The Application Process

Director of University Counselling, Gerald Pennells, B.Sc. (University of Edinburgh), M.Sc. (University of British Columbia), Assistant Director, Rick Rodrigues, B.Ed. (University of Manitoba), and American College Consultant, Tim Zenker, A.B. (Princeton University), M.A.L.S. (Wesleyan University) work with students, parents, and advisors to help students apply for admission to universities and colleges. Through self-evaluation, research, and counselling, students are helped to reach sound decisions regarding their future education. Almost 95% of our students proceed to university; the rest begin their post-secondary education at a college or by taking a "gap year" to work and travel.

The Selection Process

The Academic Counselling faculty has the experience and materials to assist with this selection process. In their Grade 11 year, students are encouraged to start thinking about what sort of university will best suit their needs. In the fall, they can attend selected presentations given by visiting university representatives. In the winter term, the counselling staff present workshops on types of schools, and in the spring, we begin to practise writing university essays while developing a list of 10 - 15 schools to be explored over the summer.

During the summer, we urge families to discuss universities so that when students return for Grade 12, they will be ready to meet with the academic counsellors to narrow their lists to the 5 - 10 universities to which they will apply. Since the "match" between student and school is so vital, we strongly encourage students to consider their options carefully, and then apply to a few well-chosen schools, rather than to many. The main focus of the Grade 12 year should be achieving the highest possible marks, as these are the primary determinants in university admission decisions.