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

8 -9

• Secondary School Online Application SSOLA

10- 11

• Out of Province Applications

11

• U.S. Universities/Colleges

12

• Scholarships & Financial Aid

13

• English Language Requirements

14

1

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: Assis tant Curri culum Leader : Guidance (M-Z) Mr. Bige low: Guidance Counse l lor (A-L)

Ms.Ramcharan: Guidance Off i ce Assis tant

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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.

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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.

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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/american-

universities.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

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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.

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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 condit ional 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 univers i t i es wi l l not accept s tudents who do not have a Diploma. You must complete your community serv i ce hours to graduate ! ! !

7

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?

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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

Thurs OCT 7

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

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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

This list includes sessions booked as of Sept 21st . 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.)

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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

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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.

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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

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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 post-secondary 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 work- OSAP 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!

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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 Prof i c i ency 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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