Important Information for Graduating Students
Current graduating students, please review the basic graduation requirements for all Ontario students to ensure you can graduate in June.
For all students -- you need to successfully attain 30 Credits (18 compulsories and 12 electives), complete 40 community service hours, and pass the OSSLT.
Other requirements you may need to consider:
Do you need any substitution credits (ex. French?) or equivalency credits?
Are your summer/night/private school credits correct?
Have you met your SHSM requirements?
If you are earning a certificate (ex. French Immersion), do you meet all the requirements?
Different pathways to choose from after graduation
There are more than one pathways after high school that can lead you to the destination of your life goals.
Explore the options below to learn more.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job that provides a hands-on training program for people who want to work in a skilled trade and who enjoy learning by doing. e.g. Automotive Service Technician, Electrician, Baker, Tool and Die Maker.
About 90 per cent of apprenticeship training is workplace-based training, under the direction of experienced workers. An apprentice is given a Training Standard Manual or Schedule of Training to ensure that they are trained to the standards of skill and safety set by the industry. The remainder of the time involves classroom instruction on theory, which is usually given at a local community college or provided by another approved training organization.
Once you have found an employer who is willing to train you, both you and the employer will sign a training agreement prepared by an Apprenticeship Branch consultant. After the training agreement is signed and filed with the Ministry, you are considered to be a registered apprentice. At specific stages of your training, the Apprenticeship Branch consultant will arrange for you to take classroom instruction in theory (usually at a Community College).
Apprentices are workers, so you will be paid while you gain work experience, and your wages will increase with the level of your skills.
For more information, visit the official government web site - Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
Researching programs and Applying to an Ontario College
To apply to an Ontario College students will apply through the Ontario College Application Service.
Go to: Ontario Colleges
Step 1: Create Your Account:
Select Apply and you will be prompted to sign up
Complete all of the required fields and select I Agree to the Terms and Conditions
Step 2: Activate Your Account:
Retrieve the account activation email from the email address you provided.
Click on the link within the email to activate your account.
Step 3: Log On and Complete “My Profile”:
Enter your username and password to enter your account.
Select “Start your College Application”
Select “Save and Continue to the Next Step” to move forward and complete each section of your profile.
Step 4: Apply to Programs
Click on the date you would like to start college (ie. September 2016)
Click on “Find a Program” to select and add a program to your application
Click “Select” to add the program to your application – make sure to choose the correct start date for your program
You may choose FIVE programs (no more than THREE at any one college)
We have already submitted a transcript for you electronically.
Step 5: Payment
You will need to arrange to pay the application processing fee online with a credit or debit card
Print the Payment Summary for your records
Visit Important Dates page at Ontario Colleges web site.
Researching programs
Applying to an Ontario University
To apply to an Ontario University, students will apply through the Ontario University Application Centre.
Go to: www.ouac.on.ca/ouac-101
Select “101 Online Application” from the Main Page or from the Quick Reference on the right hand side
Log into your account using your PIN #, Student # and School #
Select your program choices by using the Add New Program Option or the Browse Program Option ® enter the program codes – you may choose Three programs for your first payment of $150; each additional program choice will cost $50
Prepare to submit your application by completing these steps:
Review the programs on your application
Number your choices in order of preference
Confirm your Personal Information
Confirm your Address Information
Complete the 9 questions from the universities
Review your Academic Information – report errors to your Guid Counsellor
Submit your application
Submit your payment ® Print this page and Record your OUAC Reference Number.
Your school will have already submitted your mark history to OUAC electronically.
Visit Important Dates page at Ontario University Application Centre website.
Ontario students, applying to any of the listed Canadian universities outside of Ontario, can authorize the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) to transfer their academic data to the listed out-of-province university.
The applicant must sign the release authorization and record the OUAC Reference Number on the out-of-province university application form as applicable.
Use the following links to explore universities in Canada, outside of Ontario:
Universities Canada has a list of all Canadian Universities
The Student Life Expo takes place in late September and features a number of out-of-province universities.
Provincial Links
American Universities
There is no equivalent of the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) for American universities, so each university requires a separate application.
Always check that your American university is fully "accredited" (Does it offers degrees that are recognized both in the United States and internationally - Canada?).
Credits from two-year American colleges may not be transferable.
The ACT (American College Testing) assessment, or "A-C-T" as it is commonly called, is a national admission examination that is required by many American colleges and universities. Check the admissions section on your university's website to see if the ACTs are an admissions requirement.
The SAT Assessment, or "S-A-T" as it is commonly called, is the other national admission examination that is required by many American colleges and universities.
My Pathway Planner has a section on U.S. Schools.
The College Board has a Find a College feature that may help you to explore and narrow your choices.
Google maintains a list of American Universities.
Overseas Learning Opportunities
You can find a list of approved private career colleges through the website of Ministry of Colleges and Universities in Ontario.