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UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS
University Admissions at York House focuses primarily on three goals: (1) meeting Ministry established graduation program requirements for high school and for admission to post secondary institutions, (2) assisting students gain entrance into their first university and post secondary program of choice, and (3) assisting students gain entrance into at least one university and post secondary program of their choice. As such, the university admissions program focuses on three primary areas: (1) research and planning, (2) the university and scholarship application process and, (3) finally, in Grade 12, on preparing students for their transition to university. The latter part of the program takes place in spring of the Grade 12 year and addresses preparation for university life. Students have an opportunity to hear from York House Graduates about their experiences as well as from university personnel about Support Services available on university campuses. Students also receive assistance from the Director of University Admissions, during this time, to plan their first year university courses.

RESEARCH AND PLANNING
Three common questions that students have when considering their post secondary education are: (1) which universities (and how many) they should apply to, (2) which universities are best suited to them, and (3) which universities they will be accepted to. Factors to consider in the research process are: program, location, size, accommodation, costs and type of institution. The location of the college or university could be one’s home city, a small town, a mid-size Canadian city, or a busy downtown centre. The location of the college affects lifestyle, and each type has attractive qualities. Some will be near relatives and friends, near a ski slope, or perhaps, in a different climate.

Universities range from small liberal arts colleges to large universities of over 30,000 students. Accommodation may be at home, in residence, room and board in the city, sharing accommodation or living on one’s own. Some colleges require all students to live in residence, and others are not concerned with living arrangements. The strengths and attractive qualities of a college or university will vary. Much depends not only on the quality of administration, faculty, students and physical resources, but also on the particular manner in which all of these blend together to produce an effective educational experience.

Students should learn as much as they can about each university before submitting an application. If they plan ahead, this need not be a long and confusing process. Discussions with parents, the Director of University Admissions, attendance at university visits, studying ­university websites, browsing through university calendars and guide books by institutions such as Petersons (available in the Counselling Centre), as well as the use of tools such as the College Board search service (www.collegeboard.com), can help students to make informed decisions. If at all possible, students and ­parents should visit the campuses and talk to graduates of those institutions.

Criteria for university entrance vary greatly. Canadian universities base admissions on marks obtained in Grades 11 and 12, with the focus being on Grade 12, as well as the completion of prerequisite courses. USA universities consider marks obtained in Grades 9-12 in their decision making as well as and they look at factors other than academic ability. Some factors are related to exceptionally well-developed talents in areas such as the arts, music, athletics, leadership, and personal qualities. US college admission is unpredictable. “Selective” colleges in the US have both a very highly qualified and large applicant group admission is unpredictable. There is no formula that guarantees admission. Universities in the UK require students to have had a solid academic preparation in their subject of interest in addition to related work or volunteer experience. Most students apply to at least three BC universities or colleges and to several universities outside BC, either in other provinces or in the US.

GUIDELINES FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE
Some students begin to plan their courses in Grade 9 to make sure the courses they take over the next three years meet their graduation and university entry requirements, but this process begins for most students the following year. Students should read this handbook carefully to find out which courses they need to take to meet their educational goals. The Director of University Admissions assists students in choosing courses for their post secondary options, but it is important that students research the requirements for the programs they are interested in to ensure that they have the required prerequisite courses. This information is available in the respective university calendars located in the Jean McLagan Counselling Centre.

Admission to most Canadian universities is based primarily on the student’s academic record in Grades 11 and 12. For some university programs, the student’s admission will be based on the average of her four or five highest academic marks, but in other programs such as Engineering, admission is based on a weighted average, which must include marks students obtain in the prerequisite subjects. It is recommended that students take a minimum of five Provincially Examinable courses over two years (Grades 11 and 12). US universities prefer students to take “challenging courses” such as Advanced Placement courses, while universities in the UK prefer students to have taken relevant AP courses (please see guidelines to application) for admission into their schools and programs.

Many university programs have specific prerequisites, while other subjects may be strongly recommended. The following list of programs and ­prerequisites provides a guide to parents and students selecting courses at the Grade 11 and 12 levels. Since requirements vary somewhat from university to university, we have used the strictest requirements for Canadian universities. As stated, it is always advisable to research requirements in university calendars and guidebooks, which are available in the Counselling Centre.

COURSE SELECTION PLANNING
ARCHITECTURE
Prerequisites: Calculus, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry (some institutions), English, Portfolio of Student’s Art. Recommended: Art.

BUSINESS, COMMERCE OR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Prerequisites: Calculus, Mathematics, and English. Recommended: Language 12.

ENGINEERING
Prerequisites: Calculus, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and English. Recommended: Computer Science.

FINE ARTS
Prerequisites: Visual Arts, Portfolio of Student’s Art, Interview / Audition.

HUMANITIES / ARTS
Prerequisites: English. Recommended: Language 12.

LIFE SCIENCES (pre-Medicine, pre-Dentistry)
Prerequisites: Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, English, Mathematics, and Biology.

MATHEMATICS
Prerequisites: Calculus and Mathematics.

MUSIC
Prerequisites: Instrumental Music, Audition, Interview, and English.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION / KINESIOLOGY
Prerequisites: Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics.

PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Prerequisites: Calculus, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, English.

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