College & University Information 2009/2010

How does the process work and how do we help?

• September - December - do RESEARCH and more RESEARCH! Go to www.electronicinfo.ca for info. on Ontario public universities as well as www.ontariocolleges.ca for info. on community colleges. Check career info.websites, Guidance materials in the library, consult with your Guidance Teacher, visit a University Info. Program, etc. Go to Open Houses or Visiting Days at any College or University you are interested in. Seek guidance from your parents and others who know you well, job shadow, visit work places, and above all, undergird your search with prayer, asking God to guide and bless your deliberations.
• Mid-September - handout listing Univ. & College Rep. visits, Open Houses, etc. Note which ones You should attend!
• Late September - full-class presentation giving students a ton of info. on the application process, costs, scholarships, etc. Worthwhile info. on what students should consider
• October - November - Have your scheduled one-on-one chat with the Guidance Teacher. Come prepared with questions. Come any time in addition to this for updates or further chats.
• Late November - In-class presentations walk students through the actual application process.
• December - January - Application time! Don't miss the deadlines! Your final decision will not be made until Offers have been received, but for now, it's essential to narrow choices and apply.
• February - April - visit schools and ask questions about programs so that you have as much info. as possible to assist you in making good, God-glorifying decisions.
• May - presentation on applying for OSAP, the Ontario Student Assistance Program.

Now some specifics...

Christian College/University Applications

Although there is no specific deadline or date by which the application must be sent, it is a good idea to apply early. Application fees may be waived for applications received early. Most Christian colleges will accept applications as late as the summer before classes begin. However, the earlier you apply, the better the likelihood of being offered admission, of receiving scholarships & financial aid, of getting into the residence of choice, etc.

Eg. Redeemer College/University

• Jan. 31 - $40 application fee is waived if application is received by this date.
• Feb. 15 - deadline if students wish to be considered for Foundation Scholarships
• March 31 - deadline for financial aid and/or academic scholarships

Most Christian colleges, Bible colleges and Universities require supplemental materials such as references, pastoral recommendations, and personal essays. Applications can be obtained on-line or from the Guidance Office, and should be sent directly to the Christian college together with a transcript of your grades which we provide on request.

Ontario University Applications

e!NFO Guide - a must read for all students applying to an Ontario University. It shows you how to access info. on Gr. 12 courses needed for every program, university info., cut-off averages, application procedures, admission requirement changes and much more. Copies are available on-line from the G.O. We also have copies of the 2008 Companion Booklet Compass.101 to assist those applying.

Applications are all done through a central body, the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). See www.ouac.on.ca for info. We send your personal info. and grades; you make choices re: which programs you prefer and apply.

• Fee: $115 for three choices with each additional choice - $38.
• Late Nov. - I walk you through the process of actually applying to University. (Check !NFO or the OUAC website to get a head start on what is involved if you like.)
• Basically, passwords will be distributed by me sometime mid-late November and from that point on you may apply.
• January 13, 2010 - DEADLINE for submitting applications to OUAC. (Though applications may still be submitted after this date, students may be too late for certain programs.)
• Feb. 5 - Recommended last date to submit any changes or outstanding info. to OUAC.
• Late Feb. -March - Applicants who have completed 3 U-courses and/or who have very high grades MAY receive offers already.
• April - most University Offers of Admission begin arriving. Decisions are usually based on final grades in 3 U-level courses plus enrollment in three others. If students do not meet the admission criteria for a program (i.e. grade averages required) or have only completed two gr. 12 U/M courses, universities will wait until second semester mid-terms are in before sending an offer. (usually sent during May) Programs which have additional entrance requirements eg. Audition, may also send out offers in May.
• If you haven't visited your choices yet, do so now! It really does help!
• May 25 - the latest date secondary students who applied under normal procedure should expect a response.
• May 28 - the earliest date by which Ontario universities may require a response to an offer of admission.

Ontario Community College Applications

Research! Especially during Sept. - December, take time to check out various programs and Colleges of interest. Go to the College Info. Fair, attend presentations at school and visit any College you are interested in. There is no substitute for actually visiting!

The Ontario College Reference Guide is a must read for anyone considering College. It contains important dates, extra admission requirements for many programs and much more. Check www.ontariocollege.ca to view the entire guide and get many questions answered.

Applications are done through a central organization, the Ontario College Application Service. The school sends them your grades and personal info. Your job is to research options and apply. Apply on-line at www.ontariocolleges.ca . The choices (up to 5) may all be at different colleges or they may be different programs at the same college (o more than 3 at the same college).

• Fee $95.00- allows application to up to five different programs.

• Feb.1, 2010 - Deadline for applications. Any application received before this date will receive equal consideration. Applications received after this date will still be considered, but on a first-come, first-served basis so you may be too late for popular programs.
• Feb.1 - Earliest date by which offers of admission will be sent out by colleges. Programs requiring additional admission criteria eg. portfolio, interview, testing, etc. so dates generally send out offers later.
• May 3rd - Offers of Admission must be accepted by this date (for applications made later than Feb. 1st, offers of admission will detail when acceptance is due.)
• June 15 - Earliest date that colleges can expect tuition payment from you.

It is important to narrow choices before the Application deadlines. A final decision need not be made until May 1st for Community College programs, May 28 for Public University.

You are welcome to apply to more than one post-secondary option (eg. Both College and Christian University - or both OCAS and OUAC) if you have the pre-requisites and wish to keep more options open.

ACT (American College Test) - is required for students going to Most Colleges or Universities in the U.S. Register on-line at www.actstudent.org and check with the Guidance Office re: dates & locations as well as to receive practice materials.

Apprenticeships - application for these is different than for colleges or universities. Though there are variations, basically you need to find employment in the trade first, then meet with your Employer and a Rep. from the Apprenticeship Office to go over and sign an agreement, then your Employer signs you up for relevant courses. The Guidance Office has more info.