Post-Secondary Planning and Support at Appleby College

An Information Evening for Senior One Parents & Guardians

Tuesday January 26, 2021 – 6:30 pm A copy of this presentation

…will be shared in a future issue of Appleby This Week! Agenda

• Appleby’s Philosophy • Our guidance curriculum • An overview of the characteristics of post- secondary education around the world • An overview of the application process around the world • Supports for our students as they apply • How families can help Jennifer Coles Jenny Casey Michelle Frigo Michelle Patterson Jonathon Peever Guidance & Post-Secondary Coordinator, Student Services Director, Guidance, Guidance & Post-Secondary Guidance and Post-Secondary Counsellor Post-Secondary Counselling Counsellor Counsellor Director, Inclusivity Coordinator, Academic Programs Appleby College Guidance Team

Deirdre Quinn Connie Serra Seane Thorman Christine Vasilaros Michael Watters Attia Zaidi Guidance & Post-Secondary School Counsellor MS Guidance Counsellor, Director, Guidance, Student Learning Strategist School Counsellor Counsellor Learning Strategist Services 2 Our Philosophy for Postsecondary Applications The Goal of Post-Secondary Counselling at Appleby College

Students at Appleby are supported in finding a post- secondary institution that matches them; their academic profile, interests, values, and strengths. An awareness of self is required for students to find this match. Our program supports students in developing an understanding of their unique talents, abilities, interests, skills, strengths and values beginning in the middle and upper school years. In Upper Two and continuing into Senior 1 students are supported in learning about the options available to them and encouraged to find their ‘best- fit’ for post-secondary education. In Senior 2, students are led through the post-secondary application process from start- to-finish, both one-on-one and in group counselling sessions. Our support is all-encompassing and designed to care for students while also keeping families informed throughout the process. Our Guidance Curriculum In Grade 11 Guidance (GLU3X)

• Students review/determine their values, interests and learning style and how to use this information when researching postsecondary options. • Students are asked to consider their ideal postsecondary institution to include themes of importance to them. • Postsecondary research including examining their own credentials and matching them to schools of interest. • Course selection and determining requirements by postsecondary institution. • Postsecondary supplemental application preparation. US Guidance (GUS3X)

• Holistic Review – students are provided with an understanding of holistic admissions and how applications are reviewed. • Standardized testing – SAT vs. ACT, developing an understanding of which is better for each student and supporting students in determining their standardized testing plan. • Profile – understanding the various profiles; a student’s, Appleby College’s, and that of a school’s entering freshman class. • The Common Application – we walk students through the application requirements and students are supported with creating an account and beginning their Common App. • Researching Schools – using research tools reviewed in class, students are led through how to search for schools that meet their individual criteria of a ‘match’ institution. • The Essay – the types of admissions essays they will encounter are reviewed and strategies for each are shared along with resources. • The Interview – a guest speaker who is an alumni interviewer at a top US liberal arts institution reviews with students what she looks for in an interview and provides suggestions for how they can prepare. • Next Steps – students are provided with a ‘to-do’ list of next steps and supported in determining their individual plan. UK Guidance (GUK3X)

• Introduction – students are provided with an overview of the UK application process, introduced to UK specific application terminology, etc. • Research – an overview of how to research universities and courses of study that are of interest is shared along with how to determine prerequisites and requirements. • Application process – an overview of the UCAS application, its components and expectations. • Admissions tests – an overview of the types of admissions tests required in the UK and how to search for university and program specific testing requirements. • The Personal Statement – requirements of the personal statement are reviewed, and students are provided with resources for completing this important piece of the application. • Interviews – guest lecturers with first-hand experience with the UK admissions interview provide students with an overview of the interview process and next-steps for preparation if an interview is required. • Next Steps – students are provided with a ‘to-do’ list of next steps and supported in determining their individual plan. Grade 12 Guidance (GLU4X) • Students are supported with: – Finalizing application details – Organizing the application process for themselves – Understanding application timelines including mark submission timelines and acceptance timelines – Supplemental application writing – The scholarship application process – Transitioning to the post-secondary environment Post-Secondary Education and the Application Process Around the World College vs. University Canada Universities focus on academic and professional programs. Colleges usually focus more on career training and trades. Colleges tend to be more career-oriented than universities. Universities are degree granting institutions – they offer undergraduate degrees (Bachelors) and graduate degrees (Masters, PhD and professional programs – Law, Medicine, etc.). Colleges in Canada offer practical or hands-on training in 1-year certificate programs or diploma programs that are 2 or 3 years in length. Some colleges are degree granting institutions and some have partnered with universities to provide joint degree and diploma programs. US Colleges and universities in the US are both degree granting institutions. Colleges are postsecondary institutions that confer bachelor degrees, while a university offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs (Masters, PhD and professional programs). Canada

Major & Minor Undergraduate degrees usually take 3-4 years to complete. An "honours degree" (the fourth year) is usually required if a student want to go on to a graduate program (Master's degree). Students are required to select a program of interest when they apply: Social Science, Business, Science, Engineering, etc. Students declare their ‘major’ at the end of their first year. Many universities allow students to combine subject areas (e.g., a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology) into a "double major.“ Students are allowed to take courses outside of their major as ‘elective courses’. If elective courses are taken within the same subject area they can be combined into a ‘minor’. USA

Liberal Arts Liberal Arts is the foundation of education in the US - students are expected to study a variety of subjects during their time as an undergraduate student. No matter what area a student would like to study, they must take courses in science, math, English, social sciences, and languages. Every school differs in the way they require students to complete these courses which are usually called the 'core curriculum’ or ‘distribution requirements’. Along with a school’s core curriculum/distribution requirements, students are allowed to specialize and usually declare a major at the end of their second year. UK England, Wales & Northern Ireland Degrees are much narrower in their focus and don't allow learning outside of their course of study. For this reason, the length of time to obtain a degree is shorter and usually concludes in 3 years. Students are expected to know what they would like to study when they apply to the university and sampling outside of their course of study is not permitted. Professional programs including law, medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine are direct entry programs that students can pursue right after secondary school. Scotland Degrees are much the same as in Canada where students study their chosen course and have some elective choices outside of their specialization. For this reason, degrees are usually 4 years in length. Unlike Canada, students can gain entry to professional programs including law, medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine directly after high school. Comparing Canada, the US & UK

Canada & Scotland US UK, Ireland, Wales Length of 4 years 4 years 3 years Undergrad Degree Major Declared during Declared during Declared at study study admissions Changing majors Common Common Rare Study outside of a Permitted Encouraged/ Not allowed major? Required Professional Not at Not at Yes Programs available? undergraduate undergraduate Medicine, level in Canada level Dentistry, Law Available at undergraduate level in Scotland The Application Process in Canada How an Application is assessed

1. Prerequisite subjects 2. Academic standing – Top 6 average 3. Supplemental application requirements • List of cocurricular/work experience • Essays • Portfolios • Auditions • Video interviews General University Entrance Requirements

GENERAL 4U COURSES ECONOMICS BUSINESS ENGINEERING SCIENCE ARCHITECTURE ARTS ENGLISH X X X X X X DATA O MANAGEMENT ADVANCED O X O O FUNCTIONS

CALCULUS X O X O O

CHEMISTRY X O

PHYSICS X O X

BIOLOGY O

SOCIAL SCIENCE

X – Compulsory Students must ensure that they meet specific R – Recommended program requirements at each university. O – University Dependent Grades Submission

All grade 11 and 12 course marks are submitted to universities & colleges. When students apply to schools in the fall, a full list of courses that a student is enrolled in are sent to the schools to which they have applied, but Senior Two marks are sent for the first time in November.

Students must ensure they have the grade 12 courses required for admission to their program – ‘prerequisites’ Applying to Ontario Universities & Colleges Ontario Universities Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) – an online application • One application to all 21 universities • Appleby student apply early November of their S2 year • Three program choices for $150 (Base Fee) • Each additional choice $50 • Final 3U/3M and 4U/4M courses are included in the initial application • Senior Two marks automatically submitted electronically in November, February, April & June • Applicants may apply to as many Ontario universities/programs as they wish; however, they are limited to a maximum of three program choices at any one university (including affiliates) and some universities make further restrictions. Ontario Colleges

Ontario Colleges Application – online (OCAS) • Appleby student apply mid-November of their S2 year • Five program choices for $95 (Base Fee) • Senior Two marks automatically submitted electronically in November, February, April & June • Applications are limited to a maximum of three program choices at any one college Canadian Applications outside Ontario Submitting the Application

• Most Canadian universities & colleges outside of Ontario require students to submit an application with supporting documentation online directly to the institution. • Usually includes submitting a non-refundable application fee (typically $50-$100) which must be received by the institution by the deadline date. • Some universities/programs have supplemental application requirements, others will assess students solely on academics. • Some of these schools have rolling application deadlines, and others have firm deadlines – students must be aware of these dates. Grades Submission The OUAC assists the following out-of-province universities with collecting academic data for Ontario high school students who have applied through the OUAC:

• Acadia University • Bishop’s University • The University of British Columbia • The University of Calgary • Concordia University • Dalhousie University • McGill University • Saint Mary’s University • Simon Fraser University • The University of Victoria

Students who apply to these out-of-province universities can authorize the universities to request their academic information from the OUAC.

If students would like the guidance office to submit their grades to those schools not listed above, they are asked to complete a transcript request form. Funding a Postsecondary Education • OSAP - The Ontario Student Assistance Program is a provincial financial aid program that offers grants and loans to help Ontario students pay for their post-secondary education. Financial awards can be a combination of grants and/or loans. • Scholarships – Through a university can be awarded automatically (entrance scholarships) or by application – Through a foundation or company – direct applications required – Some scholarships require a nomination from Appleby – the process to request this nomination is outlined to students in their S2 guidance class and in their course Canvas. Appleby’s deadline to seek a nomination is in advance of the nomination deadline. Over the summer students should…

• Continue to research university and program options. • Visit university campuses. • Create a working list of co-curricular and work experiences and begin to reflect on the skills gained through each. • Begin to research scholarships of interest. Applying to Universities in the United Kingdom & other European Destinations Learning about UK Universities

• All applications are through UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Service www.ucas.com • UCAS provides the following: – A search engine to research courses and universities of interest & scholarship opportunities. – An application service to UK universities in England, Scotland and Wales. – Supports students with their application by providing personal statement advice, etc. – Allows students to track their applications once submitted. Applying through UCAS

• Students can apply to 5 courses/programs (4 medical) • One application goes to all universities a student applies to • Student’s link their application to Appleby College • Components: – Personal information – Education – list of grade 11 and 12 courses, marks for completed courses and predicted grades for S2 courses – List of qualifications (Duke of Ed, Appleby College Diploma, OSSD, etc.) – Personal Statement – Academic letter of reference Personal Statement

• Highlights a student’s preparation for their chosen course of study. • Reflect on reading, experiences, etc. that have helped a student determine their fit to the course they have chosen. • Any mention of extracurricular achievements must match to course of study. • Addresses why the student wants to study in the UK? Entrance Exams

Some programs and schools require students write exams in advance of applying, often in the summer before grade 12 or early in the fall of their S2 year. UCAS has a complete list. • Medicine – UCAT, BMAT, etc. • Law – LNAT • Mathematics – STEP, MAT • Cambridge and Oxford tests • Other Universities also have course specific admissions tests Appleby is a testing site for Cambridge Assessment tests UK & other International References

Academic references give an assessment of the suitability of a student for the Higher Education courses that they have applied to and, where possible, include the following points: • Existing achievement, with particular reference to subjects relating to the courses for which they are applying. • Motivation and commitment towards the chosen course(s). • Any relevant skills achievement pertaining to the chosen course of study.

This reference is usually provided by an S1 or S2 teacher depending on the application deadline. The Process to Request a Reference

1. Student first confers with their counsellor about the teacher they believe will be a positive reference for them and then the student follows up with the teacher to ask if they would support their application by writing a reference. 2. Student completes the request form and submits it to the referring teacher with a minimum of 2 weeks notice of the Appleby Deadline – more is ideal. 3. Teacher writes the reference which is submitted to guidance. 4. Guidance supports the teachers with both writing their letter and submitting to the appropriate application service/school. Appleby’s Common Practice

Appleby letters of reference are closed, which means the student/family will not see or receive the reference directly.

It is to a students’ advantage that references are closed as schools receiving the letters can be assured that faculty are being honest in their evaluation without influence. UK Application Deadlines

October 15th • Last day to declare an early UK application is October 5th • This deadline is for all programs at Cambridge & Oxford • This deadline is for all Medical, Veterinary and Dental courses

January 15th • Last day to declare an application to UK universities for this final deadline is January 5th • This deadline is for all other courses of study International Application Deadlines

• Ireland: Mid-November (Atlantic-Bridge direct entry medicine)

• Hong Kong: Fast Track is mid-November, Regular application deadline is end of December

• Europe: January-August depending on program & geographical area

• Australia: mid-January Funding a Postsecondary Education

• OSAP and other loans can be applied/transferred to an education in the UK. • Degrees are shorter in duration – potentially one less year of tuition! • As part of a study permit, students can work 20 hours a week to subsidize their education costs. Over the summer students should…

• Begin their UCAS application and attend workshop in the fall to confirm all aspects of the application are completed correctly. • Research schools and courses of interest. • Advance their academic preparation for their chosen course. • Write personal statement and return to school with a draft. • Visit schools if possible. Applying to Universities and Colleges in the United States Application Services

• The Common Application is the used by over 900 colleges and universities. • Some universities have direct applications through their website. • The University of California Schools have one application to all nine schools (UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, etc.). The Common Application

Includes the following: • Biographical information • Academic distinctions or honors • Standardized testing completed • Extracurricular involvement and/or work experience (can list top 10!) • Statement on Disciplinary History (Appleby will report all suspensions or academic integrity violations) • Essays Essays

The main Common App essay goes to ALL schools that a student applies to through the Common App. • This is the part of the application that allows a student to show their personality. • Can be creative – writing style is important. • There are several prompts for students to choose from.

Each school may ask additional questions or have supplemental requirements. 2020-2021 Common Application Essay Prompts

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. Standardized Testing

• We are still waiting to see what the expectation will be for standardized testing – for this past year, testing was made optional by most schools that previously required it. • Both ACT and SAT are equally accepted. • Students must have their scores sent directly from the testing institution to the schools they apply to. • For a list of schools that do not require the ACT or SAT visit www.fairtest.org. • In US guidance students were taught about how these two tests differ and asked to determine their standardized testing plan. Additional Items

• 2 academic letters of reference – one from a math/science teacher, the other from a social science/English teacher. Traditionally from a Senior One course teacher. • 1 counsellor letter of reference – provides the ‘whole picture’. • Academic Transcript – lists all courses and final marks from grade 9 onward, no comments, no attendance. • Additional letters of recommendation – be careful not to ‘water-down’ the application with too many voices. Must convey a new point of view not already included. Not all schools accept additional letters. • Appleby School profile – contains info about AC and our program (grading system, etc.) Common App Deadlines

Early Decision • Early Decision is binding, meaning that if a student applies to a school under this admission plan and is accepted, they agree to attend that school and withdraw any other applications they have submitted. • Because Early Decision is binding, a student can only apply to one school under this admission plan using the Common App. • For applying Early Decision, a student’s parent and counselor need to affirm the agreement with the Early Decision plan.

Early Application • Early Action (EA) is an application process by which a student applies and receives a decision much earlier than the Regular Decision notification date. However, unlike Early Decision (ED), Early Action is "non-binding." In other words, if accepted by a college under the Early Action plan, there is no obligation to enroll and a student will have until May 1st to consider the offer and confirm enrollment. Application Deadlines • Direct to the institution applications have a variety of deadlines that a student must research. • University of California Application – November 30th • Common Application: – Early Action (EA), Early Decision (ED): November 1st • Last day to declare interest in applying ED/EA is October 15th – Regular Decision, ED II: Around January 1st • Last day to declare interest in applying is Dec. 1st – Some schools have scholarship deadlines that are earlier than the Regular Deadlines – just applying by this earlier date automatically makes students eligible for consideration. University of California Application

• No transcript or recommendation letters submitted. Students self report their courses and grades from grade 9 up. • Personal essays must be journalistic in style to convey as much information as possible (writing style is not important). • Students must provide information about themselves in context of their family, school and community. • All awards, achievements, extracurricular involvement must be described thoroughly. Funding a Postsecondary Education

• FAFSA - The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an application required for US Citizens to determine their eligibility for financial assistance. • CSS Profile - The CSS Profile, short for the College Scholarship Service Profile, is an online application created and maintained by the United States-based College Board that allows college students to apply for non- federal financial aid. For both US and Non-US Citizens. Seeks to establish the ‘Expected Family Contribution’. • All financial document, applications and requests for financial assistance should be submitted by the application due date. • Need Blind vs. Need Aware – Need Blind schools will not consider financial need in the admissions process – Need Aware schools may consider financial need in the admissions process Over the summer students should…

• Begin their Common App and/or University of California Application and attend workshops in the fall to confirm all aspects of the application are completed correctly. • Research schools and programs of interest. • Write essays and return to school with drafts. • Visit schools if possible. • Create/update a resume – some schools will allow a resume to be included as part of the application. Grades Submission by Destination Grades Submission by Destination Canada US UK Grades included in Grade 11 & 12 Grades 9, 10, 11 & Grade 11 & 12 an application? 12 When are S2 November, January of S2 year Predictions of final grades submitted? February & April of (December marks) grades at point of S2 year application Required Courses? Prerequisites for Language, lab Prerequisites for program science, math, course of study social science, English to the highest level. AP’s where appropriate. Entrance Exams No Yes Program specific required? ***Report card comments are never sent to universities or colleges, only grades. Supports for our Students as they Apply for Post-Secondary Education Working with a Counsellor

• Each advisor group has been assigned to a post-secondary counsellor who supports their students throughout the application process from start to finish. • All students are invited to schedule a meeting with their post- secondary counsellor during the spring of their S1 year to review their research and next-steps. • During their S2 year students meet one-on-one with their counsellor in the fall to review choices, winter to review grades and requirements, and the spring (optional) to assist with the decision-making process and next steps. • Follow-up emails are sent to the student, parents/guardian & advisor after each formal meeting. Group Application Sessions

• Ontario University applications through The Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) – early November • Ontario College applications through the Ontario Colleges Application System (OCAS) – early November • Out of Province applications to a variety of universities – November following Ontario University applications • Universities in the UK through UCAS – September • Universities in the US through The Common Application – September • Universities in the US to the University of California Schools – September University Rep visits at Appleby

• Admission representatives from universities in Canada, the US, UK, Europe, Asia and Australia, etc. visit Appleby throughout the fall. • Students learn first-hand of programs offerings, admission requirements and application steps. • Lunchtime visits and two evening fairs (Canadian & International) – parents & guardians are welcome to attend. How many schools should students apply to?

5-8 schools per geographical area is appropriate.

The list should contain a mix of: • Likely schools: very likely (90-100%) to accept you (apply to 1-2) • Match schools: likely (75%) to accept you (apply to 2-4) • Reach schools: very competitive (<25%) yet still hopeful for an acceptance (apply to 1-2)

Every school a student applies to should be ones they would be happy to attend. Timeline of Key Dates

Supplemental Applications Research, info sessions, (ONT) campus visit & meetings Int’l applications UK & US early applications Scholarships Marks Submission 2nd Meetings Decision Making & Scholarship app’s Supplemental applications Accepting Offers

SEPT-OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB APR MAY- JUNE

Applications to Ontario, Final deadlines Out-of-province, & some Int’l for UK & US Marks Submission Scholarships Marks Submission (Canada) How families can help What families can do to help?

• Support students with keeping deadlines and materials in order. • Visit and tour schools whenever possible. • Ask questions and support students’ with their research. • Have conversations about financing postsecondary education. • Set appropriate and realistic goals for applications. • Help students keep their ‘priorities’ top of mind. Finding a ‘Best Fit’ is the most important factor in defining a student’s success in their postsecondary studies

• What’s the best way to find schools that match their academic and personal interests? - Identify priorities - Research the programs & characteristics of a range of schools - Match these two up

• Here are some characteristics to consider… Factors to consider when searching for Best Fit • Size • Location • Factors outside of Academics: – Campus Life – Sports and Activities – Housing – Extensions of Classroom Learning Visit a Campus

Get a Firsthand View • A viewbook, brochure or website can only show you so much. To really get a feel for the school, you need to walk around, sit in on a class, eat the food, see what the vibe is, and visit residences. Get Answers to Your Questions • Talk to students, faculty, and admission officers. • Get answers to your important questions, including: − What is the average class size and the student-to-faculty ratio? − Are most classes taught by professors or by teaching assistants? − What experiential learning do they offer? − What is the campus meal plan like? How is the food? What are the options? − What is the makeup of the current first year class? Is the campus fairly diverse? − What's the social scene like? What kinds of activities are available? Take pictures and make notes when you are visiting. Once you see more than a few schools, the details begin to get a bit ‘fuzzy’! Before you go…

Decide What's Important • Make a list of the characteristics that are most important, so you know what to look at. – Does your student like large lecture halls or intimate classroom settings? Check out class sizes. – Is there a particular major he/she wants to pursue? Talk to current students or professors in that department. – Traditional dorm, semi-private, suite-style, learning communities?

• Put together a list of your priorities, take it to the schools you decide to visit, and take notes about each category. That’ll make it easier to compare the schools when you get back home.

• You can use this campus visit checklist as a starting point. When to Visit?

• It’s best to visit a school before applications are due so you can be confident your student would be happy at any of the schools being considered.

• It’s best to go when school is in session…you’ll get to see it when classes are meeting and day-to-day activities taking place.

• Take advantage of fall weekend preview days – meet with professors and get a tour specific to the faculty of interest.

• Students and families must seek approval to miss school for a postsecondary visit which can be coordinated through the university counsellor. Resources for

• Ontario Universities INFO www.ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca

• Ontario Colleges www.ontariocolleges.ca

• UK Universities www.ucas.com

• US Colleges & Universities – The Common Application www.commonapp.org – Big Future ‘Super Match’ college search by the College Board https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search Any Questions?

Looking forward to June 17th, 2022