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College Recruiting Workshop 

Please find the slide deck presentation here and the handouts here.

NCAA Eligibility Centre Fall Webinar 

November university visits to the College

• Nov. 15 at 1:30 p.m. room 127 — University of Waterloo

• Nov. 18 at 1:30 p.m. room 140 — Western University  Please note this visit changed time and place

• Nov. 19 at 3:45 p.m. room 140 — McGill University    

• Nov. 27 at 1:30 p.m. room 128 — Trinity College Dublin 

How PSAT Scores are Calculated

The PSAT/NMSQT, which most students treat primarily as an easier practice version of the SAT, serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program (applicable if you are an American citizen). The PSAT has been a digital adaptive exam, just like the SAT, since 2023.

According to the College Board, the average PSAT score is about 920, while a score between 1210 and 1520 lands you in the top 10 per cent of test takers. This converts to a predicted SAT score between 1310 and 1570. You can convert your PSAT score to its SAT equivalent using this PSAT to SAT conversion tool. Use the tool to get an idea of how much you’ll need to prepare for the SAT. But remember, there’s no guarantee that your PSAT score will be similar to your SAT score.

For an excellent score, you really want to bump your score as high up in the percentile ranking as you can. The average SAT score for admitted students at highly selective colleges/ universities is about 1550, so you want to be aiming for a PSAT score that puts you around 1490.

PSAT scores: the basics

Though the PSAT and the SAT contain the same number of questions on the same concepts in the same amount of time, the highest possible SAT score is 1600, while the highest possible PSAT score is 1520. That's because a student's PSAT score is intended to be predictive of their SAT score, but the PSAT is less difficult and thus not comparable in score ranges above 1520.

A student's total PSAT score is made up of two section scores, each ranging from 160-760: 

• a Reading and Writing section score

• a Math section score 

Just like the digital SAT, the digital PSAT is adaptive. To more efficiently arrive at a student's score, each section of the exam is split into two modules. A student's performance on that first set of questions determines the difficulty level of the questions they see in the second module.

PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses a slightly different score—called a "Selection Index" score—to determine who qualifies for National Merit Scholarship Program recognition and scholarships.

Your Selection Index score is calculated by doubling your Reading and Writing score, adding that value to your Math score, and dividing that sum by 10.

For example, if you achieve a PSAT score of 1460, with section scores of 750 (RW) and 710 (M), you can calculate your Selection Index score by doing the following:

(750x2) + 710 = 2210

2210/10 = 221

This means that Reading and Writing scores carry greater weight than Math scores do when translating a total score to a Selection Index score. A student who earns a 1460 but with a 710 in Reading and Writing and a 750 in Math will end up with a Selection Index score of 217, four points lower than when the section scores were reversed.

National Merit cutoff scores

Less than 1% of PSAT test-takers become National Merit Semifinalists. Because the number of semifinalists in each state is determined by that state’s percentage of high school seniors nationwide, qualifying National Merit scores vary by state. Qualifying scores also vary from one year to the next, but major fluctuations are not common, so the previous year's cutoff scores will give you a general sense of the goal score you should be aiming for.

A Selection Index score of 221 would qualify a student for National Merit Semifinalist status in most states, but some states required higher scores, including Massachusetts, with a cutoff of 222, and New Jersey, with a cutoff of 223.

McMaster University | Faculty of Science programs Q&A

Learn about the McMaster Faculty of Science and their seven first-year programs and opportunities available to future undergraduate students. Your questions will be answered by Science faculty, staff, and students! 

Date: Nov. 25

Time: 8–9 p.m. EST

Register here.

Oxford University | Resources for future students

Free monthly webinars for prospective international students covering a range of topics about applying to and studying at the University of Oxford featuring advice and guidance from admissions professionals, Oxford academics and current international students.

October's Webinar Recording for Students:

Applying to Oxford: understanding Oxford interviews (an academic’s perspective)

With: Dr. Jim Thomson — Deputy Director of Studies from the Department of Chemistry

           Zara Christmas — DPhil Student from the Department of History

           Prof Nick Yeung — Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Experimental Psychology

Year 12 scholarships

Schulich Leader Scholarships

All Year 12 students interested in studying STEM at a Canadian University should explore the Schulich Leader Scholarships. UCC can nominate 1 student. Schulich Leader Scholarships are Canada’s most coveted undergraduate STEM scholarships. One hundred are awarded to entrepreneurial-minded high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program at 20 partner universities across Canada. Half are valued at $120,000 for engineering scholarships and half are valued at $100,000 for science and math scholarships. Schulich Leaders exemplify academic excellence and an entrepreneurial mindset (demonstrating leadership, charisma and creativity), with strong consideration for financial need.

If you are interested in being nominated, please submit a one-page letter to Ms. Lopez by Monday, Dec. 2 at 8:30 a.m. explaining why you would make an excellent nominee for the scholarship and outlining how you meet the criteria that the scholarship committee is seeking (please refer to their website to gain more in-depth information about the scholarship).

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 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

• 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 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. 

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. 

The UBC Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program assists Black Canadian students who are transitioning to UBC from secondary school or another postsecondary institution. The purpose of the program is to financially support academically qualified students who show an interest in joining and contributing to the UBC community at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, but who would not be able to attend without significant financial assistance. Through the program, new students can access renewable awards of up to $80,000. To be considered students must self identify as Black (African, African-American, African-Canadian, Afro-Caribbean), be a strong academic student, have financial need and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person in Canada. Applications are due by Dec. 1. 

Merit Scholarships at Vanderbilt 

Year 12 students who are applying to Vanderbilt University are encouraged to explore the merit scholarships offered. Each year Vanderbilt awards merit-based scholarships to applicants who demonstrate exceptional accomplishment and intellectual promise. These students represent the top 1 per cent of all first-year applicants to Vanderbilt, and with the limited number of merit scholarships available, the selection process is very competitive. Vanderbilt has three signature merit scholarships and interested students are encouraged to check out the website and speak with their university counsellor to learn more. Applications are due on Dec. 1. 

Boston University Trustee Scholarship

Year 12 students applying to Boston University are encouraged to explore the Trustee Scholarship. In addition to exceptional academic credentials, Trustee Scholars are intellectually and creatively adventurous and demonstrate viewpoints, experiences or achievements beyond the usual. They are, in other words, not just top students, but extraordinarily well-rounded individuals. At BU, Trustee Scholars become part of a unique campus community that offers many intellectual, cultural, and social opportunities. Trustee Scholars rank at the top of their classes and demonstrate exceptional leadership in their schools and communities. The Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory undergraduate student fees for four years if certain criteria are met. To be considered, students must submit their application for admission to BU with one Trustee Scholarship essay by Dec. 1. More information about the Trustee Scholarship can be found on the website. Interested students are encouraged to speak with their university counsellor.