The University Counselling Office and the Community Relations team are excited about the U.S. Alumni Panel event taking place on Friday, Nov. 28, during Flex Time in Laidlaw Hall and Period 4 in various classrooms for Year 11 and 12 students. Students who have RSVP'd will have received a calendar invite that includes the classroom they are in during P4 and an email with more information. 

Any questions can be directed to Elia Lopez. 

Year 10 students are currently exploring post-secondary options and university planning in their Careers Studies class. 

This learning, combined with increasing awareness of the IB pathway options available at UCC, has prompted many students to begin thinking about their course selections for the 2026–28 academic years.

 Course planning meetings

• UCO counsellors will meet individually with all Year 10 students over the next two months.

• These meetings will answer student questions and help each student select the most appropriate courses and pathway choices.

• Students: Please check your email for a message from the UCO containing multiple dates for you to book your initial planning meeting with your counsellor.

Feel free to reach out to Elia Lopez if you have any questions regarding booking appointments with the university counsellors.

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 outside of Ontario, the U.S., the U.K. and anywhere else in the world.

For students applying to the U.S. their counsellor will submit their school documents (including your transcript, teacher letters and counsellor letter) to all schools listed on their Common Application. Students must ensure their Common Application list is up to date and final by Monday, Dec. 15. (This will automatically sync with their Naviance account provided they have matched the two accounts.)

If they are applying Regular Decision to any U.S. schools that do not use the Common Application (i.e. Georgetown, MIT etc.), students must make sure that the school is listed on their Naviance account and that they have sent their counsellor and teachers the links to submit documents by Monday, Dec. 15. 

If students are thinking of or planning to apply to any school Early Decision II, they must let their counsellor know by Monday, Dec. 15.

As a reminder, the Ivey Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) application includes a written component that plays an important role in our holistic admissions process. The deadline to submit is Jan. 15.

Essay writing workshop
We encourage students applying to this program to attend the virtual essay writing workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. EST. This session will provide guidance on what they’re looking for in the essay section and how to write structured, authentic responses.

Register now

Tips for a strong application:
It's recommended to use the CAR method when writing their responses:

• Challenge/Context: What was the situation? Why or how did they get involved?

• Action: What steps did they take to address the situation or make an impact?

• Result: What was the outcome? How did they make a difference?

Students should reflect on a variety of experiences that showcase leadership, initiative, achievement, commitment, teamwork, breadth, integrity and resilience; not just business-related activities. Examples may include part-time work, volunteering, caregiving, sports, or involvement in clubs. 

Please note that co-op placements completed for academic credit are not eligible.

If you have questions about the AEO application or the upcoming deadline, feel free to contact them at hba@ivey.ca.

The 2025–26 edition of the High School Essay Contest is now open for submissions. Double Exposure is Columbia University’s undergraduate film and media journal.

This contest was created to share the voices of young writers—who, they’ve found, are often just as deeply (if not more) connected to the media landscape and culture as the rest of us.

Students can submit up to one essay in each of the following four categories, which correspond to the editorial columns of Double Exposure’s web edition:

Reviews: A review of a movie, TV show, or any piece of media—from a recent release to a cult classic, or even something completely underground.

Theory and Criticism: A space for deeper thinking—compare multiple films, analyze a recurring motif, or dive into the texture of a genre like film noir.

Behind the Camera: About the act of creation itself. Interview someone working on something exciting, tell an untold story from film history, or write about your own process. There are no fixed guidelines here—if it belongs on paper, it belongs here.

Festival Review: As the name suggests, this is about insights into a community event. It does not have to be a piece of reportage on TIFF, Cannes, or Venice. We find that personal experiences with local festivals, events, and workshops can often be more genuine and endearing. 

Essays should be between 500 and 1500 words. For inspiration, check out past articles on our website. At Double Exposure, they care about creativity above all else. Please make sure that the work submitted is original and free of AI. They only accept PDF files. Use of media is welcome; however, please limit the file size to under 10MB. There are no formatting requirements, but make sure that submissions are legible.

Deadline: Jan. 9, 11:59 p.m. Eastern

Submit using this link

Questions: doubleexposure@columbia.edu

Dalhousie Entrance Scholarships

Year 12 students who are applying to Dalhousie University are encouraged to apply for the Dalhousie Entrance Award/Scholarship program by completing the General Entrance Award application available in the application portal after applying to Dal. These are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, community service, financial need and cultural identity. Please note, a small number of awards do require a separate application. Applications are due Feb. 15, and interested students should explore the website or speak with their counsellor for more information. 

Toronto Metropolitan University Prestigious Entrance Scholarships

Year 12 students who have applied to TMU are encouraged to explore their Prestigious Entrance Scholarships. Applications are due on Feb. 1, and interested students should check out the website to get more information about the different scholarships available. 

Queen’s University Commitment Scholars
The Commitment Scholars Award celebrates and recognizes demonstrated leadership in, and commitment to, racial justice, social justice, or diversity initiatives by a student in their high school or in their community. The award provides dedicated financial, academic, and career support to help students complete their degree. Students applying to Queen’s who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or a protected persons of Canada; Self-identify as a member of an underserved or underrepresented group, including Black, Indigenous and other racialized students, Persons with Disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals; and demonstrate leadership in, and commitment to, racial justice, or EDII initiatives in their high school or their local community are encouraged to apply. Applications are due on Feb. 15. To learn more, students can speak with their counsellor and explore the website. 

Guelph Top Scholarships
Year 12 students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have applied to the University of Guelph are encouraged to explore their top scholarships. Applicants must have an admissions average of at least 90 per cent and have made significant leadership contributions to their and/or community. Applications open on Dec. 1, and interested students should visit the website for more information. 

McGill University Major Entrance Scholarship
Year 12 students who are applying to McGill University are encouraged to explore the major entrance scholarships. Interested students should review the estimated minimum academic requirements published by McGill. Applications are due on Feb. 7, and students can explore the website for further information or speak with their counsellor. 

Babson College Weissman Scholarship

Year 12 students interested in Babson College are encouraged to explore the Weissman Scholarship Program. Weissman Scholars at Babson College are leaders who already enjoy distinction in their schools and communities. They've earned grades in their secondary school that place them among the top students in their programs. They've 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 Dec. 1 if applying EDI or EA and Feb. 1 if applying EDII or RD. More information can be found on their website.

Huron University's International President Scholarships

The International Presidential Scholarship (IPS) is awarded to an incoming international 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, and a passion to positively contribute to global society. The scholarship covers full tuition and ancillary fees and is renewable for up to 4 years. The application is due on Feb.1. More information can be found on their website. 

St Andrews McEuen Scholarship

Year 12 students who are applying to St. Andrews in Scotland are encouraged to explore the McEuen Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a Canadian citizen, and it is renewable based on academic and extracurricular achievement. The scholarship covers all tuition and residence fees and £200 towards miscellaneous expenses. The application can be found online and is due on Jan. 31. Interested students are encouraged to learn more by exploring the website.

St Lawrence 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 must complete the Common Application, in addition to the Canadian Scholarship Application Essay.

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 4 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. 

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.

UBC Centennial Scholars

The UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Award program assists students who are transitioning to UBC from secondary school or another post-secondary 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, but who would not be able to attend without significant financial assistance. UBC is looking for applicants who are strong academic students, Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons in Canada and who demonstrate financial need. Applications are due by Dec. 1. 

UBC Presidential Scholars 

UBC is looking for the most accomplished and promising Canadian citizens and permanent residents to join their community. The Presidential Scholars Award program offers the most prestigious awards available to students who are entering UBC. These include a one-time award of approximately $5,000, and renewable awards of up to $40,000 on the Okanagan campus, and $80,000 on the Vancouver campus, each payable over four years. High school and CEGEP students who are Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for the Presidential Scholars Award. These awards recognize students who excel across the board and who have demonstrated academic and leadership achievements in the arts, community, athletics, and school. Students wishing to be considered for a Presidential Scholars Award must apply to UBC by Dec. 1 and indicate that they would like to be considered for the award when asked in their UBC application. All sections of the online application must be completed by Dec. 1, including paying the admission fee, in order to qualify. UBC will contact the majority of Presidential Scholars Award winners by the end of the day on April 27. Only successful award applicants will be contacted. Interested students are encouraged to speak with their university counsellor for more information. 

UBC Beyond Tomorrow Scholars 

The UBC Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program assists Black Canadian students who are transitioning to UBC from secondary school or another post-secondary 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. 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. 

Queens's Major Admissions Award

Queen's University has a number of other Major Admission Awards that do not require a nomination. Many of them have a financial need component. Interested students are encouraged to speak with their counsellor or check out the website for more information.

Boston University Trustee Scholarship

Year 12 students applying to Boston University are encouraged to explore the Trustee Scholarship. The Trustee Scholarship is Boston University’s most distinguished merit scholarship available to incoming students. The goal of the Trustee Scholarship is to enable students to pursue their passions, no matter where they lead. Scholars are enrolled in colleges across the BU campus and work in an incredible array of disciplines, including: television and film writing, neuroscience, acting, Chinese language and literature, biomedical engineering, and linguistics. Trustee scholars are actors, activists, and entrepreneurs. They're volunteers, emerging scholars, and campus leaders. With the Trustee Scholarship, students can do anything and everything at BU. To be considered, students must submit their application for admission to BU by Dec. 1. Interested students should explore more information about the Trustee Scholarship. Application details for the Trustee and other Merit Scholarships can be found on their website. 

Johnson Scholarship at Washington & Lee

The Johnson Scholarship is one of the premier merit-based scholarship programs in the country. It recognizes and rewards students on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and integrity, and their potential to contribute to the intellectual and civic life of the W&L campus and the world at large in years to come. Johnson Scholarships cover tuition and fees, housing and food, and $10,000 in funding for a summer experience — a grand total of more than $89,000 per year. Students with additional financial need may also see their scholarship amount increased to cover additional costs of attendance, which may include textbooks and supplies, travel expenses, and technology costs. The application is due on Dec. 1, and interested students are encouraged to speak with their counsellor or explore the website to learn more. 

We're excited to announce our new drop-in sessions with our university counsellors! These sessions are designed to provide you with quick answers to those lingering university application questions with no need to book an appointment.

A counsellor will be available on the following days during Flex Time in the University Counselling Office:

Dec. 2
Dec. 11
Dec. 16

Remember, there's no need to book an appointment—just drop in with your questions!