Grade 12

Navigating Post-Secondary Planning

1. Complete a Student Profile sheet

Student Profile sheets are now digital and will be made available soon. They are used if teachers want information for writing a reference letter and for information for award selection at the end of the year.

2. Choosing a college/university

First, what are the options for post-secondary study? Start with websites of colleges and universities for information about the programs, admission requirements, costs and more.

Go for a Tour - Check out the campus. Institutions are generally keen for students to visit their sites. An arranged visit might include a guided tour, answers to questions about programs and admissions and, sometimes, even sitting in on classes.

Open Houses – You can also attend an Open House session. Perspective students are welcomed on particular days particularly in the fall. Check the bulletin board outside Student Services for information.

MRHS Information Sessions – Post-secondary institution recruiters come to MRHS to speak to students regularly. This information will be on the announcements in the morning. Institution visits usually take place during senior lunch time in Student Services. Sometimes they offer on-the-spot admission and waive application fees.

3. How do I apply?

Nova Scotia Community College - If you are planning to apply to NSCC, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. They accept students on a first come, first served basis, which means that some programs may be full if you wait.

University - Universities in Atlantic Canada offer conditional acceptance throughout semester one if your grade 11 record is strong. You can also wait until after semester marks are in if you feel your marks might improve. Conditional acceptance means you can have a place reserved as long as your grades at the end of at the end of the year meet the university’s requirements. The advantage to early acceptance for some people is peace of mind, as well as being able to apply for residence and making sure you have a room.

4. How will I pay for it?

Savings – family or your own. Some families may have some savings set aside for their children’s education. Students also may have savings from summer or part-time jobs.

Student loans and grants - The Canadian Student Loan program looks at the costs of attending a school and subtracts family and student contributions. If you qualify for a student loan, you may also be eligible for NS Student Bursaries, which is money that does not need to be paid back. The on-line application is available in early May. Information is available at novascotia.ca/student assistance.

Scholarships and bursaries can be found here.

Remember that you don’t need to plan the rest of your life, just the next step. If you are feeling overwhelmed, come see Ms. Coombs.