Post Secondary Prep
Session #1
• Articles for interesting reading!
•Transcript Verification
•Considerations for Post-Secondary planning
• Entrance Requirements & Broad Based Admissions
• How to apply online to UBC, OC, U Vic
• Tips for applying to the post secondary school
• Costs of Education & Scholarship news
• Studying in the USA
• Important dates to note
•Q&A
Post Secondary Prep
Session #1
BE SURE TO SIGN IN
PLEASE!
The attendance will be
reported back to your
teachers.
KEEP YOURSELF ORGANIZED!
Post-Secondary institutions are adult
communities where YOU are ultimately
responsible for your education.
Consider creating a file or binder
specifically for your post-secondary
education planning:
Handouts from PSP sessions
Printouts of program research
Brochures, calendars, pamphlets, etc.
Emails & correspondence with education advisors
User names and passwords for profiles created on
GET INFORMATION!
YOU are responsible for getting the information
you need to make informed decisions.
Most post-secondary schools enable you to create
an account as a ‘prospective student’ for free. This
enables the school to email you about events and
information that you may need to consider programs and
complete your application.
This is not an application.
Ex: “youbc “ at UBC
“myOkanagan” – at Okanagan College
Graduation Requirements
BC Ministry of Education = 80 credits
OKM = 88 credits + 6 blocks inside timetable
“Must-haves”:
min. of 16 gr 12 level credits
Grad Transitions
5 prov. exams {En 10, Sc 10, a Ma 10, a SS 11, Eng 12 or Com 12}
Grad Status: Track your marks
• Ministry of Education: Student Secure Web
Create account => check marks & exam results
•  Ms Green and Ms Proch count credits of all
grade 12s 
Still unsure of a career path?
http://www.educationplanner.ca
http://www.careercruising.com
User name: OKM
Password: huskies
These websites give info on careers,
education, where programs are offered,
projected income, etc. Very useful!
Post-Secondary Info:
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
How Long Will You Study?
• Certificate:
program is one year or less
• Diploma:
program is 2 years in length
• Associate Degree: 2 years of university transfer course work
in Arts or Sciences (up to 60 transfer
credits)
• Degree:
program is 4 years in length
*also known as an Undergraduate Degree
• Masters:
usually 2 years in length, AFTER your
undergraduate degree (6 yrs total)
*also known as a Graduate Degree
Post-Secondary Options
College
-certificates, diplomas, and limited
degree programs offered
-trades programs
-University transfer programs
Apprenticeship
-specific training in a skilled trade
-on the job experience
-4 year work and school rotation
(earn while you learn)
Institutes
-technical training in a variety of
specific trades and careers
-programs generally 6 months to 2
years in length
-some specialized degree
programs available
University
-in-depth academic education,
with a minimum of a 4 year
commitment
-degree-granting (undergraduate
& graduate degrees)
-Professional occupations (law,
teaching, dentistry, medicine)
-ex: BCIT, Emily Carr, Justice Institute
Post Secondary Pathways
UNIVERSITY vs COLLEGE
University
College
• Entrance Requirements =
Eng 12 + 3 approved grade 12
courses (B.C.)
• Personal profile may be
required
• Competitive entrance
• Larger professor base
• More elective course options
• Research opportunities
• Work study options
• Can be more expensive
• Entrance Requirements:
En 12 (Associate of Arts)
En 12 + P-Cal 12 (Associate of Science)
*university transfer programs
• Student responsible for transfer:
www.bccat.bc.ca
www.bctranferguide.ca
• Varied program options in
certificate, diploma & technical
skills and university transfer
• Smaller classes
• Can be less expensive
VS
Post Secondary Entrance Requirements
in the “What’s Next?” Guide
•UBC Okanagan– p. 22
•Okanagan College – p. 24
•University SCIENCES – p. 26
•University ARTS – p. 27
•Approved Gr 12 Courses – p. 21
Last Year’s Entrance Averages - OC
•Most programs are first apply, first admitted
and do not have specific entrance averages
• Exception: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Entrance Average last year 86%
Last Year’s Entrance Averages - UBC
UBC Vancouver
To be considered, students must have an
average in the mid to high 80%’s
UBC Okanagan
To be considered, students must have an
average in the mid 70s to low 80%’s
*Nursing – mid to high 80’s
Stronger grades together with a strong personal profile will be
required in order to be considered competitive for admission
*min. of 70% in English 11 or 12
*75% blended final or 80% Term 3 English 12
mark to register in 1st year English course
*minimum of 67% in English 12
*70% blended final English 12 mark to register
in 1st year English course
Entrance Averages
These are the minimum admission averages to be
considered for entrance to a competitive entrance program
University of Victoria
Business
80%+
Engineering
70% (73% in Math 12)
Fine Arts
67%
Human/Social Development 67%
Humanities
67%
Science
67%
Social Sciences
67%
Education, Health Information Science,
Nursing and Social Work are not
available directly from high school
Simon Fraser University
Applied Sciences (Eng)
Arts and Social Sciences
Business
Education
Health Sciences
Science
Environment
Communication, Art & Tech
85%
86%
85%+ BBA
87%
87%
86%
85%
85%
WARNING: ONLINE COURSES
Grade 12 students taking a DL (online) course
for post-secondary entrance :
COMPLETE ANY ONLINE COURSE FOR GRAD
&/or POST-SECONDARY ENTRANCE
BEFORE FEBRUARY 1st.
Make certain your online school reports your
final mark to the Ministry of Education.
Online PSI CHOICES Form
• Complete a Post Secondary Choices Form online referred to as a “PSI” Form
• This allows the post secondary school to receive your marks electronically
• ALL students planning to attend Post –Secondary MUST do this by
March 1, 2014
• BC Ministry of Education: Student Secure Web
https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/tsw/tsw/student/
*same place where students check provincial exam results
• Must have your PEN # to create your account & do your PSI selection
NOW OPEN ~ Instructions in Counselling Centre!
Transcript Verification Report
TVR
• Check your transcript for accuracy. Make any
corrections necessary directly on the
transcript.
• Many institutions will require you to “selfreport “your grades.
• What will a transcript be used for this year?
• PEN -PIN-MIN: Provincial Ed Number
The Costs of Education
•
•
•
•
TUITION
STUDENT FEES
HEALTH FEES
DENTAL FEES
•
•
•
•
BOOKS & SUPPLIES
HOUSING
FOOD
TRANSPORTATION
What is your financial plan?
UBC Online Cost Calculator
www.you.ubc.ca
•
Select your campus: Vancouver or Okanagan tab
•
Select “How much will it cost to attend UBC”
•
Select Find out the costs for your program
Allows students to total their costs, with variables for living
arrangements and program choice.
The Cost of Education Example:
UBC-O ARTS
EDUCATIONAL COSTS
(Full first-year course load)
Tuition
Student fees
Books
$4794
$889
$2020
Educational costs
$7,703
LIVING COSTS
(8 months)
Room and board
$0
Transportation (bus) $240
Personal expenses
$2,500
Phone
$960
BC Health Insurance $512
Living costs
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST
$4,212
$11,915
… and that’s with living at home for FREE
The Cost of Education Example:
Okanagan College – Associate of Arts
EDUCATIONAL COSTS
(Full first-year course load)
Tuition
Student fees
Books
$3,567
$470
$1,500
Educational costs
$5,537
LIVING COSTS
(8 months)
Room and board
$0
Transportation (bus) $240
Personal expenses
$2,500
Phone
$960
Health & Dental
$250
Living costs
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST
$3,950
$9,487
… and that’s with living at home for FREE
OC Program Costs 2013-2014
www.okanagan.bc.ca/tuition
PROGRAM
COST
Bachelor of Nursing - years 1 & 2
$11,505.33
Dental Assistant Certificate
$4,783.16
Civil Engineering Technology Diploma - years 1 & 2
$10,908.82
Culinary Arts Certificate
$4,783.16
Early Childhood Education Diploma – years 1 &2
$7,133.00
Electronic Engineering Technology Diploma – years 1 & 2
$11,008.46
Human Service Work Diploma – years 1 & 2
$6,616.52
Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma – years 1 & 2
$10,634.82
Network and Telecom Engineering Diploma – years 1 & 2
$10,696.94
Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN) – entire 18 month program
$10,671.95
Residential Construction
$3,769.22
Therapist Assistant Diploma– years 1 & 2
$7,700.73
Welding Level C
$3,779.34
Post-Secondary Info:
APPLYING TO
POSTSECONDARY
Post Secondary Applications
Everyone should have PLAN A and PLAN B!
(plus maybe Plan C & D & E…)
SUBMIT MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS TO
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN!
+
+
+
=
Tips for Applying Online
• Set aside at least one hour to complete the application
• Have your PEN number and SIN number handy
• When asked where you attended school, be sure to identify where
you attended for grades 9-12 as they want to know you have taken
school in English for the past 4 yrs (grades 9-12)
• Know your full mailing address with postal code
• Email address needs to be the one you check the most frequently
(Not a school district account)
• Email will be the primary method of communication from post-sec.
• Application fee payment due at the time of application so you’ll also
need to have a credit card handy
• Apply as early as possible for OC
Why Apply Early?
Please apply as soon as possible because:
1. Some college programs are “first apply, first in” and
those ones tend to fill up very quickly.
2. If the post-secondary institution requires additional
information from you, you then have the time to fulfill
their requests without further delaying your
application.
3. Some schools allow students to choose courses based
on application date. Therefore if you are late in
applying you may not et the classes you want.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Your Grade 11 final grades AND your Grade 12 First Semester
final grades are used by the post secondary schools to
determine whether or not you are accepted.
• It is IMPERATIVE that your grades are meeting the admission
standards, set by the college/university, by your January
report card
• Don’t slack off, and don’t think you can wait until June to get
the marks you need!!
• Be sure to complete your PSI on line before March 1
How to Apply to OKANAGAN COLLEGE
1. http://www.okanagan.bc.ca
*Non-refundable application fee -$30
2. Click on become a student
*Friday November 1, 2013 – online
applications begin at 8:30 am
3. Click on High School
*Some programs are first come first
served, so apply as early as
possible
4. Click on How to Apply
*Some programs available until filled,
so no set close date
5. Click on Apply Now – Choose
Program
*OC Career Fair at KLO Campus on
Sunday, Nov. 2 (10:30 am - 3:00pm)
**No App fee if apply at Career Fair
How to Apply to U VIC
1. http://www.uvic.ca
2. Click on “Future Students
“Undergraduate”
3. Click on “Apply Online”
4. Click “Ready to Apply”
5. “Apply for Undergraduate
Studies”
6. New Applicant/Create
Profile
*Create a profile
*Note: $68.85 non-refundable
application fee (Visa, MC AMEX or
cheque)
*Online applications open September 1
February 28 deadline
*Self-report final grade 11 marks from
October 1- November 30 to be
considered for early admission:
www.uvic.ca/selfreporting
How to Apply to UBC
*Non-refundable application fee
of $61.20
1.
http://www.ubc.ca
2.
Click on Prospective Studentundergraduate
*One application for both campuses
3.
Click on campus of choice
*Must indicate 1st & 2nd choice of
program and campus
4.
Click on Apply to UBC for 2013
5.
New user: create an account
*Online application is now open and
closes February 3, 2014
* ALLOW LOTS OF TIME!!!
UBC: Broad Based Admission
Academic Profile + Personal Profile = ENTRANCE
(admission course mark average)
(full length answers to prompts)
A Personal Profile requires CAREFUL,
REFLECTIVE THOUGHT in every answer.
Focus less on listing / describing activities.
Focus instead on what you have learned
through these experiences.
UBC Personal Profile
1. Tell us about an experience that caused you to rethink or change your perspective. What
impact has this had on you? (200 words)
2. Explain how you responded to a significant challenge that you have encountered and what you
learned in the process. (200 words)
3. Describe up to 5 activities that you have pursued in 1 or more of the following areas:
leadership/group contributions; academics; sports; creative & performing arts; work; service to
others. Provide a short description of each (50 words), indicating dates and times.
4. Tell us more about one of the activities explaining what your goals were, what you did to
pursue them, the results achieved, and what you learned in the process. (200 words)
5.Use a Word Document to prepare you Profile answers and then cut and paste your final copy
into the online application to avoid lost work.
UBC Personal Profile
Explain how you responded to a significant challenge that you have encountered and
what you learned in the process. (200 words)
At the first of my volunteer work in the old folks’ home, the people
there were distant. They just thought what I did was just a show or to
finish the work made by my school. I just kept going there every week
and did what I could do. Finally, all the people are happy to see me
when I get there. It may be hard to get along with the others. But if I
can show my patience and sincerity to them, I will succeed in the end.
Moreover, remember to be honest.
UBC Personal Profile
Explain how you responded to a significant challenge that you have encountered and
what you learned in the process. (200 words)
During the last few years my biggest challenge has been to find my
direction. This became even more important during my last two years
of secondary school. I knew that what I wanted to do and what I
ultimately feel that I should do, is write, but it can be hard to commit
to an art form when there are so many things worth devoting ones
time to. It was incredibly difficult for me to reconcile my desire to tell
stories with my desire to affect my community in a much more
tangible way.
UBC Personal Profile
(con’t.)
I felt for a long time that the act of writing would not and could not
influence someone as positively as the cure for a disease or childcare
and that it might be seen as a frivolous choice. Within the last six
months, however, I have come to realize that stories are imperative to
our survival and our relationships with one another. It is how we
attempt to be remembered, how we teach our children, how we teach
ourselves and, most importantly, how we share. Stories ward off
loneliness, and I feel perfectly happy committing to that cause.
UBC Personal Profile
The critical factor is how the applicant can
explain how he was able to learn and
grow from experiences he has had.
REFLECTIVE THOUGHT CAN MAKE
THE DIFFERENCE!
** Two references will also be required, one of which
must be in connection with an activity listed and one
must be a school official.
Planning to Study in the USA?
• You must write the SAT test OR the ACT. Contact your postsecondary school to find what test is accepted.
• OKM school number for SAT 821153
• SAT info & registrations: www.collegeboard.com
($54 US)
• ACT info & registrations: www.act.org ($35 US)
• SAT tests are written at George Elliott (test centre # 94498)
• ACT tests are written in Kamloops
• SAT test dates for this school year:
Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 25, May 3, June 7
Post-Secondary Info:
FUNDING YOUR
EDUCATION
Funding an Education
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Passport to Education - $1000
Provincial Exam Scholarship - $1000
District Scholarship - $1000
Entrance Scholarship - $1000++
Major Entrance $2000 - $40,000
COBSS $300--$2000
Parent Support
Personal Savings
Co-Op Education $8000+
Government Student Loans - $3000+
On Campus Jobs $1000+
Graduation Exam Scholarships
1. Write 5 Graduation Exams (En 10, Sc 10, a Math
10, SS 11 or FNS 12, & an En 12)
2. Must complete both the course and the exam
3. ENGLISH 12
BLENDED FINAL MARK (school + exam = BF) = 73%
4. Rank among top 5,000 grade 12 students in BC
The Ministry of Education will average each student’s 5 exams and award
$1,000 to the top 5,000 grade 12 students in the province.
Start your scholarship search
• www.studentscholarships.org
• www.bcawardsonline.org
• www.studentawards.com
• www.aucc.ca
• “What’s Next?” Guide – Section G: Funding
More info on bursaries and scholarships at the
COBSS and Awards Meeting in December
(TBA) in the MP Room
UBC-Major Entrance Scholarship
$5,000- $40,000
• Information obtained from the Academic
Profile & the Personal Profile on the
Application form will be used to choose
recipients. No additional application is
necessary.
• To be considered for this your application
must be completed by December 10, 2014
UBC- Entrance Award
up to $40,000
•Recognizes students who are academically qualified, but who
would not otherwise be able to attend without significant
financial assistance
•You and your family must complete an application to
demonstrate great financial need. A nomination letter is
required from someone who is well-acquainted with you, and
can comment on your character and financial situation
Online application closes Jan 31st, 2015 at 4pm
Upcoming Dates
• UBC Information Meeting: October 21st at 7pm
• Post Secondary Mini-Fair in the MP Room Thursday, October 8th
from 1 to 3pm . You will be called down to the MP room by class.
• University of Calgary Visit – Tuesday, October 21st at noon in the
Counselling Ctr.
• University of Alberta – Wednesday, November 5th at noon in the
Counselling Ctr.
• University of Saskatchewan – Thursday, November 20th at noon in
the Counselling Ctr.
• University of Guelph – Tuesday, November 25th at noon
TENTATIVELY
• McGill University and Queen’s University Visit – TBA
Upcoming Dates
• OC Application opens Nov 3rd @ 8:30am
• Okanagan College Career Fair - Sunday, November 2nd
10:30 am – 3:30 pm at the KLO campus
• COBSS and Awards Information Meeting – December TBA in the
MP Room
• December 10th – UBC Major Entrance Scholarship Deadline
• January 31st – UBC Application Deadline
Question and Answer
This is your time to ask
questions regarding your
post secondary education.
Thanks for coming!