FAQ+Post+Secondary+Options

** FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS **


 * 1) How is early acceptance determined? What marks do the universities/colleges look at if the student has not completed grade 12?**

Very few students will be offered early acceptance. The first round of offers is determined by the student’s grade 11 marks. Following submission (by the school) of the first semester marks (February) an additional limited number of students will receive offers based on their grade 12 finals or a combination of grade 11 and grade 12 finals.


 * 2) What happens in the case that a student is accepted but his/her final marks drop?**

The expectations will be clearly stated on your Offer of Acceptance. Generally, universities expect that you will maintain your admission average in your six Grade 12 U or M courses until final grades. For many universities this includes the prerequisite courses for your program. However, a marginal drop in grades may not affect your acceptance. Read the offers you receive __very__ carefully to learn what they expect. For extenuating circumstances you should contact the Admissions Department of the university.


 * 3) Is it possible for a student to enter university after completion of a college program?**

Yes, Articulation Agreements between universities and colleges allow students to gain practical skills at the college level before moving on to the more theoretical learning at university. The university may grant students credits for college courses. This could mean credit for several courses or for a year or more towards a degree.

4) **What is a collaborative degree?** Colleges and Universities are partnered together to offer a collaborative degree. Collaborative programs offer the combination of hands-on learning with the theoretical component of university. The student will take part of their program in each institution. Students may earn credentials from both the college and the university.

**5) Is it possible to obtain a degree from College?** College degree programs address the changing workplace requirements for more advanced levels of education and training. Most college programs are 2 or 3 year programs, however, applied degrees from college are 4 year programs. Admission requirements for degree programs at college require 6 Grade 12 U or M credits. These may include specific prerequisite courses.

**6) What are the requirements and how does a student obtain scholarships?** There are many scholarship opportunities available which students may seek out through various avenues. A list of websites is included in each monthly “Grad Newsletter” to assist students with their web search. Often student’s or their parent’s place of work offers scholarships or bursaries. Check the university sites under Financial Aid for scholarship opportunities and deadlines. You should start applying to these once you have selected the institution on your OUAC application __not__ after you have received an offer of acceptance. Scholarship criteria is varied and may take into consideration any or all of the following - academic achievement, community involvement, reference letters, personal essay, leadership, etc.

**7) When will grades be sent to OUAC (Ontario University Application Centre) and OCAS (Ontario College Application Service)?** There are five transmissions to OUAC and OCAS over the academic year. The initial transmission includes student demographics, grade 11 final grades, first semester mid-term marks for colleges only, and full year course registrations. This is done in November. The second transmission, at the end of February, includes final grades for first semester courses. In mid-April the mid-term grades for the second semester are forwarded. Final grades from second semester will be sent approximately July 3rd.

Students taking summer school courses are responsible for informing OUAC and OCAS of their course registration as well as mid-term marks. The final submission is sent approximately August 15 and includes the final grades from summer courses.

//Note:// Dates of course withdrawals, course drops and course changes as well as volunteer service completion will be updated with each transmission.


 * 8) Is there support available at post secondary institutions for special need students?**

Universities and Colleges provide services to students with special needs. These services may vary, depending on the post secondary institution and the nature of the student's need. New students wanting accommodations should register with the appropriate centre for assistance and submit copies of a recent Psycho-Educational Assessment Report, IEP and IPRC. The student must collect this information before leaving their secondary school.


 * 9) What are the deadlines for applications and supporting documents?**

College applications submitted by February 1, 2013 will receive equal consideration. Students may continue to submit applications following this date but may be waitlisted or refused admission for some programs.

The deadline for university applications is January 15, 2014 in Ontario. Other provinces may have other dates. Students applying to university after the January deadline are urged to investigate specific university deadlines prior to applying.

Once the student’s application has been received by the university or college the student will begin receiving information from the institutions to which they have applied. Be sure to read all your mail and email as important information such as deadlines for submission of supporting documentation, such as portfolios and Personal Statement of Experience (PSE), will be included in this correspondence.