University Counselling

UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING

A HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS meet the GUIDANCE TEAM

Ridley College has a highly qualified guidance team with extensive experience and certification in university admissions all over the world.

MATTHEW BOWIE MICHAEL MAKI

Matthew has been working at Ridley for the last six years, Michael is native British Columbian and has worked as a and as a counsellor for the last four. He has taught, been university counsellor for more than a decade, in both China an Assistant Housemaster and is a hockey coach. and Chile. He specializes in career advising, summer programming internship advice, and gap year options. He is also an expert on Canadian universities and has Michael is a current committee member with IACAC and worked very closely with our student athletes. previous advisory board member for Naviance. [email protected] [email protected]

KIRK MITCHELL CHARLENE HUTTON

Kirk returned to Canada after spending the 20 years Charlene is the manager of our office and the institutional working overseas as a teacher and counsellor. He brings memory for our school, having been a student at Ridley, a wealth of experience working with students from many and a parent of Ridley students. If you need anything, she cultures seeking to gain admission to universities all over is the person to find it. the world. He also serves on the board of the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC). [email protected] [email protected] UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING GUIDE | 3

Career and strengths-based assessment tools and strengths-based Career and individual meetings Small group and gap year options internships enrichment programmes, careers, for resources Access to state-of-the-art including scholarships/financial assistance, the university admissions process, Advice and support on all aspects of essays, etc. athletics, military) vocation, the world (gap year, options around on applying to universities and other post-secondary Information university admissions officers Access to scheduled visits from resources and educational career library of and comprehensive A current major college entrance exams for and preparation Access to resources any student needs Academic support and counselling for internships, etc. college admissions, summer study, may be needed for documents that all school related Management of for individual students as needed support to provide staff with teachers and residential Collaboration The counsellors at Ridley provide the following services Ridley The counsellors at and resources: skills needed to gain admission to university, or applying for jobs, internships, and scholarships. or applying for skills needed to gain admission to university, interviews, cover letters, etc.). essays, resumes, (applications, Researching and determining best fit options in post-secondary education all over the globe. This leads into learning and determining best fit options in post-secondary education Researching to the outside world, as well as awaken them to the needs of the world and to how they can contribute; to the needs of them to the outside world, as well as awaken allow them to connect learning that and service opportunities Guiding students into meaningful co-curricular for a variety of fulfilling career pathways; career fulfilling a variety of for Gaining a working knowledge of how their particular strengths and talents might prepare them might prepare and talents how their particular strengths Gaining a working knowledge of The outcome includes the creation of a detailed academic and personal growth plan; growth a detailed academic and personal of the creation The outcome includes Developing research and planning skills with a focus on self-confidence and independence. on self-confidence skills with a focus and planning Developing research Understanding themselves and their strengths through comprehensive assessment tools and reflection; assessment comprehensive through and their strengths Understanding themselves Students will come away with enduring knowledge and skills in the following ways: with enduring knowledge and skills away Students will come and the values needed to lead in a global society. to lead in a global needed values and the SCHOOL MISSION SCHOOL flourishing meaningful and prepare by lives body and spirit, habits of mind, the teaching We • • • • • • • • • • •

•

• • The Guidance and University Counselling department helps prepare students for living meaningful and flourishing lives through meaningful and flourishing lives through students for living department helps prepare Counselling University The Guidance and the set out across when students graduation at in Grade 9 and culminating starting programme, a developmentally-appropriate and aspirations. dreams globe to pursue their WHAT WE DO WE WHAT OUR PROGRAMME

Delivery of our Guidance Programme will include a combination of small group sessions, all-grade presentations, one-on-one communication, screen cast tutorials and Naviance surveys. Phone, email or Skype conversations are available as needed.

GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 11 Grade 9 students are introduced to In the first half of the year, we will focus on Academic performance and a balance Naviance Family Connection in their researching careers and look particularly of interesting activities, are the primary Careers class in the first term. They will at the skills and knowledge areas that are focus of Grade 11. Many university systems do in depth exploration of personality, important to develop in different career place the strongest emphasis on the marks interests and strengths through career areas. Naviance is a great tool for this earned in Grade 11 because it represents surveys. This will then lead to career kind of research. It sets the stage for the the last year of high school with a full set exploration, developing resumes, and planning of a student’s course of study for of grades. compiling a career portfolio. Students Grades 11 and 12. Ridley encourages Grade 11 students to are encouraged to involve themselves in We will present detailed information begin seriously considering their university activities that they enjoy and those that on the International Baccalaureate (IB) choices by attending presentations given help them explore and develop talents. Diploma, as well as the requirements for on our campus (with prior permission At the end of the term, the Guidance the Ontario Secondary School Diploma by the student’s counsellor and relevant team will work with the Careers classes to (OSSD). After winter break, we select teacher). All Grade 11 students will help students understand how the career courses. Students choose a programme write the PSAT to gain experience in assessment work will be used to help of study that best fits their own learning standardized testing. Naviance work in them plan the rest of their high school styles, whilst keeping in mind the career the first term should focus on exploring experience. Students will come away interests identified through surveys and a variety majors and courses of study in with better and more comprehensive course work in Careers class. universities in Canada and around the views of themselves, while exploring how world. The summer after Grade 10 is a perfect they might fit into the larger world after time for students to engage in career- In the second half of the year, detailed graduation. This will set the groundwork related enrichment, whether it be university research and planning is for establishing Upper School plans that an internship, job, or instructional emphasized. Students are encouraged will support their future aspirations. In the programme that is linked to a particular to write the SAT and/or ACT (both online second term, we will work with them on career pathway. Student athletes will also and face-to-face prep work is provided). course selections in small group sessions. be encouraged to register for the NCAA Non-native English speakers should In the summer students are encouraged Eligibility Center if interested in playing demonstrate language proficiency through to gain experience through jobs, camps, Division I or II college sports in the U.S. the IELTS or TOEFL exams. Course internships, or other activities that take selection is given careful consideration to their learning outside the classroom, ensure that all necessary prerequisites are where they can apply knowledge in real met for university programmes of interest. world situations. Students will have extensive interviews with their counsellors to formulate comprehensive university plans; this is the centerpiece of the Grade 11 Guidance Programme.

Students should plan to visit university campuses of interest to them during the March break, and especially over summer holidays. (We will take all students on a university tour to Waterloo/Laurier as a primer.) The summer is also the ideal time to research an extensive list of possible universities or other post-secondary options. Students interested in pursuing medicine or law in the UK will need to write the required entrance exams during the summer as well. Drafts of essays will be written to prepare for the application process. UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING GUIDE | 5 This conversation will begin early in the will This conversation course Ridley so that at student’s career smooth transition toplanning allows for systems. global education our students seekBecause most of university admission within either Canada, or the United Kingdom, we have the U.S., for included basic admissions information in this handbook. those regions IMPORTANT: considering using an If you are independent counsellor or agent to assist please in your child’s university process, to these helpful us, and refer inform hiring you are sure guidelines to make someone who is qualified. http://www.nacacnet.org/International/ InternationalInitiatives/Pages/Trusted-Sources- Applying-to-University-in-Another-Country.aspx THE WORLD IS YOURS TO EXPLORE TO IS YOURS THE WORLD trained to advise Our counsellors are students on admissions to anywhere the members of in the world. They are Independent of Canadian Association Schools (CAIS) counselling network, for Association and the International College Admission Counseling (ACAC), on college and they stay up to date admissions practices all over the world conferences at attendance through admissions, as well as on international visiting colleges and universities. The counsellors maintain a global network colleagues which assists in the aim of “Best Fit.” finding of tool with is a global resource Naviance including all post-secondarya database whatschools in the world, no matter will work instruction. We language of closely with students and families theto help manage all aspects of process. application Entrance examinations (SAT, ACT, ACT, (SAT, Entrance examinations as needed IELTS) subject tests, TOEFL, the Common for Registration (USA), UCAS (UK), and/or Application (Ontario) as a first step in the OUAC applications preparing Requesting two academic teachers write Grade 11 or 12 to from letters recommendation in Naviance resume Updating Refining university lists in consultation with the counsellor and making final selections Guidance in submitting all aspects of the winter before university applications break students for workshops drop-in Evening who need assistance with any aspect of their applications other sessions for Specialized as needed. (i.e. University of application Australia) Ireland, Hong Kong, California, • • • • • • • • In Grade 12 students consolidate their consolidate In Grade 12 students experiences, and learning, self exploration, fits their that into a plan college research graduation. after aspirations following: with the The fall may be filled we will assist In the second semester, students in making their final decisions the transition to for as well as preparing this programme Delivery of university. small group of will include a combination one-on sessions, all-grade presentations, cast tutorials screen one communication, surveys. and Naviance GRADE 12 Parent information will be provided during meetings, parent weekends and open weekends parent meetings, during be provided will information Parent document an electronic and presentations screencast through as well as houses, library as needed. available are or Skype conversations Phone, email Naviance. in NAVIANCE: our tool to connect you to the world

At Ridley College, we use a web-based resource called “Naviance” to support our work with students as they plan their post-secondary ventures.

Students are introduced to diff erent aspects of Naviance to help with their self-discovery, academic planning, career portfolio, resume writing, university research and their applications. Through this site, students complete personality profi les, career interest profi les, strengths fi nder surveys and grade-specifi c questionnaires that help us guide them in appropriate directions. They will develop resumes and research institutions through the Naviance database and keep a list of interesting options. There is also a test preparation course for SAT and ACT and comprehensive search engines for summer programmes, internships and scholarships.

In Grade 12, we are able to electronically submit our offi cial documents to most universities in North America.

To access Family Connection as a guest, visit:

https://connection.naviance. com/family-connection/ auth/login?hsid=Ridleycol

and click on “I’m a guest.”

Parents are also able to access “Family Connection” on Naviance to fi nd information about universities world-wide, as well as specifi c resources from the school. UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING GUIDE | 7 Student responsibilities: their options; students should start to research Beginning in Grade 10, and where; offered is find out what Ask questions, check websites, visit campuses, possible opportunities; to develop a list of In Grade 11, work with the Guidance Department for applications; of the Grade 12 year and prepare Refine this list in the fall and any supplemental information; marks of in terms is required Know what a file. Be organized; Keep any scheduled meetings; to stay in touch with the Guidance Department. Attend Read emails regularly needed; counsellors as online with assistance from forms Complete application and deposits; applications Check deadlines for applications. residence of Be aware bring it to the attention by anything, confused are universities. If you from Read ALL correspondence the Guidance Department immediately. of How we will help: appointments; and individual Meet with students in small groups university and college based on interests, choices for Help students determine appropriate and location; courses, school record deadlines as they come up; Remind students of process; Assist with the application applications; Remind students to complete residence universities. sent from Help students understand the correspondence parents can do: What as many options as possible to help them find the best fit; to explore Encourage your children able; Visit campuses with your son/daughter if you are in the process they are Ask questions when you talk to your son/daughter so you understand where you; support they might need from and what welcome your input. questions. We with the Guidance Department whenever you have Communicate

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Post-secondary choices include universities, technical schools, colleges, institutes, art colleges and community colleges. colleges, institutes, art colleges include universities, technical schools, Post-secondary choices in Grade 12. achieved results universities normally depends on Admission to Canadian grades alone. students on the basis of admit but many programmes is required, form In some cases a supplemental Most universities submitted mid-year. is determined by each institution using marks An admission average the average. English, to calculate will use academic Grade 12 subjects, including results. normally conditional, based on final of admission are Offers 12 courses help in determining the Grade and we provide institution to institution vary from Requirements the best prerequisites. are that

• • • • • • CANADA PROCESS: THE APPLICATION small, rural campuses From opportunities for post-secondary study. of exciting a host Canada offers every is a choice to fit There to large, urban universities. need. FOR MORE INFORMATION THE APPLICATION PROCESS: UNITED STATES A student interested in educational options outside of Canada may choose to look south of the border and apply to American schools. With 3,600 colleges and universities to choose from, the possibilities are almost limitless.

To successfully negotiate this complex process requires careful planning and organization, and students are urged to begin the process in their Grade 11 year. Many students choose to investigate U.S. institutions that focus on the liberal arts and sciences. A liberal arts education is devoted to training students how to think, rather than for a specific job or career. For students with a range of interests or those who simply wish to explore a variety of possibilities, the liberal arts and sciences provide a compelling avenue for intellectual and personal growth. These programmes can offer significant opportunities for graduate studies and careers.

Student responsibilities: • Start researching your options early; • Understand admissions testing requirements, write the PSAT in Grade 11. Be aware of SAT and/or ACT test dates and register in a timely manner. Be aware of English proficiency exam requirements (IELTS or TOEFL); • Attend any group sessions offered to help you with the application process, then book individual appointments; • Meet with your guidance counsellor to discuss your choices and plan your applications. (What will you write in your personal statement? Who will write your references? How will you present yourself?); • Be aware of deadlines and meet them with time to spare. Work done at the last minute is seldom your best. It is expected that much of the work will be completed before you return to school in September of Grade 12; • Request references well ahead of when they are needed. Allow at least three weeks; • Keep us informed of where you are in the process so we can provide the help you need; • Read everything you receive and ask for clarification if you are confused. How we will help: • Meet students in group sessions and individually to help with research and application tasks; • Provide feedback on colleges of interest and suggest alternatives where appropriate; • Offer writing workshops to help students craft powerful essays; • Work with teachers to develop effective letters of recommendation; • Present your transcript and school recommendations in the best way we can to support your applications. What parents can do: • Your children will need your support through the complex work of applying to U.S. universities; • Visit as many colleges as possible to help them refine an appropriate list; • Encourage students to finish rough drafts of applications in the summer before they return to school for their final year; • Read their personal statements and provide feedback. They will also do this at school, but your opinion offers another chance for reflection; • Offer to work with them when they are home to complete some of the detailed forms together; • Keep in touch with them so you know where they are in the process and what needs to be done; • Feel free to call or write the Guidance Department to ask questions.

• Certification of Finances and Bank Statements.All colleges and universities will require a Certification of Finances, along with an original family bank statement, before enrolling an international student. Some schools will wait to ask until after enrollment, but many will ask for it as part of your application. Families should prepare these documents over the summer. Bring multiple copies in the fall, to give to our office to accompany your applications. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Student responsibilities: portal; engine and application main search Register and begin using UCAS as your If possible, visit campuses; possible opportunities; a list of to develop In Grade 11, work with the Guidance Department early in and Cambridge, and veterinary medicine/dentistry/medicine are to Oxford deadlines Application in Grade 11; process hand. Begin application exams before October and require Grade 11; in summer of exams to be taken may require Law programmes of Grade 12; universities in the fall U.K. for applications Refine and prepare up to date; Naviance Keep Be organized. scheduled meetings. in touch with the Guidance Department. Attend Stay READ EMAILS REGULARLY. How we will help: appointments; individual and, particularly, Meet with students in small groups and location; courses, school record Help students determine choices based on interests, choices regarding or Cambridge in making strategic Oxford Assist students who wish to attend and colleges; programmes possible interviews; for and preparing teacher recommendations Help students with personal statements, deadlines; Remind students of if necessary; fees application and arrange payment of process Assist with the application universities. from sent Help students understand correspondence parents can do: What as many options as possible to help them find the best fit. to explore Encourage your children to U.K. and Cambridge universities, or applications to Oxford to complete applications with your children Work GRADE 12. medicine, veterinary medicine or dentistry IN THE SUMMER PRECEEDING university for university campuses if possible. U.K. Visit prospective questions. whenever you have with the Guidance Department Consult regularly

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Admission to U.K. universities normally depend on results obtained in Grade 12 (OSSD), IB Diploma predictions, IELTS IELTS IB Diploma predictions, obtained in Grade 12 (OSSD), on results universities normally depend Admission to U.K. be helpful to It may recommendation. and a letter of a personal statement, speaking students, non-English for scores universities, and in some programmes. some at results submit SAT testing, and/or an interview. additional a supplemental form, some universities may require at Some programmes • • UNITED KINGDOM UNITED PROCESS: THE APPLICATION are in the United Kingdom. There university attendance in student interest has experienced increasing years, Ridley In the last few Canada, exist outside the boundaries of the opportunities that of digitally aware much more are this: students for several reasons can begin their careers they that students realize their horizons, students who wish to broaden diverse body of a more we have intertwined global in the increasingly an earlier age, and, at legal and dental professions) medical, (particularly in the veterinary, are in the U.K. programmes bachelor degree wider world. Most exposed to that their children may wish to have parents economy, savings to families. significant thus offering years, completed in three FOR MORE INFORMATION SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Canadian Entrance Scholarships

• Scholarships from colleges or universities available to high school graduates are known as entrance scholarships.

• Some awards are dependent solely on marks (e.g. UVIC requires 85% for an entrance award of $1,000, McGill requires a minimum of 95% over Grade 11 and 12 for $3,000). Students are automatically considered for these awards and a separate application is not required.

• Major entrance scholarships normally require a nomination from the school and are based on marks, community service, school activities, references and leadership. They are very selective with marks in the low to mid-90s to be competitive, as well as a resume rich with leadership and service activities.

University Affiliated Scholarships

• These are scholarships given to students at a particular university, and dependent on an affiliation with an organization, geographical region, professional association, club or programme. Check university websites for details.

Other Scholarships

• Scholarships may be awarded by businesses or organizations (e.g. Wendy’s, ReMax, Royal Canadian Legion, etc.) for post-secondary study. These awards often emphasize community involvement before academic results.

• Many of the most prestigious scholarships (e.g. TD Canada Trust Scholarship for Outstanding Community Leadership, Loran Award, etc.) have a strong community service or leadership component. Applicants are reviewed on the basis of their contributions to the larger community, as well as their academic potential. It is more than achieving good marks—these scholarships are looking for applicants who take initiative and make a difference.

Student Assistance Programmes

• Ontario Student Assistance Programme

• B.C. Student Loans and Canada Student Loans

• Loans are given to students using a formula that assesses parental income less expenses to determine the amount of money that might be available. https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal

• Bursaries are available at universities and colleges on a financial need basis. Most bursaries require that students apply for a student loan before a bursary is granted.

U.S. Financial Aid

Our counsellors will offer comprehensive financial assistance counselling and support for students who wish to study in the United States, whether they are U.S. citizens or international students. Also, U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for Federal U.S. financial assistance when applying to major Canadian universities.

Families are encouraged not to rule out universities solely because of cost, as there may be resources to help meet expenses. Early planning is essential.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

yconic.com | scholarshipscanada.com | studyincanada.com | schoolfinder.com UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING GUIDE | 11 of New York of University, U.K. University, - Okanagan Campus - Okanagan Union College (New York) University State Buffalo The University at Berkeley California, University of Davis California, University of Los Angeles California, University of Santa Barbara California, University of Boulder Colorado at University of Connecticut University of Chicago Illinois at University of - Champaign Urbana Illinois at University of Kentucky University of Miami University of Dame Notre University of Pennsylvania University of Southern California University of Southern Maine University of Knoxville Tennessee, University of Washington University of Wisconsin, Madison University of Technology Institute of Wentworth University Carolina Western Imperial College London, U.K. King’s College London, U.K. U.K. Kingston University, Met Film School (London), U.K. Richmond, The American International U.K. Edinburgh, The University of U.K. Manchester, The University of U.K. Warwick, The University of Bristol, U.K. University of Leeds, U.K. University of Sussex, U.K. University of the Arts London, U.K. University of Universite de Montreal Universite Alberta of University British Columbia of University British Columbia of University Calgary University of Guelph University of King's College University of Lethbridge University of New Brunswick University of Ottawa University of Regina University of Toronto University of Victoria University of Waterloo University of Windsor University of University Western Wilfrid Laurier University University York Management, Spain Management, Switzerland Dubai International Arts, U.K. and Performing & Technology & Advanced Learning Technology of Lynn University Lynn University Mercyhurst Oxford Miami University, Film Academy New York University New York Niagara University Northeastern University Northwestern University Nova Southeastern University Arts and Sciences Oberlin College of Ottawa University Institute Pratt Princeton University University Purdue Salve Regina University and Design Art College of Savannah Visual Arts School of A&M University Texas America The Culinary Institute of Iowa The University of Tampa The University of Les Roches School of Hotel Les Roches School of Spain Business School Barcelona, Toulouse Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain de Lausanne, Switzerland Hoteliere Ecole Hotel Les Roches School of Junior College, Switzerland Neuchatel University Esmod Fashion French NYU Abu Dhabi Visual Cambridge School of U.K. Durham University, Memorial University of Newfoundland University of Memorial Arts Applied of Mohawk College University Mount Allison Niagara College Nipissing University Art & Design (OCAD) Ontario College of Queen's University Quest University Canada Ryerson University Saint Mary's University Technology of Sheridan College Institute University Simon Fraser University Xavier Francis St. Thomas University St. Institute RCC Film School at Toronto University Trent MATRICULATION 2014–2017 MATRICULATION CANADA College Algoma University Bishop's University College University Brescia University Brock Capilano University Carleton University University - Montreal Concordia Dalhousie University College Fanshawe Fleming College College Brown George College Georgian Humber College University College Huron King's University College University Laurentian McGill University McMaster University U.S. Art University Academy of American University Babson College Boston University University Brigham Young University Brown Pennsylvania University of California Canisius College Carnegie Mellon University Colby College Connecticut College Dean College Technology Florida Institute of University Florida State University Fordham Technology Institute of Georgia Harvey Mudd College Bloomington Indiana University at Johns Hopkins University King’s College Lehigh University INTERNATIONAL Australia Bond University, Australia Western The University of UNSW Australia Germany ICN Business School Nurenburg, Germany Jacobs University, Germany Ludwig Maximilians University, in Ireland Surgeons Royal College of University College Cork, Ireland Universita Bocconi, Italy Mexico de Monterrey, Technologico Universidad Anahuac, Mexico Mexico Universidad Iberoamericana, Universiteit Maastricht, Netherlands IE University - Segovia, Spain P.O. Box 3013 - 2 Ridley Road, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2R 7C3 | 905-684-1889 ridleycollege.com