Studying in Canada 2014

O CanadaO Canada

International School Manila 2014/2015

The Canadian Expert?The Canadian Expert?

• Born and raised just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Kitchener-Waterloo)

• home to Sir Wilfrid Laurier University Sir Wilfrid Laurier University and University of WaterlooUniversity of Waterloo

• Undergraduate degree from the University of University of GuelphGuelph (Ontario)

• Graduate degree from the University of University of TorontoToronto (Ontario)

• Some ISM students think I have an accent.

The BIG Three?The BIG Three?

Where are the BIG 3?Where are the BIG 3?

UBC

U of T

McGILL

Vancouver to Toronto/Montreal is a 5 - 6 hour flight

More than the BIG 3More than the BIG 3

The Plan for this Afternoon?Assuming a VARIETY of

levels here in terms of

your knowledge of the

Canadian Education system

Assuming a VARIETY of

levels here in terms of

your knowledge of the

Canadian Education system

1. Why Canada?1. Why Canada?

2. Canadian University 1012. Canadian University 101

3. What to do now Juniors? Resources?3. What to do now Juniors? Resources?

Learn about and consider a few Learn about and consider a few universities outside of the BIG Threeuniversities outside of the BIG Three

3 Simple Things

Why Canada?

Top 10 Reasons to Top 10 Reasons to go to University in go to University in

CanadaCanada

#10#10

Canada...the BEAUTIFUL!Canada...the BEAUTIFUL!

• The expanse of Canada's natural beauty, from mountains and glaciers to secluded lakes and forests, is almost unparalleled worldwide.

• There are 41 National Parks• Canada has cosmopolitan cities that are clean,

safe, friendly and multicultural. • In fact, Canada repeatedly is lauded as one of

the world's most livable countries.

Vancouver, British ColumbiaVancouver, British ColumbiaCommerce (Business)Arts/Sciences

Squamish, British ColumbiaSquamish, British ColumbiaLiberal ArtsKeystone Project

Calgary, AlbertaCalgary, AlbertaEngineeringHealth Care (Bio-Medical)Vet Medicine

Saskatoon, SaskatchewanSaskatoon, SaskatchewanUrban PlanningToxicology

Toronto, OntarioToronto, OntarioEngineering

Cell/Molecular BiologyCommerce/Business

IllustrationIndustrial Design

Environment and Urban SustainabilityJournalismActing

International BusinessDigital MediaSpace Engineering

Kitchener-Waterloo, OntarioKitchener-Waterloo, Ontario

Business and Computer Science (5 years)Kinesiology and Physical EducationMusic

Nano Technology Engineering

Environment/Business)Math and Computer Science

Kingston, OntarioKingston, OntarioLife SciencesCommerce/BusinessWorld Languages

Montreal, QuebecMontreal, QuebecFinanceCommunicationsCivil Engineering

EngineeringLaw

Music

KinesiologyBusinessGeography

Francohone University

Francohone University

Halifax, Nova ScotiaHalifax, Nova ScotiaEnvironment, Sustainability and Society (ESS) International DevelopmentAgriculture

#9#9

High Standard of Living - CountryHigh Standard of Living - Country

• From 1992 - 2011, the U.N. has consistently ranked Canada in the top 8 of all countries in the world in their annual Human Development Report (education being one of the analyzed factors).

• Except for 4 years (1992 - 2011), Canada was ranked no lower than 4th in the world

• Canada was ranked Number 1 for 9 years during that time.

High Standard of Living 2012High Standard of Living 2012

High Standard of LivingHigh Standard of Living

#8#8

IB Diploma = No SATIB Diploma = No SAT

• In most, if not all cases, you DO NOT need an SAT score to apply if you are doing the FULL IB Diploma

• However, an SAT score is required for the partial IB Diploma/Certificate students.

Quest University

Quest University?Quest University?

QUEST

#7#7

The WeatherThe Weather

• Range of weather with distinct seasons• The reality is that where most universities are

located, we have very comfortable summers and reasonable winters

• Winter really can be a beautiful and enjoyable time of year (skiing and snowboarding)

• The weather is part of the cultural experience

Toronto, CanadaToronto, Canada

#6#6

Co-op (& Study-Abroad) ProgramsCo-op (& Study-Abroad) Programs

• Universities in Canada pride themselves in the abundance and variety of co-op placements they provide.

• Excellent opportunity to gain real world experience.

• University of Waterloo University of Waterloo (Waterloo, Ontario) – largest co-op placement in the world with over 14,000 students enrolled/over 3,500 active employers

#5#5

Working in CanadaWorking in Canada (while in University)? (while in University)?

• Up to 20 hours/week for international students

• On-campus/off campus opportunities • Summer jobs• Up to three 3 Years post graduation (*see next

slide)

Work in Canada after GraduationWork in Canada after Graduation

• The Post-Graduate Work Permit Program allows students who have graduated from a post-secondary institution to gain valuable work experience.

• If you study in Canada for more than 2 years, you are eligible for a work permit for up to 3 years (no real restrictions on the type of work).

Permanent Residence in CanadaPermanent Residence in Canada

• If you are a foreign student who graduated in Canada, you can apply to stay in Canada as a permanent resident under the Canadian Experience (Economic) Class qualification.

• An easier process in Canada overall than in the U.S. (the processing time is about 10 months compared to 5 years in U.S.).

• Citizenship and Immigration Canadawww.cic.gc.ca

#4#4

Continue to Make Yourself UniqueContinue to Make Yourself Unique

• For those hesitant about what companies might think about a “Canadian” degree…

How do you think this looks in the eyes of a global minded company?

• Your unique cultural background• HS degree from an International School in Manila,

Philippines• Undergraduate degree from Canada AND…• Graduate degree from the U.S. (or elsewhere)

#3#3

Save Money $$$Save Money $$$

• In the “latest survey” (2003) compiled by the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Canada offered the lowest tuition rates for foreign students compared to the U.K., Australia and New Zealand, for the same or higher quality of education.

• Also, fees in the United States public universities were almost 30% higher than fees for Bachelor’s degrees in Canada, while U.S. private universities are 100% higher than the same program in Canada. Canada’s cost of living is considerably affordable among developed nations

World Comparison (2013)Only public

universities, I believe

Canadian Tuition (2013)Canadian Tuition (2013)

Save Money $$$ - Conversion?Save Money $$$ - Conversion?

• Queen’s University Queen’s University (CDN 19,522 – 22,249)

• U.S. Dollar = USD 18,667 – 21,271• Philippine Peso = PHP 817,471 – 931,532• Japanese Yen = JPY 1,874,346 – 2,136,526 • S. Korean Won = KRW 19,801,315 – 22,568,028• Chinese Yuan = CNY 113,695 – 129,572

*As of November 11, 2013

#2#2

Our Global VillageOur Global Village

• Canada ranks among the most multicultural nations in the world.

• Our ISM students are living in a multi-cultural “bubble”….nice fit with Canada

• 1 of 3 Canadians has an ethnic background other than English, French or Aboriginal.

• As a result, regardless of ethnic origin, students feel at home in our diverse communities and campuses.

#1#1

Top Quality ProgramsTop Quality Programs

• Canadian universities are noted for offering the highest quality of education.

• A Canadian degree is recognized globally as being equivalent to degrees from the United States and Commonwealth countries.

Other World RankingsOther World Rankings

MacLeanMacLean’s Magazine’s Magazine

Reputation IN Canada Ranking

Canadian University 101?

Some BackgroundSome Background

• 95 universities (more than 3,000 in the U.S.)

• Canadian universities receive a great deal of public funding and so their programs, particularly at the undergraduate level, are quite uniform in quality.

• University definition• College (community) definition

University College

Where are these universities?Where are these universities?

UBC

U of T

McGILL

What about the IB?What about the IB?

• “We find the IB Diploma to be very good preparation as it requires breadth of study, development of primary research, critical reading and writing knowledge skills, as well as involvement in creative/cultural arts, sports and volunteer service.”

• McGill University Admissions

Queen’s University

QueenQueen’s University?’s University?

QUEEN’S

The Application ProcessThe Application Process

• All applications are available online• Ontario University Application Center

(OUAC) for Ontario • www.ouac.on.ca• Apply directly to any other university• Application Deadlines (varies) – January to

March• Acceptances - February to May

Apply through OUAC

Apply through University Site

What are Canadian Universities What are Canadian Universities looking for?looking for?

• “Good students”• Strong grades with the appropriate

pre-requisite HS courses• Less emphasis on extra-curricular activities in

terms of the application (important but not to the degree it is for U.S. colleges).

• “Officially” no quotas for international students and their citizenship/immigration status has no impact on admission

Documents?Documents?

Generally Required

• Online Application• Transcript (including 1st

semester of senior year)• Predicted IB grades• TOEFL/IELTS score (depends

on the # of years of study in English speaking curriculum schools)

Generally Not Required

• SAT/ACT scores (except for non IBDiploma students)

• Reference Letters• Essays (usually some short

answer instead)• Information about extra-

curricular activities

McGill University - RequiredMcGill University - Required

• Official Transcript• High School Profile and Counselor recommendation• Predicted IB Diploma or Certificate marks• If you have strong SAT results, send them as wellIf you have strong SAT results, send them as well• If you attended ISM for less than 4 academic years,

you may need proof of your English proficiency (depends on the previous school)

• Additional requirements based on department (Architecture requires a portfolio)

McGill University – Not normally McGill University – Not normally RequiredRequired

• Personal Essays (unless applying for Major merit-based scholarship consideration)

• Teacher references (unless applying for Music Major merit-based scholarship consideration)

• In person interview (audition for B. Music degree)• List of extra curricular activities, positions held or

resume

Other Admission InformationOther Admission Information

IB Diploma• Canadian universities will put some emphasis

on the first term of your senior year during the admission process – not only this term though (but looking at everything)

• Many programs will grant transfer credit for HL subjects with a strong final grade (normally 5 or better). Some (but not many) may grant advanced standing for excellent SL subject scores.

Getting a Visa for CanadaGetting a Visa for Canada

Depending on your country of origin and the type and length of study, you may require:

• A temporary resident visa • A study permit • For Quebec-bound students, a CAQ (Quebec Application Certificate)

Each university will help you with this process

Financial Aid/Scholarships

Canadian Citizens

• Provincial Assistance may be possible (Ontario Student Assistance Plan = O.S.A.P.)

• Institutional Aid (Merit based)

• IB Awards/Scholarships• Private Scholarships

International Students

• Limited Institutional Aid• Limited Private Aid

O.S.A.P.O.S.A.P.https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal

IB Scholarshipshttp://blogs.ibo.org/funding-opportunities/

Private Scholarshipshttp://www.scholarships-bourses.gchttp://www.scholarshipscanada.com

What to do now Juniors? Resources?

Timeline (the next 1 and 1 /2 years or so)

• Now – June 2015Now – June 2015– Academic performance– Standardized testing?Standardized testing?

• SAT, ACT,SAT, ACT, TOEFL• June 2015 – August 2015June 2015 – August 2015

– Exploration• Service work, Internships,

travel, college visits– Research universities & narrow

down list (ISM limit of 10)• September 2015 – December 2015September 2015 – December 2015

– Academic performance IMPORTANT!!!!

– Standardized testing?Standardized testing?• SAT, ACT,SAT, ACT, TOEFL

– EssaysEssays

• December 2015 – January 2016December 2015 – January 2016– Submit applications– Submit financial documents

• January 2016 – April 2016January 2016 – April 2016– Wait….

• February 2016 – April 2016February 2016 – April 2016– Decisions

• February 2016 – May 2016February 2016 – May 2016– Deposit to ONE institution

Where should I be in the process?

• Determine your own criteria for a “good college” • Create a college list

– Now: 20-30 colleges (less if only Canada)– August: 5-10* colleges

• Be open-minded• Create an organizational chart, including deadlines

and requirements

*ISM strictly limits students to 10 applications (UC, UCAS count as one)

What to do now?• Self-reflection; Determine priorities• Research• Junior college meeting #1 Junior college meeting #1 (get to know each other)

– Now - February• Junior college meeting #2 Junior college meeting #2 (includes parentsparents)

– February - April• Register for:

– SAT, if appropriate (Janauary)– TOEFL, if appropriate

• Junior Parent Survey (in Naviance) due: Jan 5• Senior profile due: First Day of Senior Year

ResourcesResources

• 95 universities (University Websites – “Admissions” or “International Admissions”– Reading websites and Contacting Admissions

• Family Connection (Scattergrams feature)• Publications/Rankings (as one perspective)• Attend Canadian University visits to ISM• Visit Canadian Universities yourself…next

summer• ISM Alumni

University WebsitesUniversity Websites

Family ConnectionFamily Connection

Family ConnectionFamily Connection

Publications/WebsitesPublications/Websites

Canadian University VisitsCanadian University Visits

• Most university college visits are September to December

• Subscribe to the ISM College Visits Google Calendar (next slide)

• August (University of British ColumbiaUniversity of British Columbia)• Unfortunately, we not at the moments get many

visits by Canadian universities (we are working on it).

College Visits CalendarCollege Visits Calendar

http://guidance.ism-online.org/

College ToursCollege Tours (www.tscollegetours.com)

Your Own College Tour?Your Own College Tour?

You could easily fly to Toronto and see a number of universities…driving distance away

(University of Toronto, McGill University, York University, (University of Toronto, McGill University, York University, QueenQueen’s University, University of Waterloo, McMaster University, ’s University, University of Waterloo, McMaster University,

University of Ottawa etc.)University of Ottawa etc.)

ISM Alumni?ISM Alumni?

If you don’t know…talk to your

Grade 11/12 Counselor

University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo?University of Waterloo?

U of W

Any Questions?Any Questions?

For Future ReferenceFor Future Reference

Doug McQueen

Grade 11/12 HS Counselor mcqueend@ismanila.org

Thank-youThank-you