University 101
Some enter senior year in a bright-eyed frenzy, already stressed to the breaking point. Some trudge in with a resounding “ugh”, wondering how they’re going to bring themselves to pick up a pen and paper again. Some bounce in like a bunny on a gallon of Red Bull, excited to transition back into the social habitat. Those ones will come around soon enough.
Kidding. Kind of.
We all come into the twelfth grade with a different outlook, but we all know one thing: it’s not going to be easy. It’s the last sprint before the rest of our lives; simultaneously a balancing act and an endurance run. Things keep piling up in each hand: academics, athletics, extra-curriculars, and jobs. And don’t forget that new arrival in the to-do bin: university and college applications.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about university ever since your days as minor niner; maybe you haven’t. Either way, it’s time for a little shock therapy.
DON’T PUT IT OFF.
Procrastination is not an option! Make it easier for yourself and know what you’re going to do beforehand. The actual application process won’t start until early November, because you won’t be handed your student number, school number and PIN until then, which are required to access the online application material. But! Be prepared so that you don’t run into time-wasting confusions and panic attacks when the time comes. Hopefully, you know which program you want to apply to. It’s much easier for admissions offices when you apply for specific programs rather than apply undeclared. To see which programs are available within each institution go to: www.ouac.on.ca/101/index.html and scroll down to the “Companion Booklet”. Read the PDF file a few times, familiarize yourself with the process and write down the codes of programs you want.
January 14th is the target deadline for all applications from high school students, but different institutions may have earlier or later deadlines. For those, explore the websites of the colleges and universities you’re interested in. Namely, be aware of the “Admissions” or the “Prospective Students” button on the front pages. Register for tours and visit the campuses when you get the chance. A great reputation won’t matter if you feel uncomfortable with a campus on which you’re going to spend the next four years of your life!
January 14th is the target deadline for all applications from high school students, but different institutions may have earlier or later deadlines. For those, explore the websites of the colleges and universities you’re interested in. Namely, be aware of the “Admissions” or the “Prospective Students” button on the front pages. Register for tours and visit the campuses when you get the chance. A great reputation won’t matter if you feel uncomfortable with a campus on which you’re going to spend the next four years of your life!
even the most frugal person. Spend some time on http://www.studentawards.com/ and www.scholarshipscanada.com amassing a list of scholarships you will apply to. Depending on your interests, you’ll do a lot of creative writing or a lot of self-promoting, or both. Organize your list by due dates and keep your resume updated! Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize!
In the meantime, work hard at keeping your marks up, and don’t let trips and falls along the way keep you down. Get up and nurse your wounds later. Don’t forget that your extra-curricular activities are as important as a high average, in fact, universities love well-rounded students. Stay involved!
If you’ve got questions about anything university or college related, your guidance counselor is your best bet. They’re the ones working hard to make sure your courses are in order and you know what scholarship opportunities there are. So hug a guidance counselor today! (Or not. Well, not right now at least. You can hug them once you get your acceptance letters!)
Important Resources all in one place:
Information
www.electronicinfo.ca – Guide to Ontario Universities
www.aucc.ca – Association of Universities and Colleges
www.ouac.on.ca – Ontario Universities Application Centre
www.ocas.on.ca – Ontario Colleges Application Centre
www.collegeboard.com – American Universities and SAT info
www.schoolfinder.com
Financial:
opi.wrdsb.on.ca/scholarships.html - Listing of Ontario Scholarships
www.studentawards.com
www.scholarshipscanada.com
www.canlearn.ca
http://osap.gov.on.ca – Ontario Student Loan Program
www.milleniumscholarships.ca
www.scholarships-bourses-ca.org