1. Post Secondary Prep
Session #1
“What will you do with your
one wi wild and precious
life?”
Be sure to sign in
and thanks for your participation today.
Your attendance will be reported
back to your teachers.

2. 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 sessions
Printouts of program research
Brochures, calendars, pamphlets, etc.
Emails & correspondence with education advisors

3. GET INFORMATION!
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

4. A minimum of 80 credits made up of:
Required Courses
Elective Courses
+
Graduation
Transitions
48 28 +
Credits
Credits
4
Credits
OKM Policy = Grade 12 students must carry 6
blocks inside the timetable & have 88 credits to be
eligible for any spares.

5. 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

6. ELECTIVE COURSES
Students must earn at least 28 elective credits for grade 10-12 courses. 28 credits
Of the 80 credits for graduation, at least 16 must be at the Grade 12
level, including English 12 or Communications 12.
GRADUATION TRANSITIONS
Students must earn 4 credits for Graduation Transitions, which includes 4 credits
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)
TOTAL CREDITS
Required Courses 48 credits 80
Elective Courses 28 credits
credits
Graduation Transitions 4 credits
OKM Policy = Grade 12 students must carry 6 blocks inside the
timetable & have 88 credits to be eligible for any spares.

7. 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

8. Are you unsure of a career path?
http://www.educationplanner.ca
http://www.careercruising.com
User name: okm
Password: huskies
Very useful! These websites give info on careers,
education, where programs are offered,
projected income, and so much more…enjoy!

9. A WEALTH of HELP:
•High School Info
•Graduation
•Post-Sec Education
•Financial Planning
•Moving Out
•Employment
•Travel
•Funding for
Education
DON’T LOSE THIS
VALUABLE
RESOURCE!

10. 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 your
undergraduate degree is completed (6 yrs. total)
*also known as a Graduate Degree

11. Post-Secondary Options
College Apprenticeship
-certificates, diplomas, and limited -specific training in a skilled trade
degree programs offered -on the job experience
-trades programs -4 year work and school rotation
-University transfer programs (earn while you learn)
Institutes University
-technical training in a variety of -in-depth academic
specific trades and careers education, with a minimum of a 4
-programs generally 6 months to 2 year commitment
years in length -degree-granting (undergraduate
-some specialized degree & graduate degrees)
programs available -Professional occupations
-ex: BCIT, Emily Carr, Justice Institute (law, teaching, dentistry, medicin
e)

12. 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

13. Post Secondary Pathways
UNIVERSITY vs. COLLEGE
University College
• Entrance Requirements = • Entrance Requirements:
Eng. 12 + 3 approved grade En 12 (Associate of Arts)
12 courses (B.C.) En 12 + P-Cal 12 (Associate of Science)
• Personal profile may be *university transfer programs
required - NEW • Student responsible for transfer:
• Competitive entrance
VS www.bccat.bc.ca
• Larger professor base www.bctranferguide.ca
• More elective course options • Varied program options in
certificate, diploma & technical
• Research opportunities skills and university transfer
• Work study options • Smaller classes
• Can be more expensive • Can be less expensive

14. Calculation of Entrance Averages
Most universities admit students by averaging the
4 (or more) academic courses required by their programs
An 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%

15. 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%

16. 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.

17. UBC Broad Based Admission
ACADEMIC PROFILE (marks) + PERSONAL PROFILE
= COMPETITIVE ENTRANCE
 no set mark averages for admission so aim high
 no ‘magic formula’
UBC Vancouver UBC Okanagan
*min. of 70% in English 11 or 12 *minimum of 67% in English 12
*75% blended final or 80% Term 3 Eng. 12 *70% blended final Eng. 12 mark to register
mark to register in 1st yr. Eng. course in 1st yr. Eng. course

18. 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)

19. 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.

20. 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

21. 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

22. How to Apply to UBC
1. http://www.ubc.ca *Non-refundable application fee
of $62
2. Click on Prospective Student-
undergraduate *One application for both campuses
*Must indicate 1st & 2nd choice of
3. Click on campus of choice
program and campus
4. Click on Apply to UBC for 2013 *Online application is now open and
closes January 31, 2013
5. New user: create an account
*UBC Information Mtg: Wednesday,
Nov. 21st @ 7pm, OKM MULTI

23. How to Apply to OKANAGAN COLLEGE
1. http://www.okanagan.bc.ca *Non-refundable application fee -$30
*Tuesday November 1, 2011 – online
applications begin at 8:30 am
2. Click on become a student
*Some programs are first come first
served, so apply as early as
3. Click on High School possible
*Some programs available until
4. Click on How to Apply filled, so no set close date
5. Click on Apply Now – Choose
Program

24. How to Apply to U VIC
1. http://www.uvic.ca *Create a profile in PASBC first by filling
in all required sections, then you
2. Click on “Future Students are transferred to the U Vic
website to choose your program
“Undergraduate”
*Note: $67.50 non-refundable
3. Click on “Apply Online” application fee (Visa, MC AMEX or
cheque)
4. Click “Ready to Apply”
*Online applications open September 1
5. “Apply for Undergraduate –Deadlines vary by program
Studies” *Self-report final grade 11 marks from
6. New Applicant/Create October 1- November 30 to be
considered for early admission:
Profile www.uvic.ca/selfreporting

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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

28. 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 minimum
UBC – Vancouver 75%
UBC – Okanagan 70%
UVic 86% or placement test
SFU 75%
OC 60% (LPI level 4) *Business Degree = 70% or level 5
• Further information: www.lpitest.ca (dates, locations, fees, procedures, etc)

29. 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

30. The Costs of Education
• TUITION • BOOKS & SUPPLIES
• STUDENT FEES • HOUSING
• HEALTH FEES • FOOD
• DENTAL FEES • TRANSPORTATION
What is your financial plan?

31. 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.

32. The Cost of Education Example:
Using UBC Cost Calculator: 1st Year Full-time Arts (UBC-O)
EDUCATIONAL COSTS LIVING COSTS
(Full first-year course load) (8 months)
Tuition $4,608 Room and board $0
Student fees $614 Transportation (bus) $244
Books $1700 Personal expenses $2,500
BC Health Insurance $432
Educational costs $6,922 Living costs $3,176
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST $10,098
… and that’s with living at home for FREE

33. The Cost of Education Example:
Okanagan College – Associate of Arts (Arts Transfer)
EDUCATIONAL COSTS LIVING COSTS
(Full first-year course load) (8 months)
Tuition $4,100 Room and board $0
Student fees $500 Transportation (bus) $244
Books $1,500 Personal expenses $2,500
BC Health Insurance $432
Educational costs $6,100 Living costs $3,176
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST $9,276
… and that’s with living at home for FREE

34. 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

35. 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.

36. 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

37. Sources of Funding ...continued
(“What’s Next?” p.54-55)
7. Student Lines of Credit
– See your banking institution
8. Grants
Canada 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

38. 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 REMEMBER
Check 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!!

39. 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)

40. 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!

41. 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

42. References for Scholarships
and 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

43. 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!)

44. 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

45. 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)

46. 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

47. 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

48. 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