University Counselling Office November 28, 2024
University Counselling Office November 28, 2024
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All Year 12 students must update their Naviance account ASAP, indicating all of the universities to which they are applying. This includes all universities in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and anywhere else in the world.
For students applying to the U.S. your counsellor will submit your school documents (including your transcript, teacher letters and counsellor letter) to all schools listed on your Common Application.
Please ensure your Common Application list is up to date and final by Sunday, Dec. 15. (This will automatically sync with your Naviance account provided you have matched the two accounts.)
If you are applying to any U.S. schools that do not use the Common Application (i.e. Georgetown, MIT etc.), please make sure that the school is listed on your Naviance account and that you have sent your counsellor and your teachers the links to submit our documents by Sunday, Dec. 15.
If you are thinking of or planning to apply to any school Early Decision II, please let your counsellor know by Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Reach out to your counsellor if you have any questions.
We wanted to share an exciting opportunity with you that could benefit you in preparing your applications for Ivey’s Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO). The virtual Essay Writing Workshop on Dec. 11 is designed to provide valuable guidance as you refine your supplemental essays.
Workshop Highlights:
Invaluable tips: Students will learn the key elements that make an essay stand out in the application process.
Writing guidance: Their team will walk you through each step, from brainstorming to polishing your drafts.
Interactive Q&A: Students can get specific questions answered and receive feedback tailored to their writing.
Effective strategies: Learn how to showcase leadership, initiative, and personal strengths in your essays.
Workshop details:
Session 1: 8 to 9 a.m. (EST) linked here.
Session 2: 7 to 8 p.m. (EST) linked here.
Both sessions will cover the same content, so you can choose the time that works best for you.
Join McMaster University to prepare for your supplementary application!
The supplementary application is a mandatory part of the admissions process for all undergraduate programs within the Faculty of Engineering. During this session, Mac Admissions will provide you with resources and information in order to prepare for your supplementary application, including an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the process.
Please note: this is an optional information session and is not the supplementary application itself. This session is intended for applicants who wish to learn more before they submit their supplementary application. All applicants will receive an email invitation to complete their supplementary application.
Register HERE for Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.
About the supplementary application
The supplementary application is a mandatory part of the admissions process for all undergraduate programs within the Faculty of Engineering.
The application consists of written and recorded interview questions and will provide you with the opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions team beyond your academic achievements. Below, you will find resources, deadlines, and other information related to the supplementary application.
Your supplementary application deadline is Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at 12 p.m. (ET).
Starting your application
You will receive an email invitation to your supplementary application up to 10 business days after you have received your confirmation email and completed your application on the Ontario Universities’ Applications Centre (OUAC). Please check your “spam” or “junk” folders to ensure you do not miss your email. If you still have not received your email invitation after this time, please notify them via this form.
During your supplementary application, you will be asked questions related to various skills and scenarios, including communication, problem-solving, and more. Below are some example question of what you can expect:
What does being resourceful mean to you, and why is it important?
Tell us about a time management strategy you use. Why does it work?
How do you create a balance for yourself when working in a stressful environment?
Give us an example of a time you acted with integrity.
Through these questions, they are looking forward to learning more about you!
Advice from current students
I think it’s best to relax and focus on being your most genuine self. That’s it! If you can do these two things, you’ll succeed at showcasing your unique traits and achievements. The supplementary application is not meant to be intimidating. Rather, it’s a chance to introduce yourself in a way not possible using only a transcript.
Practice, practice, practice! Being comfortable with the presentation format will go a long way! Also, do a variety of questions (ex. what are your strengths, who do you admire…etc.). Exposing yourself to different questions will help you prepare better for any questions you might come across!
Dress to impress! Dressing up in a professional manner will put you in the right state of mind to take the application seriously; it will change everything from your posture to your fast reflexes and thinking on the spot!
Take a deep breath! It isn’t something you need to exhaustively prepare for, do your best responding to the questions and you’ll do great! Try and answer the questions with evidence from your life experiences — extracurriculars, in school, and even day-to-day activities.
Western University National Scholarship Program
Year 12 students who have Western University as their top choice university should explore Western's National Scholarship Program. UCC can nominate four students for Western’s National Scholarship Program. National Scholarships are designed to recognize all-around excellence. These awards are based on outstanding academic performance (a minimum 90 per cent average calculated on all of Grade 12 courses, not just your “best six.” You do not need a 90 per cent in every course, just an average) and demonstrated ability for creative and innovative thought and a passion for the pursuit of learning. These scholarships also recognize exceptional achievement in extracurricular activities such as the arts and athletics. A special emphasis is placed on a candidate’s commitment to community service through ongoing contributions to school and community life. Students interested in being nominated should submit a one-page letter to Ms. Lopez by Monday, Dec. 9 at 8:30 a.m. explaining why they are a good candidate to be nominated for the scholarship.
Huron University Hellmuth Scholarship
Year 12 students who have applied to Huron are encouraged to explore the Hellmuth Scholarship. The Hellmuth Scholarship is awarded to an incoming student with a mid-year average of 90 per cent or higher (as calculated by Huron) and an exceptional record of extracurricular and community involvement, as well as a demonstrated passion for student life through community leadership, volunteer service, passion for arts, athletics etc. The scholarship covers full tuition and ancillary fees and is renewable for up to four years. The application is due on Jan. 15 and can be accessed through the Huron Connect Portal. Other Huron scholarships can be found on their website.
Schulich Leader Scholarships
All Year 12 students interested in studying STEM at a Canadian University should explore the Schulich Leader Scholarships. UCC can nominate one 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. 9 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.
Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program
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 one 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.