT 7
8
Mon NOV 1
11:30 am
University of WATERLOO
Auditorium
Wed Nov 3
11:30 am
University of BRITISH COLUMBIA
Auditorium
Mon Nov 8
10;15 am
BISHOP’S University
Guidance Office
Mon Nov 8
11:30 am
University of TORONTO
Auditorium
Wed Nov. 10
11:30 am
HURON University College (Western)
Guidance
Thurs Nov 11
11:30 am
University of OTTAWA
Auditorium
Fri NOV 12
11:30 am
McGill University
Auditorium
Mon Nov 15
11:30 am
University of GUELPH
Auditorium
Thurs Nov 18
2:00 pm
Western Universities Fair
TBA
Mon Nov 22
11:30 am
LAKEHEAD University
Guidance Office
st
This list includes sessions booked as of Sept 21 . There may be additions or changes to the
schedule; therefore students are asked to listen to morning announcements and refer to the updated
schedule posted outside the Guidance Office.
(TBA – To be announced 1-2 days in advance.)
9
Secondary School Online Application (SSOLA)
For University Applicants
Overview
The Ontario College Application Services (OCAS) and the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre
(OUAC) have online applications for students seeking admission to Ontario colleges and universities.
Application
In mid-November a personal Identification Number (PIN) is sent to the Guidance Department once the
electronic data for a student is submitted to the OUAC. Confidential envelopes will be printed for each
student attending a school registered for SSOLA. These envelopes, sorted by name and accompanied by a
corresponding checklist of names and PINs, will be mailed to each school for distribution to the students.
Once the confidential envelopes are distributed, students will be able to complete the online application.
The access codes required for login includes the school number (BSID/MIDENT), the secondary school
student number (SSSN) and the PIN.
The deadline for online applications for the 2012/2013 application cycle is January 16, 2013. Students are
encouraged to apply as early as possible since files are forwarded to the universities as they are processed.
You will begin to receive mail (regular mail and email) from each university once your application has
been processed. READ EVERYTHING you receive and be sure to meet all deadlines. Leaside
does not receive these requests as each individual may receive a different message, date, etc.!
Applicants will be able to pay the application fee online by credit card or telephone bill payment, or by
mail with a cheque or money order. Since the service fee is considered part of the application, the
completed application will only be forwarded to the university once the payment is processed. Students
who pay by cheque or money order must have their fee received by the OUAC within two weeks of
applying, after which the application date will be converted to match the date on which the fee is received.
On completion of the online application the student will be issued an OUAC reference number and
encouraged to change his/her PIN to a personal password.
Online applicants will receive an acknowledgment letter listing the universities and programs selected
and providing instructions on how to view and/or update their application online. After the application
has been submitted, the access codes will be the OUAC reference number and the applicant’s chosen
password.
Counsellors will be able to electronically access their students’ application information and update
academic information. Online options, for use by school officials only, are also available to provide a
variety of status reports.
Updates
Once students have submitted their online application, they will be able to review and make changes to
the information in their file (with the exception of their academic data) by accessing the online Review and
10
Change Your Application. Access will be gained using the OUAC reference number and the student’s
chosen password.
The Guidance department will be able to review application data and modify academic data for all
students at their schools through the online Inquiry and Academic Updates component. Please make an
appointment with a Counsellor if you have any questions about your data.
Online changes made to an applicant’s data by either the student or the school official will be reflected in
the online Review and Change Your Application (students) and the online Inquiry and Academic Update (school
officials).
Grades
The Toronto District School Board will forward electronic data files to the OUAC for processing in
February, April, July and August (TDSB Summer School courses). Once processed, electronic grades
reports will be available on the reporting tool for school officials. Counsellors will be able to correct, add
and delete academic data through the online update function.
Out of Province Applications
•
Each of the universities has its own applications. These applications may be obtained through the
Guidance Office or most applications can be downloaded from the Universities’ websites.
Application to a particular university is made directly to the registrar’s office at that university.
•
The universities will require that Leaside send your full high school transcript. They will be looking to
see that your marks are increasing or are maintaining themselves.
•
Students applying to McGill, Concordia, Calgary, Bishop’s, UBC, Dalhousie or Simon Fraser, Victoria
should include your OUAC Reference # on your “Out of Province Application” and all information
will be obtained through OUAC. The above universities will be able to access your grades through
OUAC.
•
The application form is comprehensive. The university wants to know about your extra-curricular
activities, interests and awards. In some cases you may also be expected to write a personalized essay.
•
The application deadline date varies with each university. Generally the deadline dates are at the end
of January or in February. You may hear from the university within a month of receipt of the
application, with the exception of McGill, Bishops and Dalhousie. McGill, Bishops, and Dalhousie
will respond along with the Ontario universities (an OUAC # is required). You must check with the
Guidance Office for specific dates or check the university website.
•
If possible, it would be worthwhile to visit these out of province institutions. Check for Open Houses
during March Break on the websites.
11
U.S. Universities/Colleges
There are over 2000 accredited 4 year colleges in the United States. Your options are almost unlimited. It
will be your challenge to find the right fit for you.
In most circumstances you should not apply to more than 6 colleges or universities. The following is a
general guide for selections. Some of the criteria that you should consider when deciding on U.S. schools
are:
 Cost
 Program
 Admission requirements
 SAT scores required
 Location
 Application process
 Work Load
 Long term work goals (US or Canada?)
 Ivy League, Jr. Ivy League, State College
Some possible sources of information:
• Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges
• Barron’s Top 50 – An Inside Look at America’s Best Colleges
• The Best 311 Colleges – Princeton Review
• Peterson’s Guide to Four year College
All of the books may be purchased at Chapters, Indigo, etc. If time permits, visit the schools which interest
you and make yourself known to the Admissions Officers.
Make sure that you know the school intimately. Admission committees or interviewers will be looking to
see how much you know about their school.
Make sure that you give yourself adequate time to prepare your application. This is not something
that can be done at the last minute. If you are applying for Early Decision or Early Action, then you
will have to meet a November deadline. This is the date by which schools must receive your package.
Leaside US/International Application Meeting: Tuesday, October 2 at 11:30 in the
Guidance Office
12
Scholarships & Financial Aid
FOUR STRATEGIES FOR RESEARCHING SCHOLARSHIPS
1. Senior Announcements and the Guidance Bulletin Boards: The Guidance Office advertises
scholarships that come to our office. These come in at staggered times throughout the year.
Scholarships are also listed in the Guidance Weekly Announcements, which is posted weekly and is
also available for Leaside email subscribers. Many local scholarships are available only to Leaside
students. Applications will be available in mid May, 2013 in the Guidance office.
2. e INFO: www.electronicinfo.ca - Individual university scholarships, requirements and application
procedures.
3. Scholarship Web Sites: These websites on the internet give students access to information on
thousands of Canadian entrance-level scholarships, bursaries, and other financial awards:
 www.ScholarshipsCanada.com
 www.studentawards.com
 www.campusaccess.com
4. (a) Parents' employers and associations
(b) Cultural Organizations
Leaside Scholarship Meeting: Wednesday, October 3 at 11:30 in the Auditorium.
Further scholarship information will be outlined.
Financial Assistance
CAN LEARN: provides interactive and comprehensive information and services designed to help
individuals save, plan and pay for lifelong learning opportunities. CanLearn is the only online postsecondary education resource that provides Canadians with the information and services they need to
decide what and where to study and how to cover the costs. www.canlearn.ca
OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program)
 the OSAP online application will be available in April ( apply early, at least 10 weeks before you
start post- secondary education) http://osap.gov.on.ca
 Financial planning tool available at http://accesswindow.osap.gov.on.ca This website will answer the
following a) What financial aid is available to me? b) What financial aid is available through the
school I want to attend? c) What will I pay back after I graduate? d) How does OSAP workOSAP 101?
The Ontario Government has enhanced the accessibility and quality of financial aid. Check out each
University as there have been increases of loans and grants!
13
English Language Requirements
Students whose first language is not English and who have studied in an English Language School in an
English speaking country for less than 5 years must prove English language proficiency by writing a
language proficiency test. Students should contact their Guidance Counsellor to discuss the Language
Requirements Tests. Most Universities require FOUR full years of secondary- school level English in a
country where English is the primary language.
The following tests may be written:
•
•
•
•
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS)
Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency (MELAB)
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
Each university outlines their English Language Proficiency Requirements. Please check the
universities language requirements for acceptable tests and scores. In addition, students may
discuss the requirements with a Guidance Counsellor.
Language Requirements can also be found on eINFO, at www.electronicinfo.ca
.
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