COLLEGE INFORMATION PRESENTATION
SEPTEMBER 2024
COLLEGE VISITS TO ADHS: Many Ontario college reps have booked visits for students at ADHS. A full schedule of the visits is posted outside of Student Services and will be included in monthly newsletters. It will also available on our website shortly. Grads can sign up for these visits on sign-up sheets outside of Student Services. You must sign up for the presentations you wish to attend. If there is a school you would like to see but which is not scheduled for a visit, please let Ms. Brown know and we will reach out to that school.
ONTARIO COLLEGE FAIR (OFC): Ontario Colleges coordinate for an annual information fair where students and parents can explore a student’s college options, learn about individual schools and programs, and ask questions of college representatives regarding programs, costs, student life, residence options, etc. This year the Fair is scheduled for October 16-17th in Toronto. There is not cost or pre-registration required. More information at: https://ontariocollegefair.ca/ .
COLLEGE INFORMATION PROGRAM (CIP): For potential students who cannot attend the Ontario College Fair in Toronto, the colleges also organize a regional College Information Program where students can meet with all college representatives at one time at a local venue. There are a few dates/times planned for our region. Please see below:
· Pembroke Camus of Algonquin College: MON., OCT. 21st 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
· Ottawa Campus of Algonquin College: MON., OCT. 21st 5:30-7:30 PM
· Kingston Campus of St. Lawrence College: TUES. OCT. 22nd 1:00-2:30 PM
CAMPUS TOURS/OPEN HOUSES: Students are encouraged to attend open houses and go on campus tours in the Fall as they begin researching their college options. These events are excellent opportunities for students to tour the facilities, meet the faculty, learn more about the program offerings and get a sense of both the school community and the broader community to see if a college is a good fit for them. Some Open Houses require registration in advance or offer program specific Open House events. Please make sure you check the websites of the schools which interest you to confirm dates, times, registration, and presentation details. Spring Open Houses are also traditionally offered around March Break so if you want to visit schools after you have completed your applications to help you make final decisions, you can also participate in the Spring Sessions. It is up to students to check the college websites to find out about these events. Upcoming Open House events for colleges near us:
· Algonquin College – Nov. 9th – registration is open now. https://www.algonquincollege.com/openhouse/
· St. Lawrence College – Cornwall Nov. 9, Brockville Nov. 9, Kingston Nov. 16 https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/Fall-Open-House
· Loyalist College – Oct. 26th – More details coming soon on website https://loyalistcollege.com/future-students/book-a-visit/openhouse/
· Fleming College – Oct. 25 – registration now open https://flemingcollege.ca/myopenhouse
Many schools also offer webinars about a variety of things: programs, the application process, financial assistance, student supports, etc. Again, please check the individual college websites for webinar offerings and schedules. They may also require pre-registration.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR COLLEGE: The Ontario College Application Service is now open and you can start your application at: www.ontariocolleges.ca . The website has excellent resources to help you research your future pathway and to guide you through the application process. The application deadline for equal consideration is February 1st, 2025. Offers can be sent out to students as early as November 1st so if you are applying to a highly competitive program, it is in your best interest to apply early. Students who apply after February 1st will be added to the bottom of waitlists and/or considered for spots in programs on a first come, first serve basis. We encourage all of our potential graduates to complete and submit college applications in the early fall. The college application process is very straightforward so students can complete it at home with their parents. However, Ms. Brown will be holding application sessions at school on specified days at lunch in October for students who want assistance. Be aware that you can change your program choices within your completed application right up until February 1st without any penalty. The more competitive a program is, the less likely you are to receive an early offer.
To be considered for most Ontario college admissions, you must have completed your Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a grade 12 English credit (U or C level) and any other prerequisites required by the program for which you are
applying. You will also you need to have completed your community service hours by June 1st and successfully completed the literacy test or course requirement.
When you go online in October or November, be aware that:
ü The application processing fee is $125.00 (non-refundable).
ü An application allows you up to 5 program choices (no more than 3 at any one college).
ü You cannot set up a second account to apply for more programs but you can change and update your choices whenever you want. Changes made before February 1st will receive equal consideration.
ü All programs for which you apply should begin in the same academic year.
ü Your username is permanent. You can use it again in the future by reactivating your account (paying the $125 fee). As a result, you should ensure that you use your legal name, and please capitalize your first and last name.
ü Your password must be 8-14 characters in length.
ü You MUST use a valid email address and you SHOULD use the one that you check most often. It should be your personal email. You will no longer have access to the ADHS account after you graduate.
ü You will need your OEN (Ontario Education Number) and Student Number to complete your application. Both of these are visible on your report card or you can come to Student Services.
ü You should check that all of the information is accurate and complete after your application has been processed. (It usually takes 2 business days to process.)
THE RESEARCH PROCESS: Before you apply you should: ü Research programs/careers of interest on the Ontario Colleges website: ontariocolleges.ca . The website offers a comprehensive guide to Ontario Colleges and programs as well as programs which are affiliated with Ontario Universities.
ü Attend in-school college presentations, the Ontario College Fair or participate in the regional College Information Programs.
ü Check out college publications, websites and tours.
ü Meet with Ms. Brown if you need help with your research.
TIMELINES
September 2024 College Information Session at school and virtual meeting for families (date coming soon)
October 21st /22nd, 2024 Attend Local College Information Programs (CIPs) if you are able to do so
Late October, 2024 Begin the application process, attend in school application sessions
November 1, 2024 Colleges may begin sending early offers of admissions
Early December, 2024 Make sure you have completed your online application to avoid technical issues in Jan.
February 1st, 2025 Equal consideration deadline
May 1st, 2025 Deadline to Confirm Offers of Admission (for most college programs)
Mid-June, 2025 Deadline for payment of tuition deposit to secure your spot
Please ensure that you follow up on all mailings and emails from OCAS or the Colleges. This is crucial in determining your entrance to programs. Ms. Brown does not get these notifications.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
· OSAP Applications open up in the Spring but the time frame changes from year to year. Review the OSAP website now to research the system of loans and grants, determine your eligibility and get an estimate. Register so that you receive regular updates. You can find OSAP info at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/osap-ontario-student-assistance-program.
· SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS Information about scholarship and award opportunities shared with our school will be announced through announcements, emails, Newsletters, Bulletin Board postings, and social media. To research scholarships and awards you can visit sites like www.yconic.com and www.scholarshipscanada.com and create an account to search for scholarships. Individual institutions also offer numerous awards through application processes so you should research scholarships and awards associated with every college you are considering.