Grad Essentials

Colleges/KPU          

Apply in the fall starting: Douglas Sept. 1, Langara & Kwantlen Oct. 1, BCIT varies by program, but usually starting in October.  The date of application is IMPORTANT ...it is like being first in line!  Check websites - dates are subject to change.

• Fee for application.

• PEN and SIN number required.

• Use https://apply.educationplannerbc.ca/ for most institutions in BC.

Universities

Applications typically open in the early fall.  Some institutions have set days each year, for example Kwantlen's applications begin on Oct. 1.  For non-competitve programs at Kwantlen or Langara it is important to apply as early as possible.  Deadline for application is usually in January or February, but varies with institution and program.

• Admission is based on grades (highly competitive) and may include a supplemental application (eg. personal profile or “broad based application”).

• Use https://apply.educationplannerbc.ca/ for most institutions in BC.

• Use www.ouac.on.ca (Ontario Universities), 

• https://www.applyalberta.ca (Alberta)

• Fee for application

• PEN and SIN number required and legal names are expected with these documents.

TVR

Transcript Verification Report – you will see this twice this year, once in the fall, and again in early March.  This is a confirmation of your courses and grades from the Ministry of Education.  

Official Transcripts

Most BC institutions rely on the electronic information that McMath forwards to the Ministry of Education.  Some scholarships and specialized programs require an official(sealed in an envelope) school transcript.  These can be ordered from the office by filling in a transcript request form.  There is a $5.00 charge.  Please allow at least 2 days.  Transcripts can also be accessed at www.StudentTranscripts.gov.bc.ca using your BCeID (see next section).

Sending Your Transcript to Post-Secondary Institutions

The Ministry of Education provides an online “order form” where you give permission to allow them to forward your grades to post-secondary institutions immediately or more commonly with your 2nd term report card information in May and final grades in July.   Deadlines for having this complete vary.  Some eastern universities have transcript deadlines earlier than the Ministry of Education can provide them, so you may have to order and mail a transcript.   You will need a BCeID from https://www.bceid.ca to complete your PSI Choices form at www.studenttranscripts.gov.bc.ca    Here is a video that talks about the websites used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzmY0WeTfFs.  Two PDF's are provided at the bottom of this page to help you with the steps.

Letters of Reference

Some scholarships and specialized programs require a letter of reference.  If you need one, and want a good one, allow at least 2 weeks, and ask a teacher who really knows you well.  To help a teacher write a good letter of reference, pick up a “Reference Letter Request Form” from the Counselling Centre.  Remember that teachers take on this task on top of their regular job – your thanks will be appreciated!

Meeting English Language Requirements

Some schools will require you to meet English language requirements.  Assessments such as the LPI, Langara English Test (LET), or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  See specific post-secondary for options.

SAT

Scholastic Aptitude Test – required by universities in the US.  Register online at www.collegeboard.com. Cost is around $50 US. See the Career Information Advisor for more information on these English language proficiency tests.   

SCHOLARSHIPS

1. McMath (School) Scholarships:  attendance, conduct, course load, school and community service are very important.  McMath counsellors provide instructions for the online application after Spring Break.   

2. Post-Secondary / Community Scholarships:  mcmath.sd38.bc.ca > Support > Career Centre > Scholarships

3. Ministry of Education scholarships: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/provincial-scholarships

4. National Scholarships- For example, check out:  www.studentawards.com is one of many Canadian scholarship databases that allows you to search or be sent updates based on your profile.

5. Other: family associations, scholarships from your workplace or parents, unions, etc.

OTHER IMPORTANT GRAD LINKS:

1. www.educationplannerbc.ca

• A great starting place for post-secondary research.  This search engine makes it easy to compare various programs offered in BC. 

2. www.myblueprint.ca/sd38

• If you haven’t made an account in CLE class, create account using PEN 

• Take the various self-assessments. 

3. www.workbc.ca

• provides current labour market info and opportunity to explore BC based career ideas.  Try the “Find My Fit” link for more self-assessments. 

4. www.bctransferguide.ca  

• To determine if courses completed at one institution are recognized by another.

5. http://mcmath.sd38.bc.ca

• Don’t forget to check out your McMath website.  Under the “Student” and then “Grad 2021” you will find updates Grad Events, Grad Photos, Valedictory ceremony information and additional resources from admin / counsellors