Year 11 | Johns Hopkins University Junior Preview Day

Year 11 families and students who may be in the Baltimore region during our winter mid-term break/Family Day weekend, and are interested in John Hopkins University (JHU) should consider attending Junior Preview Day on Monday, Feb. 19!

Junior Preview Day offers students an opportunity to see what it’s like to live and learn at JHU. In this half-day program, students will have the opportunity to tour the Homewood campus, learn about financial aid, connect with current Hopkins students and attend application workshops that guide them through every stage of their college search process.

To register or see the program for JHU’s Junior Preview Day, click this link.

Year 9 to 12 | Summer enrichment opportunities

To view details of many summer enrichment opportunities, please click here. This is a working document of curated programs students and families may consider. TeenLife, listed first in this document, is a helpful database of summer and gap year programs and is a good starting point. We do not endorse nor recommend any particular program. It is up to the student and family to evaluate the suitability of the programs listed. Some applications will ask you to submit a transcript and/or teacher recommendation — please contact your counsellor if this is required. Finally, be aware of application due dates and program fees.

Year 12 | Canadian students applying to Concordia University 

To recognize applicants' academic achievements, and to help offset the tuition increases, Concordia University will be offering Canada Scholars Awards for students applying from outside Quebec. These awards are based on students’ high school average at the time of the admission assessment and are renewable for each year of their studies. Award amounts are guaranteed to all students who meet the eligibility criteria. For grade conversions to percentages, please click here. 

Average assessed at admission Amount awarded (potentially renewable)

A+ $4000

A $3500

A- $3000

B+ $2500

B $2000

B- $1500

All applicants are automatically considered for this award; no additional application will be required. Award amounts are guaranteed to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.

Researching universities/colleges and programs

The following links are for students and parents to search for specific university programs and gather specific university information. Navigating each database is intuitive and can generate a deeper understanding of the prerequisites and levels of achievement required for admission. When compiling a list of colleges and universities, it is important to diversify. A well-researched and thoughtful list of university programs and or schools should include at least three REACH schools/programs, three POSSIBLE schools/programs and three LIKELY schools/programs. All schools in a student's list will also satisfy the non-academic and lifestyle aspirations they foresee in their post-secondary education and destination.

Searching University Program Databases

• Ontario university info

• Canadian university info

• U.K. university info

• American university/college info

Year 12 | Important upcoming application deadlines

University of Toronto

Due February 1

● Engineering essay and two videos

● Rotman Commerce essay and video

● Awards profile due

● Computer Science supplement

● U of T Victoria College supplement due for those who checked Victoria College as first choice

● Trinity College supplement due for those who checked Trinity College as their first choice

University of British Columbia

● The deadline to apply for UBC housing is May 1

McMaster University

● Supplements deadline (Engineering, Computer Science, Arts & Science, Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences)

● Health Sciences program applicants will be sent an individual deadline in February, typically due early to mid-February. Please visit here for details.

McGill University

● Complete, pay and submit an application by February 1

McMaster University

● Arts & Science, Integrated Business and Humanities supplement due February 2

York University

● Schulich School of Business leadership profile and video interview due February 15

Queen’s University

● Supplementary Essay (SE) for the Commerce and Health Sciences programs due February 17

University of Waterloo

● Additional Information Form (AIF) due for all programs

Year 12 | Scholarships

York University Tentanda Via Award

Capturing the enduring spirit of York's motto, the Tentanda Via Award recognizes undergraduate students who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming significant personal barriers in the pursuit of a university education and changemakers who are committed to progressive and sustainable development issues. Interested Year 12 students are encouraged to check here for more information. The application deadline is Feb. 15. 

Dalhousie University General Entrance Award application

Year 12 students who applied to Dalhousie University are encouraged to complete the General Entrance Award application. These are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, community service, financial need and cultural identity. Interested students are encouraged to check here for more information. The application deadline is Feb. 15. 

Awards profiles

Several Canadian universities have awards profiles that students can access through their applicant portal. Rather than applying for a particular scholarship, students complete a profile that then matches them with scholarships.  All Year 12 students who are interested in scholarships are encouraged to check their portals and speak with their counsellor for more information. 

McGill University Major Entrance Scholarships

Year 12 students who are applying to McGill University are encouraged to explore their major entrance scholarships. Major entrance scholarships are determined by selection committees and awarded on the basis of academic achievement (minimum 97 per cent overall average on all 3U, 3M, 4U and 4M courses and/or rank in the top 1 per cent of class) outstanding leadership in school or community activities. Emphasis is placed on academic excellence as the first priority, followed by demonstrated leadership. Please note that "leadership" constitutes more than simple participation in extracurricular activities. Applications are due on Feb. 7 and students are encouraged to check the website or speak with their counsellor for more information. 

Laurier Scholars Program

Year 12 students who have applied to Wilfrid Laurier University are encouraged to explore the Laurier Scholars Program. The prestigious Laurier Scholars Award is an annual entrance scholarship to offer high-achieving students the opportunity to participate in a dynamic learning environment that will foster innovative thinking and ethical, visionary leadership. Seven students will be selected to receive this $40,000 entrance scholarship. This application is open to domestic and international applicants who have applied for a full-time undergraduate program at Laurier. Students are selected for the Laurier Scholars Award based on their academic achievement (an admission average of 90 per cent or higher) and their submitted scholarship application. Applications are due on Feb. 22 and interested students are encouraged to check out the website or speak with their counsellor for more information. 

The McEuen Scholarship at the University of St. Andrews 

Year 12 students interested in the University of St. Andrews are encouraged to explore the McEuen Scholarship. It is awarded to qualified Canadian students age 21 and younger for a full three-year undergraduate or a four-year honours degree at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. The scholarship covers all tuition and residence fees and includes a book allowance of £200. This renewable entrance scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic and extra-curricular achievement. Interested students should explore the website for more information. The application is open now and due on Jan. 31 but students are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.  

Babson College Weissman Scholarship

Year 12 students interested in Babson College are encouraged to explore the Weissman Scholarship Program. The Weissman Scholarship Program provides four-year, full-tuition scholarships plus financial support for scholars to develop their unique talents and pursue their personal passions. Weissman Scholars at Babson College are leaders who already enjoy distinction in their schools and communities. They have earned grades in their secondary school that place them among the top 5 per cent of students in their programs. They have demonstrated a passion for intellectual, creative, and entrepreneurial pursuits, and have a vision for how Babson and the Weissman Scholarship Program can help further dreams, for themselves and the world. Selection for the Weissman Scholarship is based on the following criteria: Academic excellence and intellectual passion; Great distinction in leadership activities and Strength of vision for how their goals can be fulfilled at Babson with the support of the Weissman Scholarship Program. Applications are due on Feb. 1, 2024, and more information can be found on their website.

Washington University in St. Louis Signature Scholar Programs

All Year 12 students interested in applying to Washington University in St. Louis are encouraged to explore the Signature Scholar Programs. There are three different scholar programs, so explore the website for more details on eligibility for each one. Any UCC student who is eligible and feels like they are a good fit based on the scholarship criteria can apply through the common application by the regular decision deadline. 

St. Lawrence University Canadian Scholars Program

All Year 12 students interested in applying to St. Lawrence University are encouraged to explore the Canadian Scholars Program. The Canadian Scholars Program seeks students who have excelled academically and demonstrated leadership in some compelling way in their communities. This leadership may be school-related, service-related or any other avenue in which the student has invested substantive time. The scholarship value for the Canadian Scholars Program ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 USD per year, with four-year total values of $100,000 to $200,000 USD. Any UCC student who is eligible and feels like they are a good fit based on the scholarship criteria can apply. Interested students are encouraged to speak with their university counsellor for more information.