How do I apply and prepare for post-secondary?
Grade 12 Checklist
Background Information
☐ Ensure that you are taking the necessary classes so you can meet the admission requirements required for schools and programs you might be interested in pursuing. Admission requirements are available online, or for more information, ask your guidance counsellor or visit the post-secondary school’s website.
☐ Complete the personality and interest surveys to learn more about yourself and explore career possible options for the future.
☐ Utilize school services such as career cruising, scholarship workshops and career events that take place throughout the year.
☐ Update your resume and your portfolio to showcase all your accomplishments in school, volunteer work, jobs, hobbies, sports and other extra-curricular experiences.
You Should Know
☐ Grade 11 and 12 marks count heavily in post-secondary admissions. Important classes that are generally used in admission averages: English A and B, Social Studies, Christian Ethics, Foundations or Pre-Cal Mathematics and sometimes a 30 level science. However, this obviously depends on the program you are applying for!
☐ Each school has its own deadline dates! Make sure you research and know your dates and adhere to them!
☐ Create a folder for all your post-secondary materials (applications, transcripts, receipts, student funding info, etc.). You should also have one for scholarships as well.
☐ Applying for residence on campus should be done as early as possible!
☐ Visit! Open houses, spend a days, school events for students and parents are a great way to learn more about the school and what they have to offer.
☐ Apply for scholarships, awards and bursaries- you won’t win if you don’t apply!
Post –Secondary Planning
☐ Plan A, B and C
☐ Create a list of your top three schools and their programs that interest you.
☐ If you are considering SIAST – apply now!
- First Qualified First Admitted – majority of their programs
- High Demand – programs with a high number of applicants
☐ Create your own checklist of deadlines for admission applications, scholarships and residence.
☐ Start applying early!
☐ Steps to the application process:
☐ Apply online. Keep you username, password, id number and eventually your student number in a safe place!
☐ Have the following on hand:
- Personal Information (address, emergency contact, SIN, etc.)
- Program of Interest and your second choice
- List of grade 11 and 12 classes you have taken and are enrolled in during your grade 12 year.
- Credit card for application fee (each institution charges you an application fee just to apply).
☐ Vanier Collegiate High School Transcript
- Depending on the institution, you will require our current high school transcript that also lists the classes you are currently taking and the ones you plan to take in second semester.
☐ Check your application status online through your account. If in doubt, call the school and ask for an update!
☐ Early Conditional Admission – Once the post-secondary institution identifies that you are enrolled in all the necessary classes to meet the admission requirements and your average meets their admission average you will be offered Early Conditional Admission.
☐ If you do not have the required average for admission, the school may or may not inform you of this issue (ex: U of S). You will therefore, be required to submit updated marks.
☐ Request the Ministry of Education to send your transcripts to the schools of your choice. There will be a fee for this service.
☐Waitlists
- There are a number of programs that have limited space and therefore fill up quickly (apply early and keep up with your academics). You may be put on a waitlist for your program. That means that when a seat opens up the institution will inform you and you can then choose to accept or decline the offer of admission.
Orientation
☐ Make sure you attend! Both you and your parents will be able to attend a variety of sessions to assist you with registering for classes, paying tuition, visiting residences, and much more.
Post-Secondary Deadlines based on 2012-2013 Information
Note:
- Please note that you should go directly to the school’s website or check with your guidance counsellor since dates and admission requirements may change year to year.
- If you miss the early conditional admission average it does not mean that you have missed out completely on applying and being accepted into the school. Most schools will accept registrations until the program is full or a June deadline. However, they will usually base the decision on your final grade 12 marks. This varies from school to school.
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