“What will you do with your one wi wild and

precious life?”

Post Secondary PrepSession #1

Be sure to sign in and thanks for your participation

today. Your attendance will be reported

back to your teachers.

GET 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 sessionsPrintouts of program researchBrochures, calendars, pamphlets, etc.Emails & correspondence with education advisors

HELPFUL

TIP!

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, but an information portal.

Ex: “youbc “ at UBC “myOkanagan” – at Okanagan College

GET INFORMATION!

HELPFUL

TIP!

Required Courses

48Credits

Required Courses

48Credits

Elective Courses

28Credits

Elective Courses

28Credits

+

A minimum of 80 credits made up of:

Graduation Transitions

4Credits

Graduation Transitions

4Credits

+OKM Policy = Grade 12 students must carry 6 blocks inside the timetable & have 88 credits to be eligible for any spares.

REQUIRED COURSES by BC Ministry(* indicates required provincial exam)

Subject Credits

English 10* 4

Social Studies 10 4

A Math 10* 4

Science 10* 4

PE 10 4

Planning 10 4

A Fine Arts / Applied Skills 10, 11, or 12 4

English 11 or Communications 11 4

Socials 11* 4

A Math 11 4

A Science 11 4

English 12* or Communications 12* 4

3 Grade 12 Courses 12

Graduation Transitions 4

ELECTIVE COURSESStudents must earn at least 28 elective credits for grade 10-12 courses.

Of the 80 credits for graduation, at least 16 must be at the Grade 12 level, including English 12 or Communications 12.

28 credits

GRADUATION TRANSITIONSStudents must earn 4 credits for Graduation Transitions, which includes creating and presenting their MAP via website linked to OKM website, under “Student Links” tab.

MAP review date: Monday, Nov. 26th

MAP Presentation Day: Wednesday, Jan. 12th (appointment set after MAP has been reviewed)

4 credits

TOTAL CREDITSRequired Courses 48 creditsElective Courses 28 creditsGraduation Transitions 4 credits

80 credit

sOKM Policy = Grade 12 students must carry 6 blocks inside the timetable & have 88 credits to be eligible for any spares.

Diploma Verification Report“DVR”

• Ms. Green counts credits of all Gr. 12’s A – L • Ms. Proch counts credits of all Gr 12’s M - Z• DVR shows all courses & marks that count

toward graduation• If you have not yet read & signed your DVR,

please do so immediately, in the Counselling Centre

Are you unsure of a career path?

http://www.educationplanner.ca

http://www.careercruising.comUser name: okm

Password: huskies

Very useful! These websites give info on careers,

education, where programs are offered, projected income, and so much more…enjoy!

DON’T LOSE THIS VALUABLE

RESOURCE!

A WEALTH of HELP:• High School Info • Graduation • Post-Sec Education • Financial Planning • Moving Out• Employment • Travel • Funding for

Education

How Long Will You Study?

• Certificate – program is one year or less

• Diploma – program is 2 years in length

• Degree – program is 4 years in length *also known as an Undergraduate Degree

• Masters – usually 2 years in length, AFTER yourundergraduate degree is completed (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

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-ex: BCIT, Emily Carr, Justice Institute

Apprenticeship-specific training in a skilled trade-on the job experience-4 year work and school rotation (earn while you learn)

University-in-depth academic education, with a minimum of a 4 year commitment-degree-granting (undergraduate & graduate degrees)-Professional occupations (law, teaching, dentistry, medicine)

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 Grade 12 Courses – p. 21

University• Entrance Requirements =

Eng. 12 + 3 approved grade 12 courses (B.C.)

• Personal profile may be required - NEW

• Competitive entrance• Larger professor base• More elective course options• Research opportunities• Work study options• Can be more expensive

College• 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

Post Secondary Pathways UNIVERSITY vs. COLLEGE

VS

Calculation of Entrance Averages

Most universities admit students by averaging the4 (or more) academic courses required by their programsAn example…U Vic Engineering - 4 Approved Academics / 4 Imagine an OKM Gr 12 student…

English 12 - 82% PreCalculus Math 12 - 80% Chemistry 12 - 87%

Physics 12 - 70%Entrance Average = 79.75%

More About Entrance Averages

• Universities use the entrance averages to select students to fill their first year seats

• These start with the top averages and working downward

• Consequently, entrance ‘cutoffs’ vary from year to year

• Universities also adhere to strict entrance ‘minimum’ averages Eg.U Vic Humanities – 67%

Broad Based Admission

This is where a post secondary school uses grade averages as well as information obtained from a Personal Profile. This information is obtained from full length answers on the application form. Therefore students must put careful thought into completing the application questions.

UBC Broad Based Admission

UBC Vancouver*min. of 70% in English 11 or 12

*75% blended final or 80% Term 3 Eng. 12 mark to register in 1st yr. Eng. course

UBC Okanagan*minimum of 67% in English 12

*70% blended final Eng. 12 mark to register in 1st yr. Eng. course

ACADEMIC PROFILE (marks) + PERSONAL PROFILE = COMPETITIVE ENTRANCE

no set mark averages for admission so aim highno ‘magic formula’

UBC Personal Profile Questions

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 leaned 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)

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.

CAREFUL 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 employed by SD23.

UBC-Major Entrance Scholarship

$5,000- $40,000

•Information obtained from 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, 2012

UBC – Major Entrance Award

• 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

• An award up to $40,000• Online application opens Nov. 14 and closes Feb. 28

How to Apply to UBC

1. http://www.ubc.ca

2. Click on Prospective Student-undergraduate

3. Click on campus of choice

4. Click on Apply to UBC for 2013

5. New user: create an account

*Non-refundable application fee of $62

*One application for both campuses

*Must indicate 1st & 2nd choice of program and campus

*Online application is now open and closes January 31, 2013

*UBC Information Mtg: Wednesday, Nov. 21st @ 7pm, OKM MULTI

How to Apply to OKANAGAN COLLEGE

1. http://www.okanagan.bc.ca

2. Click on become a student

3. Click on High School

4. Click on How to Apply

5. Click on Apply Now – Choose Program

*Non-refundable application fee -$30

*Tuesday November 1, 2011 – online applications begin at 8:30 am

*Some programs are first come first served, so apply as early as possible

*Some programs available until filled, so no set close date

How to Apply to U VIC

1. http://www.uvic.ca2. 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 in PASBC first by filling in all required sections, then you are transferred to the U Vic website to choose your program

*Note: $67.50 non-refundable application fee (Visa, MC AMEX or cheque)

*Online applications open September 1 –Deadlines vary by program

*Self-report final grade 11 marks from October 1- November 30 to be considered for early admission:

www.uvic.ca/selfreporting

Tips for Applying Online

• Set aside at least one hour to complete the application• Have your PEN number (on Student DVR), 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 years (grades 9-12)

• Know your full home mailing address with postal code• Email address needs to be the one you check the most frequently • Email will be the primary method of communication from post secondary • 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• Check your email filters/quarantine often to not inadvertently miss email.

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.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Your First Semester final grades AND your Term 3 report card marks 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 Term 3 report card

• Don’t slack off, and don’t think you can wait until June to get the marks you need!!

• Term 3 marks will make or break admission.• Be sure to complete your PSI on line before March 30

LPI – Language Proficiency Index• The LPI is a test that measures English language proficiency at the pre-

university level.

• Some institutions will require that you have a minimum English 12 mark. If you do not achieve that result, you may have to write the LPI before you can be admitted &/or choose your classes.

Institution English 12 Final Mark minimumUBC – Vancouver 75%UBC – Okanagan 70%UVic 86% or placement testSFU 75%OC 60% (LPI level 4) *Business Degree = 70% or level

5

• Further information: www.lpitest.ca (dates, locations, fees, procedures, etc)

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 April 30, 2012

• BC Ministry of Education: Student Secure Web

https://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/tsw/tsw/student/ or go to the GESS Counselling site & select “Grade 12 Links”*same place where students check provincial exam results

• Must have your PEN # to create your account & do your PSI selection

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:

EDUCATIONAL COSTS (Full first-year course

load)

Tuition$4,608

Student fees $614Books

$1700

Educational costs $6,922

LIVING COSTS (8 months)

Room and board $0Transportation (bus)

$244Personal expenses

$2,500BC Health Insurance

$432

Living costs $3,176

ESTIMATED TOTAL COST$10,098… and that’s with living at home for FREE

Using UBC Cost Calculator: 1st Year Full-time Arts (UBC-O)

The Cost of Education Example:

EDUCATIONAL COSTS (Full first-year course

load)

Tuition$4,100

Student fees $500Books

$1,500

Educational costs $6,100

LIVING COSTS (8 months)

Room and board $0Transportation (bus)

$244Personal expenses

$2,500BC Health Insurance

$432

Living costs $3,176

ESTIMATED TOTAL COST$9,276… and that’s with living at home for FREE

Okanagan College – Associate of Arts (Arts Transfer)

OC Program Costs 2011-2012 www.okanagan.bc.ca/tuition

PROGRAM COST

Bachelor of Nursing - years 1 & 2 $11,145.37

Dental Assistant Certificate $4,616.12

Civil Engineering Technology Diploma - years 1 & 2 $10,625.42

Culinary Arts Certificate $4,616.12

Early Childhood Education Diploma – years 1 &2 $6,887.50

Electronic Engineering Technology Diploma – years 1 & 2 $10,596.67

Human Service Work Diploma – years 1 & 2 $6,672.79

Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma – years 1 & 2 $10,231.41

Network and Telecom Engineering Diploma – years 1 & 2 $10,162.76

Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN) $5,473.96

Residential Construction $3,642.85

Therapist Assistant Diploma– years 1 & 2 $7,470.40

Welding Level C $3,607.42

Sources of Funding (“What’s Next?” pg.54-55)

1. Passport to Education• Grade 10/11 $250 and Grade 12 $500• Eligible if marks are in the top third of your class each year

2. Graduation Program Exam Scholarships - $1000• Write 5 Graduation Exams (En 10, Sc 10, a Math 10, SS 11 or FNS 12, & an En 12)• Must complete both the course and the exam • ENGLISH 12 - BLENDED FINAL MARK (school + exam = BF) = 73% • 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.

Sources of Funding ...continued (“What’s Next?” p.54-55)

3. COBSS– One Application, 400 awards– PSP Sessions #2 - Thursday, December 6TH at 10:35am,12noon,2pm,3:15pm

4. Entrance Scholarships– Institution specific that usually are automatically awarded to students based on

academic average (do not need to apply)

5. Dogwood District Authority Awards $1000– Awarded to students who demonstrate skill in the areas of Fine Arts,

Applied Skill, PE, or second languages– Career Path must match skill, and will be nominated by teacher in April

6. Student Loans– BC Loans www.bcsap.bc.ca– Canada Loans www.canlearn.ca

Sources of Funding ...continued (“What’s Next?” p.54-55)

7. Student Lines of Credit– See your banking institution

8. GrantsCanada Student Grants provide funding for low- and middle-

income students and students with permanent disabilities.

Grants do not need to be paid back and a student may be eligible to receive more than one grant at the same time.

Post Secondary institutions also have grant money available. 9. Talk to your Parents and Relatives

– Regarding affiliations with work and organizations that may offer bursaries and scholarships

FUNDING from your COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY

Go to the post-secondary school’s website and look for links like:

• Financial Aid / Assistance• Scholarships• Entrance Awards• Funding• http://www.okanagan.bc.ca/Page895.aspx (OC)

Select “Okanagan College Awards & Applications”, then “Awards Search”• https://you.ubc.ca/ubc/okanagan/finances.ezc (UBC-O)• https://you.ubc.ca/ubc/vancouver/finances.ezc (UBC-V)• http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/students/finance/welcome.html (UBC-O)

PLEASE REMEMBERCheck out these websites as there is so much money that often goes unclaimed every

year as students simply don’t apply or don’t know where to look for funds!!

Start your scholarship search

• www.studentscholarships.org• www.bcawardsonline.org• www.studentawards.com• http://www.scholarshipscanada.com• www.aucc.ca• www.aved.gov.bc.ca/stidemtaodbc/we;cp,e/h

tm (student financial aid)

How to Fill in Scholarship Applications

• Do you qualify or meet the criteria?• Is your application neat and in ink or typed?• Are all your required documents included?• Are all the questions answered?

– Thorough and well-thought out responses– Perfect grammar, spelling, punctuation,– Proofread by yourself and at least one other person– No text typing such as “i” instead of I or “u” instead of you– Be descriptive and give concrete examples

• Did you meet the deadline?• Did you sign your application?• Save your essays and reuse or cut/paste them into several applications• Be truthful!

Qualities of a Strong Applicant• Academics

– It is important to have a competitive GPA– They will consider how challenging your course load is– Are you taking the appropriate courses to meet your goals

• Leadership– They will examine your leadership activities and look for a range of leadership positions

• Service– They will look for what type of service you have done– Has it been continuous? – Is the work required by your school for credit?– Is it above and beyond?

• Creativity /Athletics– Demonstrate your abilities through music, dance, art, acting, creative writing, athletics– List any awards

• Special Circumstances– If you have overcome any obstacles to achieve your goals, you need to highlight them– These may include financial need, physical challenges, family circumstances, etc

Remember:

Every award is

different!

References for Scholarshipsand Bursaries

• Should be a teacher, employer, coach, community member, religious leader, etc

• Must not be a relative, unless they were your employer• Please ask them first if they would be willing to act as a

reference/write a letter• Plan ahead as these reference letters take time!

(give a couple weeks notice – not a couple of days) • Give them a copy of your completed “Brag Sheet” to help

them write an effective reference letter• Send a thank you letter for your reference

Tips for Scholarship Essays

• Be prepared to explain why you are the best candidate for that scholarship/ bursary.

• Be very clear on the criteria for each award. Match and highlight your strengths as they pertain to the specific award. (ie: if it is a sports bursary, talk about your athletic talents)

• Stay within specified length – DO NOT go over as it will not be read

• Perfect grammar, spelling and punctuation• Proof read by someone you trust• Save your essays so that you can tailor them to other

scholarship applications . (don’t reinvent the wheel!)

WARNING: ONLINE COURSES

Attention Grade 12 students!!• Successfully complete all online courses required for

Graduation/Post Secondary entrance BEFORE the end of Semester 1.

• Make certain your online school reports your final mark to the Ministry of Education.

You can check this through the Student Secure Web Eg. you can report your final grade through the UBC application

https://you.ubc.ca/ubc/okanagan/bcyt.ezc#DL

• To not delay your post-secondary acceptance/course registration

WARNING: ONLINE COURSES

Grade 12 students taking a DL (online) course for post-secondary entrance :

• If you are currently taking Distributed Learning courses (e.g., online courses, distance learning, or courses at another school) to meet your admission requirements, include this course in the list of courses you will complete this year and do not provide a grade. Grades for Distributed Learning courses must be sent to UBC directly from the Ministry of Education in order to be considered, so you should connect with your Distributed Learning provider to ensure that your grade will be sent to the Ministry of Education. Distributed Learning courses must be at least 50% complete in order to be used in an admission average.

• If you have completed a Distributed Learning course and it appears on your Ministry of Education Printout (you can check this through the Student Secure Web), you can report your final grade through the UBC application

https://you.ubc.ca/ubc/okanagan/bcyt.ezc#DL (direct from UBCO website)

Planning to Study in the USA?

• You must write the SAT test. Contact your school to find what test is accepted.

• SAT info & registrations: www.collegeboard.com ($54 US)• OKM school number: 821153

• You can do the test as many times as you like

• SAT tests are written at George Elliott (test centre # 94498)

• SAT test dates for this school year: Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, Jan. 26, May 4, June 1

Upcoming Dates

•OC Application opened Nov 1st @ 8:30am•UBC/UBCO Information Meeting: Wednesday, Nov 21st @ 7pm in the OKM MULTI •MAP Review – Monday, Nov. 26th

•COBSS Info Night, Tuesday, Dec 4th @ 7pm in the MULTI•PSP Session #2 – COBSS Information and Grad Updates Dec 6th @ 10:35am, 12 noon, 2pm, and 3:15pm•MAP Presentation Day – Wednesday, Dec. 12th

Questions??Please take the time to ask

questions regarding your post secondary education.

Thanks for coming!

See you at PSP #2…Thursday, Dec. 6th @ 10:35am,12 noon, 2pm, and 3:15pm