This Week In University Counselling: Grade 12
October 6-16
Appointments to see a university counsellor
To see one of the University Counsellors, you must make an appointment using our on-line booking system.
To book an appointment, you need to be logged into the Brentwood system through your school email account. Also, you must ensure that you have opened your Google Calendar at least once to ensure that the times between the two systems are in sync.
To access our on-line appointment system, click HERE to go to the correct page on the University Counselling website...
Although we shouldn’t have to tell you, do not make an appointment during a class—academic, arts or athletics—you cannot skip to attend a University Counselling appointment!
course changes
The intention of a deadline of October 6 for course changes was that a month's worth of work is a considerable task to take on. Course changes are possible, but you would need to make a very compelling case for that to happen. If you are still considering changes to your academic program, you must see us in University Counselling to discuss the matter further.
ALL Grade 12s Need to ‘Check-In’ with University Counselling by Thanksgiving... if not sooner!
Most the Grade 12 did a great job of getting in to discuss things with University Counselling before this weekend. Well done!
This bunch below, however, did not. They must come in to University Counselling ASAP this coming week to ensure that we have a clear plan concerning their post-secondary plans on file.
Martin B.
Samuel B.
Sebastian E.
Zachary H.
Kennedy H.
Lexi L.
Davis L.
Dylan M.
Nirva M.
Koko O.
Romeo O.
Luke P.
Ben R.
Christopher S.
Suhana V.
Spencer W.
You might be thinking... "wait, I've been into University Counselling to discuss this or that..." Perhaps you have been to deal with a very specific application matter or a course change, for example, but we did not take the opportunity to capture the big-picture plan. Do us a favour and come back to confirm that we have the information we need; please go back to the University Counsellor you met with to discuss the matter.
University Counselling/CLC Blocks
Your University Counselling blocks continue! You are responsible for checking your My Schedule on MySchool to know when your University Counselling block is scheduled.
Do dates/Due Dates
A reminder to your about our Application Policy: For any application that requires supplementary writing of any kind, you must have the application completed (your DO DATE) ONE MONTH BEFORE THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE (the DUE DATE).
Here are some key DO DATES/DUE DATES coming soon:
Ox-bridge/UK Medicine/Veterinary Medicine/Dentistry
DUE DATE = October 15th / YOUR DO DATE WAS AGES AGO!!!
US Early Decision/Early Action (Nov 1st)
DUE DATE = November 1st / YOUR DO DATE WAS October 1st
US Early Decision/Early Action (Nov 15th)
DUE DATE = November 15th / YOUR DO DATE = October 15th
University of Washington
DUE DATE = November 15th / YOUR DO DATE = October 15th
University of California/California State Universities
DUE DATE = November 30th / YOUR DO DATE = October 31st
University of British Columbia Early Admission/Scholarship Consideration
DUE DATE = December 1st / YOUR DO DATE = November 1st
University of Texas, University of San Diego
DUE DATE = December 1st / YOUR DO DATE = November 1st
MOST US Regular Decision (Jan 1st)
DUE DATE = December 15th - January 1st / YOUR DO DATE = November 15th
University of British Columbia
DUE DATE = January 15th / YOUR DO DATE = November 24th
Richard Ivey School of Business HBA Application
DUE DATE = January 15th / YOUR DO DATE = November 24th
University of Toronto Engineering Supplement
DUE DATE = January 15th / YOUR DO DATE = November 24th
University of Waterloo Admission Information Form (AIF): Early Consideration for Engineering Applicants
DUE DATE = January 15th / YOUR DO DATE = November 24th
UK
DUE DATE = January 31st / YOUR DO DATE = December 8th
University of Victoria Commerce Application
DUE DATE = January 31st / YOUR DO DATE = December 8th
University of Toronto Supplements for Commerce, Computer Science, Architecture, Kinesiology
DUE DATE = Ferbuary 1st / YOUR DO DATE = December 9th
canadian university applications
Now that we have seen nearly all of the 12s, University Counselling is ready to assist you with getting your applications submitted to Canadian universities. In most cases (UBC is a notable exception), the application is straightforward and involves the submission of biographical and academic information, along with the application fee. While that sounds simple, it is still critical that it be done accurately and thus why it is non-negotiable that ALL applications be submitted with one of the University Counsellors.
There are almost no application deadlines that fall before your December holidays for Canadian universities, although we would like to get the bulk of applications submitted by then.
Notable exceptions:
Toronto = U of T recommends that applicants submit their OUAC application form by November 7 for Early Consideration. Although their regular application deadlines vary somewhat by program, most fall on January 15.
Queen's = November 20 if you are selected as the school's Chancellor's Scholarship Nominee or if you plan on applying for another Major Entrance Scholarship.
UBC = December 1 for Early Admission and Major Scholarship consideration.
Royal Military College of Canada = AS SOON AS POSSIBLE... if you plan on applying for Admission to ROTP at RMCC, you need to get on with the application process, which involves connecting with a Canadian Forces Recruitment Centre, AS SOON AS YOU CAN!
If you were not present for your scheduled University Counselling/CLC block and the process of establishing your Education Planner BC and/or OUAC Application account, please find the links below to get this done:
ApplyAlberta
All universities in Alberta use the ApplyAlberta application.
Click HERE to access the ApplyAlberta.
Sign Up for your ApplyAlberta account.
Once you have established your OUAC account, please submit it to us using the UC Logins Form.
British Columbia Universities - Education Planner BC
ALL universities in British Columbia have now adopted the Education Planner BC application.
Click HERE to access Education Planner BC.
Sign Up for your Education Planner BC account IF YOU DID NOT DO SO ALREADY IN YOUR CLC BLOCK!
Once you have established your Education Planner BC account, please submit it to us using the UC Logins Form.
Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC)
All universities in Ontario use the OUAC application.
Click HERE to access the OUAC application registration page IF YOU DID NOT DO SO ALREADY IN YOUR CLC BLOCK!
Once you have established your OUAC account, please submit it to us using the UC Logins Form.
ALL Other Canadian Universities Applications
The application systems for other Canadian universities are either:
straightforward enough that we can easily get the applications set up (and even completed) during a regular University Counselling appointment, or
complicated enough that it is inadvisable for you to do any set up of it on your own; we must work through the process carefully with you during an appointment (or probably two).
IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR GRADE 12 CHECK-IN APPOINTMENT, we are happy to assist you with moving along with all Canadian applications at any time!
US Applicants
Early Applications: THE HEAT IS ON!
US Applicants, particularly those who are applying ED/EA, your DO DATE WAS October 1 (or October 15)... so you should be done and ready to have your application material reviewed OFTEN!
USA Sundays: Our Next Workshop is Sunday, October 15
US Applicants will gather once again on Sunday, October 15, 7:30-8:30 in the Foote Field House to talk about the refining of applications. We will examine real-life Brentwood applications and judge for ourselves whether they were worthy of admission! This will help current applicants to think about the considerations they need to make as they refine their own applications this fall.
For those who were unable to attend the USA Sundays workshop on September 17, please review the presentations slides about the application work ahead. Find them on the Presentations page of the website.
US Applicants Appointments
Mr Rodrigues will be running US Applicant appointment during the next two Sundays (because he loves you that much!). ED/EA applicants need to make booking a priority!
These appointments will run in Mr. Rodrigues' Kitchen in Ogden House on Partridge Road! It will take you less than 10 minutes to walk up to his place! Here's an easy map to 2660 Partridge Road (come in the back door):
Current US Applicants List
Presently, this is our official list of US Applicants:
Max A.
Nathan C.
Isha C.
Estelle d.
Xavier D.
Amy D.
Mimi D.
Gillian D.
Nicolas E.
Taylor E.
Joshua F.
Thomas F.
Paolo F.
Jed G.
Eshwaan G.
Aiden H.
Sophia H.
Ko H.
Zachary H.
Kennedy H.
Serena H.
Ezgi K.
Annika M.
Nathan K.
Fareena K.
Sam K.
Morgan L.
April L.
Jake L.
Bern M.
Katelyn M.
Cassidy N.
Eliza P.
Anya P.
Hana R.
Hugo S.
Sophie S.
Indira S.
Charli S.
Florence T.
Mea T.
Mason W.
Edith W.
Hinano Y.
Maggie Z.
Yude Z.
Are you no longer applying and should be removed from this list? Are you missing from this list because you are new to 12 or have decided to apply to US colleges? Whatever the reason, if this list needs to be corrected, please email Mr. Rodrigues immediately.
Recommendation Letters
Most US schools will require the submission of Recommendations Letters from Teachers and a Counsellor.
Come into University Counselling to discuss which teachers you would like to ask for a Recommendation Letter. We can then discuss the process of requesting and inviting them to do so. You will need to fill out a Student Request Form for EACH Teacher from whom you are seeking a Recommendation Letter, and you will see those teachers IN PERSON to make you request, offer this form, and discuss what the information you provided. The form is below or hard copies are available in the University Counselling office.
Student Request Form_Teacher Recommendations.pdfIn the CommonApp, please Invite Mr. Rodrigues for the Counsellor Recommendation and Invite and Assign the Teachers who agree to provide Letters. Come into University Counselling for assistance if you need it.
There are no Recommendation Letters required for your UC application... that is the notable exception!
Applicant Autobiography
All applicants who must have a Counsellor Recommendation Letter submitted will need to complete the Applicant Autobiography process.
The CommonApp
Your Common Application should be almost completely filled in by now, and you certainly have added schools and discovered what supplemental writing you need to complete. Get on with scheduling the tasks ahead!
Please share your login credentials by entering them into the UC Logins Form.
Other Applications
If you are applying to one or more University of California campuses, you need to complete their own application: My UC Application. Get registered and start filling it out ASAP!
There are many other separate applications to think about... you should already know what application platforms you need to set up accounts with and be completing.
Please share your login credentials by entering them into the University Counselling Logins Form.
English Proficiency
If your first language is not English, regardless of your citizenship, you inevitably will have to do a test of English Proficiency as part of the admissions process. That would be TOEFL or IELTS... but it might be the much better, cheaper, and easier-to-access Duolingo. Regardless, it is critical that we review the English Proficiency requirements of EACH of your schools to ensure that you have a plan to meet their requirements.
International Certification of Finances
Any non-US citizen will, at some point, have to demonstrate that they have financial resources to pay for at least a year's expenses to attend school in the United States. Some schools require you to submit an International Certification of Finances (official proof of available funds from a financial institution) as part of the admissions process, while others only require it after you are admitted. It is critical that we review the requirements of EACH of your schools to ensure that you have a plan to meet their requirements. Your parents need to stand by to acquire and provide that financial documentation.
university visits
We are excited to welcome our colleagues from universities to present to Brentwood students this fall!
Here are some UPCOMING visits that have been scheduled. Click on the School Name links for more information about them and their programs:
These and more presentations are scheduled, as you can see in the Calendar below:
For university presentations, you MUST SIGN UP to attend...
Procedure for Signing-Up for University Presentations:
If they occur during a sport or fine art, you MUST get permission from your coach/instructor to attend the Presentation. You must do this AHEAD OF TIME.
Once you have permission from your coach/instructor, if required, Email University Counselling to request to be signed up for a presentation, and be specific about which one it is.
You must Email University Counselling with your request no later than the night before the day of the presentation. Last minute requests are not permitted.
UC Logins Form
While you are always advised to protect your login credentials for websites on which you establish accounts, it is vital that you share those credentials with University Counselling so that we can fully support your applications. We do promise absolute discretion in protecting your credentials... you can put your trust is us!
To easily share your Application Account Login Credentials, please use this Form:
International Students whose First Language is Not English
Students whose first language is one other than English, you may very well have to prove your English proficiency to universities by means of a test like TOEFL or IELTS. If you have been at Brentwood since Grade 9, that is often enough for many Canadian universities. If you have been at Brentwood for 3 years or less, and/or you are planning to apply to universities outside of Canada, you must come in to review the Proof of English Proficiency policies of your universities of choice. These policies can vary wildly, and if require a test at even one university on your list, then we need to make plans for you to write TOEFL or IELTS sooner rather than later.
TOEFL and IELTS tests are available locally in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Vancouver, as well at locations around the world. Please come in to discuss options. If you are in doubt about whether you will need to write, come in. IF ENGLISH IS NOT YOUR FIRST LANGUAGE, COME IN TO CONFIRM REGARDLESS!
Major Scholarships
There are some major scholarship programs that require work to be done and application submitted early this fall. Here is a list of scholarship opportunities, and information about the work you need to do to apply.
Loran Scholarship
From the Loran Scholars Foundation website:
"The selection of a Loran Scholar is unique in its attention to a young person’s character. We believe that integrity, courage, grit and personal autonomy are better indicators of overall potential than standard academic measures. To discover these traits, we administer the most comprehensive and thorough scholarship selection process in Canada. Tenable at 25 partner universities, the Loran Award is valued at more than $100,000 over four years, including mentorship, funding for summer work experiences and participation in an extensive network of past and present scholars. This year, we are offering up to 36 Loran Awards. In addition, we are granting up to 124 Finalist and Provincial & Territorial Awards ($6,000 or $2,000 each, respectively) to promising candidates.
In 2022/23, we conducted 1,604 interviews with students from across the country and invited 90 finalists to participate in national interviews. Students describe the process as an opportunity to reflect on their motivations and to imagine the lives they want to live. Whether or not they are selected for an award, many students come away from interviews with new connections, friendships and ideas.
The Awards are renewable for up to four years, with a total value of $100,000, each Loran Award includes:
An annual stipend of $11,000
A tuition waiver of up to $11,000 annually from one of 25 partner universities
Personal mentorship from a Canadian leader
Experiential learning through summer work experiences in three different sectors with funding up to $14,000
An orientation expedition through Algonquin Park
Annual retreats and scholar gatherings
Lifelong membership in a community of values-driven individuals
We also grant up to 124 finalist and provincial awards to promising candidates who are not selected as Loran Scholars. Read more about our different awards."
The Due Date for submitting a complete Loran Scholarship is October 11 @ 5:00 pm.
“Unique in Canada, the TD Scholarships for Community Leadership are designed to recognize the achievements of youth who are making a difference and help them realize their educational goals. After all, today’s community-minded students are tomorrow’s leaders. Have you made your community a better place? Then we want to hear from you. You may qualify for one of our Community Scholarships.”
The Due Date for submitting a complete application for the TD Scholarship, which includes a letter of recommendation from the School, is November 15, thus students must submit a completed application for review by University Counselling by the DO DATE of October 15.
The National Scholarship rewards original, creative and committed Canadian secondary school students. These are students who demonstrate superior academic performance, original and creative thought, and exceptional achievement in a broad context. They excel in academic pursuits, demonstrate enthusiasm for intellectual exploration and have a strong involvement in the lives of their schools and communities. Each year approximately ten students are named National Scholars (winners) and ten are named Arbor Scholars (runners-up).
Eligibility Criteria:
an original and creative thinker committed to school and community
a high achiever in academic and creative pursuits
enthusiastic about learning and intellectual exploration
a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person currently in your final year of Canadian secondary school or first-year CEGEP intending to begin university the following academic year
a National Book Award nominee or self-identify as meeting the criteria above
Deadline to Apply: October 19
Value/Amount: The National Scholarship covers tuition, incidental and residence fees for up to four years of study. Finalists not designated as National Scholars receive Arbor Scholarships at a value of $7,500 in the first year and $1,500 per year for three additional years of undergraduate study. The scholarship is tenable only at the University of Toronto.
How to Apply: Click here to apply to the 2024 National Scholarship Program. You will be prompted to create an account before proceeding to the application form. Please remember your username and password.
British Columbia Scholarships
Click HERE to see what scholarship/award/grant opportunities are available to students who attend a school here in British Columbia.