1. Post Secondary Information Evening Deb Noonan A-F Kathy Armstrong G-M Lori Welsh N-Z

2. Credit Checks Credit check meetings for all Grade 12 students are now in progress. This procedure is done mid-September to October. If you are a potential grad and have been overlooked, please see guidance immediately

3. Profile information sheet Profile sheet: Fill in and return to guidance to be used for teacher references and scholarship referrals

4. Visiting Institutions Many institutions visit our school for presentations. As well, all universities offer visits for student campus tours. For information telephone Dalhousie 494-2148, St. Mary’s 496-8691, Mount Saint Vincent 457-6421. For other universities, contact their admissions office. It is highly recommended that students visit campuses before making their final decision on a school. If you are interested in NSCC why not take a test drive or online virtual tour to try out your program of choice (491-4940). Open houses, Campus tours

5. Post Secondary Day On Wednesday Oct 29th, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., HWHS will sponsor a Post Secondary Visitation Day for all grade 12 students. Representatives from Atlantic universities, community colleges, technical schools and private training schools will be meeting with students to discuss programs, admission procedures, fees and other relevant topics. Now is the time to start looking carefully at what higher education can mean to your life. This day will help you consider your choices, understand the challenges and opportunities ahead, and recognize the impact of higher education

6. Career Cruising web site What is Career Cruising? Career Cruising is an interactive career resource designed for people of all ages. If you want to find the right career, explore different career options, or plan future education and training, you've come to the right place! How do you use it? Simply visit the link on HWHS home page or go to www.careercruising.com www.careercruising.com The username is halifax and the password is west.

7. Application Process Online (most deadlines March 15 th 2009) Early Admissions? Order Transcripts from the guidance secretary (Mrs Cochrane)

8. Other things you may include: Essays, portfolios, teacher references (two weeks’ notice) 90%+ Attach CV (template on Career Cruising)

9. Ontario Schools Central Application www.ouac.on.cawww.ouac.on.ca $110 for first three (plus supplementary fees ranging from $40-$80 per school) Send transcripts directly to the institution/s (request them from HWHS guidance office)

10. US Schools SAT/ACT www.collegeboard.com has all pertinent information and registrationwww.collegeboard.com $45 US fee SAT Registration # - 825400 Upcoming dates: November 1 & December 6 Walk on (if space available)

11. Private Post Secondary Institutions http://pcc.ednet.ns.ca/schools.shtml

12. Admission Deadlines March 15 (For many Schools) Check individual schools and programs NSCC – Apply NOW!

13. Scholarships / Bursaries / Other Scholarship : offered primarily on the basis of academic excellence (such as University Entrance Scholarships) but may have specific criteria such as outstanding leadership, community and/or school involvement attached. Bursary: may take into consideration factors such as financial need, family circumstances, as well as good academic standing. Other Awards/Medals : may cover a wide range of criteria. May or may not have financial offering associated with it.

14. Tips / scholarship, bursary, awards information Register at www.studentawards.com and other available websites( see resources) for comprehensive information updated daily. Check regularly.www.studentawards.com Announcements at HWHS (available on HWHS homepage, link to announcements on left ). Check the wall outside Guidance Office for posted information. Scholarship, bursary and award opportunities are also updated on a regular basis on the guidance link.

15. Where do you look for potential awards? Check with your selected college/university/training centre financial aid (or scholarships and awards) office. Most have a detailed listing. Must meet the criteria. Register with on-line scholarship/awards search sites (see resource listings). Check with parent’s place of employment (company) and/or union. Check with community organizations if you are involved / member (i.e. Boys and Girls Club, church, cadets, scouts, guides….). Once enrolled in post-secondary program, check for in-course, faculty or program scholarships. ( Many are not even applied for!)

16. African-Nova Scotian Awards Department of Education, African Canadian Services University Entrance Scholarship (75% average or higher)- $ 4500 Post-Secondary Award ( less than 75% average) - $ 2000 Community College or Trade School Award - $ 1800 Performing Arts Award ( in conjunction with the University & Post- Secondary Awards) - $ 1000 Applications for the above awards will be available at Student Services/ Guidance Department in late February and on-line at http://acs.ednet.ns.ca http://acs.ednet.ns.ca African-Canadian (Nova Scotian) students may also check for other bursaries /awards on www.studentawards.com and by contacting regional organizations such as the Black Educator’s Association.www.studentawards.com African-Canadian and Aboriginal (First Nations) students who also meet academic criteria are eligible for the Dr. Carrie Best Scholarship at University of King’s College.

17. Completing Award Applications Read the instructions carefully and follow precisely. Re- check. Ensure that you meet the criteria Give yourself adequate time to complete Take pride in application work. Do it well. Typed text is highly advisable unless otherwise instructed. Often an essay on a designated topic is required as part of the application.

18. Completing Award Applications (cont’d) In a few instances ( Loran Award), an interview may be required if shortlisted. If reference letter is required, give the person writing the reference at least two (2) weeks notice. Adhere to deadlines….be careful…..post-marked on or before a certain date or received by a certain date. Save copy of completed applications for your own file. Helps with filling out other applications during the year. Update you C.V. / résumé as changes occur

19. HWHS School-Based Awards/Prizes(internal) Amounts vary from $100 to $1000+ Most a sponsred by community groups such as the Freemasons, Lion’s Club, etc. Selection usually based on diverse criteria, depending on the award. May be financial situation, specific need (i.e.) disability, specific post- secondary program or institution, etc. Selection committee comprised of staff members from a wide range of academic departments and extra-curricular activities. In order to be considered for school-based awards, students must complete an Awards Application Student Profile which will be available on-line to download / copy ( February 2009 ). Details will be posted on the HWHS homepage and guidance link.

20. Student Loans Applications for September 2009 will be available on-line mid- May, 2009. www.canlearn.ca www.studentloans.ednet.ns.ca Disability(funding) applications are filed under Canada Student Loans and the disability must be supported by official (medical/professional) documentation. Some families choose a « student » line of credit through their personal banking institution. See them for details.

21. Website resources www.aucc.ca www.studentawards.com www.scholarshipscanada.com http://acs.ednet.ns.ca www.canlearn.ca www.studentloans.ednet.ns.ca www.careercruising.com

22. Thank you for coming! Please see us after the presentation if you have individual questions. Ms. D. Noonan (surnames A-F) Ms. K. Armstrong ( surnames G-M ) Ms. L. Welsh ( surnames N-Z )