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STANDARDIZED TESTS
College Board: The College Entrance Examination Board provides tests and services to students who plan to attend a US college or university. Most colleges and universities require test scores as part of the admissions procedures. The College Board also provides an excellent research mechanism for students and parents with regard to post secondary options in the US. Their website is:
www.collegeboard.com
(PSAT) Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test: Students at York House will take the PSAT in October of their Grade 11 year. High school students throughout the US and other countries take the PSAT for a variety of reasons: (1) to compare verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities with that of nation-wide groups of students to provide an experience for students to do timed, multiple choice assessment; (2) as a practice for the SAT, and it can be used to estimate a student’s probable performance on it; and (3) to participate in the College Board search service. Students receive some preparation for this test by their English and Math teachers and receive practice booklets in September.
SAT I: The SAT I is a multiple choice test that measures students’ verbal, mathematical and writing abilities, and is divided into three sections: Critical Reading, Math and Writing. The test is three hours and forty-five minutes long. The test includes a written essay. Students can prepare for the SAT with the SAT Preparation Booklets available in the University Admissions Centre. The SAT may be taken more than once, and students considering applying to the US are encouraged to write the SAT in the spring of Grade 11 as well as in the fall of Grade 12.
Subject Tests (SAT II): Each of the subject tests measures knowledge or skill in a particular subject, and ability to apply that knowledge. They are one hour multiple-choice tests. Some colleges ask for specific tests. Up to three subject tests may be written at one test date. Students must check which subject tests are requested by the universities to which they wish to apply.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): TOEFL scores are often required of students who are not Canadian or American citizens (or Permanent Residents), and whose first language is not English. It is the responsibility of the student to register for the test. Brochures are available in the University Admissions Centre. The test consists of listening, comprehension, structure and written expression.
UNITED KINGDOM (UK)
Students applying to the UK must do so through the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
The Director of University Admissions will provide more details about this application process in the fall of Grade 12. Students may apply to four universities for Medicine through this program, and to five programs/universities in total. Deadlines for competitive programs such as Medicine, as well as to institutions such as Oxford or Cambridge may be as early as October 1. Applications for other institutions/ programs must be completed by January 15.
To apply to the UK, students are required to submit their Grade 11 and 12 marks (completed courses). Universities in the UK make conditional offers based on predicated Grade 12 marks and AP scores. In addition, students must complete a Personal Statement as well as a reference written by the Director of University Admissions.
UK institutions generally look for five Grade 12 courses (sometimes Grade 12 courses taken in one academic session), which may include relevant AP courses. Students are also strongly encouraged to have had experiences related to their program of study. For instance, students applying to Medicine need to demonstrate their potential for success in the program; therefore, work or volunteer experience in a hospital, clinic or medical institution can be invaluable. Often, students are required to take an entrance exam and participate in an interview. Both test the students’ knowledge, problem solving skills and ability to think on their feet as well as commitment to their program. Students may also have to complete an additional assessment, such as the BMAT (for Medicine), or the UKCAT for UK Universities.
FINANCING POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
The cost of post secondary education will vary considerably with type and location of the university or college. Information relating to costs is available in the University Admissions Centre.
(A) SCHOLARSHIPS
A scholarship is usually a cash award for outstanding academic achievement. Scholarships are competitive and may have additional requirements. Generally, Grade 11 and 12 marks are used in determining a student’s eligibility. Most universities in Canada have entrance scholarships based on academic achievement. Some scholarships are based on outstanding athletic achievements or outstanding contributions to school and community. Students are generally considering automatically for merit based awards offered by Canadian Universities once they apply. Some scholarships do require an application or nomination by the school. Information about these scholarships will be provided by university representatives and/or by the school. Additionally, all scholarship information provided by a university will also be available on the university website.
(B) BURSARIES
A bursary is a non-repayable grant made to students who demonstrate financial need and meet university entrance requirements.
(C) AWARDS
Awards are made in recognition of outstanding contributions to the intellectual, social, athletic or cultural development of the school or community.
(D) LOANS
Students demonstrating financial need may borrow money with the terms of repayment defined by post secondary, provincial, and federal authorities. Students should check for application deadlines when applying for any form of Financial Aid. Some professional organizations and unions have scholarship funds set up to help the children of their members.
Students wishing more detailed information should refer to resources on scholarships available in the University Admissions Centre. Students are also encouraged to research scholarship opportunities independently through the Internet. A detailed newsletter on Financial Aid and Scholarships will be mailed to Grade 12 students in early Fall.
FINANCIAL AID – AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES
US
universities usually do not require students to apply for Merit Scholarships. To be considered for financial aid, students need to complete documentation required by the individual university. Students usually have to apply through the CSS Financial Aid profile. Students may apply online at the College Board website:
www.collegeboard.com
Students who are US residents or citizens may also qualify for funding through the FAFSA program. More information can be found at the following website:
www.fafsa.com
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
PASSPORT TO EDUCATION
The Passport to Education Program recognizes and rewards student achievement in Grades 10 to 12 in a broad range of academic and non-academic areas according to Ministry of Education guidelines. Awards are intended to further students’ education and job training and, as such, are applied to tuition fees at post secondary institutions in Canada and recognized institutions outside of Canada. The number of stamps allocated to each grade is established by the Ministry of Education. Consequently, the number of stamps received for each of the three grades varies from year to year.
The value of the stamps is as follows:
Grade 10 - $250
Grade 11 - $250
Grade 12 - $500
At York House, as per guidelines provided by the Ministry, year-end averages of the five best provincially authorized courses are used to determine eligibility for this award in Grades 10 and 11. These courses include core courses such as Physical Education. Students must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents to receive an award.
Recipients of Passport to Education awards are notified by letter in July of each year. Awards are placed in Passport to Education booklets, which are then maintained in students’ files under graduation. Booklets, along with redemption instructions, are mailed to students in July of their graduation year.
Students can earn both a Provincial Scholarship and a District Scholarship. Information is available through the awards website at:
www.bced.gov.bc.ca/awards
EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIPS
A scholarship is usually a cash award for outstanding achievement. It does not have to be repaid. Scholarships are competitive and may have additional requirements. Many organizations offer students opportunities to receive scholarships for post secondary education. The criteria for these scholarships vary greatly. Some focus on academic achievement and volunteer service. Some have very specific criteria such as religious affiliation or area of residence. Detailed information about these scholarships is made available to students beginning in the fall of Grade 12. These scholarships include:
Canadian Merit Scholarship
www.cmsf.ca
Deadline: End of October
Canadian Millennium Scholarship
http://www.millenniumscholarships.ca/
Deadline: December
TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community Leadership
www.tdcanadatrust.com/scholarship
Deadline: End of October
Wendy’s Classic Achiever Awards
www.wendysclassicachiever.ca
Deadline: December
Royal Bank Award
http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/scholarships/
Prospecta Credit Union Scholarship
Miller Thomson Scholarship
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