SAERC

POTENTIAL GRAD TIMELINE

SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER

  • Individual Meetings with Potential Grads re: Future Plans and Current Graduation Path will take place with guidance.
  • AARAO TOUR: Thursday, October 30, 2014
  • Application Procedures
  • Most post secondary institutions have online applications and paper applications.
  • Online: More time efficient as submission is instantaneous; HOWEVER, you are responsible for requesting a copy of your transcript to be sent following submission. Failure to do so will prolong your response. Fee(s) must be paid by credit card.
  • Paper: Must be completed neatly and legibly; have someone check it for you. Transcript (and any other requirements) must be enclosed. Fees can be paid by cheque, money order, or credit card.
  • Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Program Applications
  • If you applied in Grade 11 for your program, a copy of your current In Progress Transcript MUST be sent/faxed to them by Sept. 30th.
  • NSCC operates on a “first come, first served” basis. The earlier your application is received, the sooner you will hear from them. Applications start being processed Nov1st.
  • Early applicants will receive an acceptance reply by late Nov/early Dec.
  • Appointments for Program Information Sessions (a.k.a. Test Drives) at NSCC Strait Campus (and other campuses): End of October (can be made in guidance or done online)
  • University Program Applications
  • Deadlines (approx): March 1st (for scholarship consideration)
  • Some universities offer early admission; check their calendars/websites for this possibility and if you meet early acceptance requirements (if any).
  • REMEMBER: Conditional acceptance is based on Gr. 10 & 11 academic performance!
  • University Individual Visits – Make appointments on websites; guidance can help
  • “Out of Province” Post Secondary Institutions
  • Have varying deadlines, application procedures, admission requirements, etc.
  • Begin researching these schools immediately (if interested); many have deadlines by February 1st (or earlier).
  • Nova Scotia Student Assistance Program
  • Student Loan applications are not available until May.
  • Powerpoint is available on the SAERC Website, under the Guidance “Graduating Students” section.

* Students who require an Essay/Portfolio/Audition for acceptance into post-secondary institutions should be actively investigating and preparing. Your acceptance will be determined by the skill level demonstrated in this requirement. The quality of your work/skill will also be in competition with other students vying for a seat in the program.

NOVEMBER – DECEMBER

  • Continue to…
  • Look into/attend campus visits
  • Pay attention to the “Guidance News” Bulletin Board for information around open houses, university/college news.
  • Check applications for specific deadlines
  • Remember: NSCC starts processing Nov. 1st – Applicants should hear reply by end of November/early December
  • Complete/update resumes, cover letters, portfolios, essays
  • Reference Letters
  • Consider whom you will ask, as well as who they are required from (academic, personal, community, or work related references)
  • Give your references plenty of time to create one for you; DO NOT ask them the day before (or of) the deadline. This does not leave the referring person enough time and shows bad time management on your part. They are not responsible for your deadlines.
  • Scholarship & Bursary Applications
  • Begin researching, starting, and completing applications: SAERC Website; guidance office; individual post-secondary institutions; online.
  • YOU are responsible for this task; do not contact guidance (or have your parents contact guidance) to ask for scholarships and bursaries that you are eligible for.
  • There are STRICT deadlines for these applications; many have specific directions (i.e. postmarked by, due by, time of day, etc.) that must be followed in order for your application to be considered.
  • Some are based on academics, financial need, or both.

JANUARY

  • Continue to…
  • Look into/attend campus visits
  • Check applications for specific deadlines
  • Complete/update resumes, cover letters, portfolios, essays
  • Researching and completing Scholarship and Bursary applications
  • Complete applications for “out of province” post secondary institutions.

FEBRUARY

  • Request Academic Transcript (guidance office) with first semester marks and specify where you want it sent.
  • Complete applications for schools in Nova Scotia and other Atlantic Provinces (or anywhere else that has deadlines past this date).
  • Continue researching and completing Scholarship and Bursary applications

MARCH

  • Ensure application deadlines have been met
  • Continue researching and completing Scholarship and Bursary applications

APRIL

  • Await confirmation of acceptance
  • Send in any non-refundable deposits to hold your spot!
  • Continue researching and completing Scholarship and Bursary applications
  • Students required to (or who wish to) send in transcripts with April marks (mid-terms) should do so by requesting them through the guidance office.

MAY

  • Complete Student Loan Applications -
  • Continue to await confirmation of acceptance
  • Send in any non-refundable deposits to hold your spot!
  • Continue researching and completing Scholarship and Bursary applications

JUNE

  • Confirmation of acceptance of post-secondary institution
  • If you haven’t already, make your final choice, and notify all schools of your intent.
  • Pay any non-refundable deposits required
  • Complete any follow-up paperwork for the post-secondary institution of your choice (scheduling, orientation sessions, housing arrangements, etc.)
  • Complete remaining eligible Scholarship and Bursary applications
  • FINAL TRANSCRIPTS
  • All graduates will receive 3-4 copies of their final transcript along with their diploma
  • It will be YOUR responsibility to inform the Guidance where you want your final transcript sent.
  • Students must clearly know the sending particulars of their final official transcript(s)!