Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Applying for Universities this year? Start your research now!

For kids in Grade 12, fall is the time for research and decisions on University options for next year. To help you through this potentially stressful time, I've discovered a very informative article by a parent who has recently survived the process. Sanjay Srivastava's presentation to a group of parents from Lisgar is a comprehesive, 10 step guide that walks you through what to think about and how to go about getting the information that you need to make an informed decision. He stresses the need to start early, to visit as many universities as possible, to ask questions and spend lots of time talking with your son or daughter about what they think.

Sanjay also encourages parents and students to make the trip to Toronto to attend the Ontario Universities Fair on September 25th, 26th and 27th. It's free of charge and open to everyone. With hundreds of representatives from all 21 Ontario Universities, Sanjay says that it's far and away the best way to launch your son or daughter into the process. While there will be a mini-version of the fair held in Ottawa on Tuesday October 20th at Canterbury High School and a couple of lunch-time visits to CHS by selected Ontario universities, neither offer the depth and breadth of information available at the Toronto Fair. Sanjay's one-pager on how he approached the fair includes some good advice to help you get the most out of your trip to Toronto.


Good luck and feel free to post any questions, comments or advice that you'd like to share with others.

3 comments:

  1. Thanks Vic for this source of information for parents and students facing the myriad of choices and decisions about university next year. It can be daunting for those of us who are in this position for the first time. This is an example of how we can share knowledge and learn from each other.
    Nadine Clarke

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  2. My son and I started looking at universities this summer. It was none too soon.

    Many of the fine arts program are very competitive to get into as 10 students apply for every one that is accepted - and the programs require a portfolio and a letter of intent as well as the usual application process.

    The programs that have these additional program requirements have special information sessions, tours and/or informal portfolio assessments in the fall.

    Diane Beckett

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  3. Pat Ryan in Student Services asked me to post a follow-up to this post. She was concerned that I not leave parents with the impression that the University Fair in Toronto is the only source of information available to parents. I'll collect up additional information from her on what's available right here in town and post something in the next couple of days.

    Stay tuned...

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