For Parents

What courses should my child take in grades 10 and 11 if they intend to go to university?
  • No matter their intended university program, they can visit the following University of Waterloo site to see what courses they should take.  No matter what university they plan to attend, the courses listed will probably be very similar for all schools. (https://uwaterloo.ca/find-out-more/admissions/grades-9-and-10)
Should my child register for the SHSM program
  • This is in excellent idea and enhances one’s credentials, experience and training.  It can also generate some money at certain colleges and universities.  Most colleges and universities suggest including this as part of their additional information requests, which greatly enhances your application. Please visit (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/morestudentsuccess/shsm.html) for more information.  Locally the WCDSB site is also an excellent resource (https://www.highskills.ca/).
Does your child have an academic plan in place?
  • This is the most important step in the process of planning an appropriate pathway.
Is this plan realistic?
Does this plan align with your vision?
  • Oftentimes a parents and students idea for their future do not match – dialogue is critical.
Are you aware of the costs of a post-secondary education?
Do you have an RESP? Do you know how to find money? How else can you help fund an education?
Do you know the difference between college and university?
  • University is usually a four year degree granting program (B.A., B.Sc….) requiring a minimum of six “U” or “M” level high school credits, with the specific grade cut-offs, for admission.  Please visit Ontario Universities’ Info for details. Students may also “link” to university from certain two or three year college diploma programs.
  • College can take the form of one, two or three year certificate / diploma and four year degree programs each with unique admission requirements and transfer opportunities. Please visit ontariocolleges.ca for details.
What post-secondary school is the right fit for your child?
  • This is an individual choice determined by the students comfort level.  Some considerations include distance from home, campus size, community profile, scholarship opportunities, ease of travel… The choice of school is often critical to student success and must be given careful consideration.  Check out the following University of Waterloo link for things to consider when selecting a university and/or college. “Factors to Consider When Choosing a University“ (https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/missing-manual/applying/how-choose-university-program).
Is your child interested in studying in another province / country?  What are there any considerations?
  • Academia does not stop at the provincial border.  Many students may wish to study in another province and/or country. The following link will let you explore any university in Canada https://www.univcan.ca/universities/member-universities/), while those wishing to study abroad may want to visit (https://www.studyandgoabroad.com/).  Edvice4you can also provide guidance on such matters as costs, admission requirements, available programs and athletic scholarship assistance to name a few.
Is your child an elite athlete interested in an athletic scholarship?
Are you emotionally ready to have your child leave home? Is your child ready to leave home?
  • When a student leaves home to study elsewhere, many emotions come into play.  Some parents are reluctant or worried to see their child leave, while some students want to remain close to home.  There is no such thing as a bad emotion.  The choice to live at or close to home, or move far away to attend school, can be very difficult.  Planning and knowledge are key to a successful transition for both parent and student, especially when one considers the added financial burden of residence.
  • How to deal when a child heads off to college / university – A parents Survival Guide. (https://www.today.com/parents/how-deal-when-child-heads-college-parents-survival-guide-t46681)
Does your child have the admission requirements for the school and  program he/she wishes to attend? (prerequisite courses and grades)
  • Admission requirements vary greatly between academic institutions. This is partly due to the number of applicants and spaces available in the program. Complete university admission requirements can be found at Ontario Universities’ Info, while information regarding college admissions can be found at the Ontario colleges website.  It should be noted that most colleges do not publicize cut-off grades for admission, since many other variables come into play.
  • Often, some  programs are “oversubscribed” at many colleges and universities.  These programs generally have higher admission average requirements due to the large number of applicants. (Nursing, Paramedic and Firefighter programs at college. Engineering at U of W, Health Science at McMaster or Business at Laurier are a few examples).
Where can my child find Community Service opportunities?
Where are the jobs of the future?

The above questions often concern parents since they may not know the answers or have trouble discussing them with their child.  Let edvice4you help navigate these and any other questions you may have before deadlines get too close and panic begins to set in!