Book an appointment with your guidance counsellor online.

Planning for post-secondary begins years before graduation. Use the tools below to help assess your aptitude and skills, research future destinations, apply to post-secondary institutions and investigate financial assistance.

Getting Started

View the Post Secondary Information Presentation, Grade 12 Pathways Planning handout and Course Selection Presentation for Grade 12’s and 5th Years.

Did you complete and submit the OUAC/OCAS Disclosure Form on School Cash Online? This consent form is required for us to share your transcript information with colleges and/or universities.

Are you on track to graduate?

Remember, to earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) you must:

  1. Earn 18 compulsory plus at least 12 elective credits.
  2. Complete the Provincial Literacy Requirement (either the Gr 10 Literacy Test or Gr 12 Literacy Course)
  3. Document at least 40 hours of Community Service
  4. Earn at least two credits via Online Learning*
    * Students who entered grade 9 in 2020/2021 have been credited with one online learning credit due to distance learning during COVID-19.  Parents who wish to opt out of the online learning requirement for their students may do so using this form.

Check the Academic Planning and Course Selection Page for more details. 

  • In addition to the grade 10 Careers course and students’ own research, myBlueprint provides personalized tools to find the right career, explore education and training options, and build your own portfolio.
  • The Ontario Job Futures and Working In Canada websites provide information on the current trends and future outlook for a wide range of career choices.
  • ApprenticeSearch.com  allow you to search on-line for apprenticeship opportunities and information about the skilled trades.
  • View the Trades and Apprenticeships Presentation prepared by Conestoga College
  • OntarioColleges.ca and Ontario Universities’ Info, allow you to search through the thousands of programs offered at Ontario’s colleges and universities to help find the ones that are right for you.

Completing High School Credits and Upgrading:

  • St. Louis Adult Learning & Continuing Education:
    • 80 Young Street, Kitchener 519-745-1201 – stlouis.wcdsb.ca
    • day school, night school and self directed courses
    • must be 18 years old
    • Also available, School to Work Programs in Culinary Arts, Hairstyling and Barbering, and Personal Support Worker
  • Conestoga College Academic Upgrading:
    • www.conestogac.on.ca/caa/upgrading/ or 519-885-0300 ext 229
    • provides opportunities to update and improve your skills, prepare for college, apprenticeship or workplace, prepare for GED (High School Equivalence Certificate) or earn ACE (Academic and Career Entrance) Certificate

Employment:

Apprenticeship Programs:

  • Apprenticeship is an agreement between an individual who wants to learn a skill and an employer who needs a skilled worker. It is a combination of in-school training and on the job experience. It can last two to five years depending on the program. You earn while you learn. You require an OSSD, and an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice.
  • Employment Ontario Apprenticeship Office: 519-653-5758 or 1-866-877-0099
  • www.oyap.com
  • www.apprenticesearch.com
  • View the Trades and Apprenticeships Presentation prepared by Conestoga College

Private Career Colleges:

Private colleges provide an alternative to apprenticeship and community colleges. They offer full and part time programs. Check yellow pages in phone book under schools.

Conestoga College Certificate Programs for Workplace Students:

  • Apply through Conestoga College: 519-748-5220- ext 3656 or www.conestogac.on.ca
    (not the Ontario Colleges Application Centre). Requires a diploma or for student to be 19 years of age.

  • 2020/2021 College Information Presentation
  • Post Secondary Factsheet
  • Register online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
  • You need your OEN (Ontario Education Number) to start an application. You will find your OEN on Aspen or at the top of your report cards
  • The application fee is $125
  • Your application allows a maximum of five choices:
    • List program selections in order of preference
    • You can select five choices but no more than 3 at one college
    • Print a copy for your records
    • Once you have applied online you can still go back to change your choices
  • February 1st, 2024 is the equal consideration deadline — be sure to submit your application before this date!
  • A transcript of all your marks will be sent to OCAS as long as you have completed the Post-Secondary Institutions Disclosure of Information consent on School Cash Online
  • Once you apply you will receive a confirmation letter from the colleges. Make sure you attend any info sessions or portfolio interviews and complete all questionnaires when applicable.
  • Research OSAP and complete application on line after receiving and confirming acceptance of
    offer of admission

  • To apply to university you need six grade 12 U or M credits including the prerequisites for your chosen university program. Open courses and co-op do not count as university prerequisites.
  • Visit ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca to research programs and admission requirements
  • Research costs (tuition, residence, books, etc…) and begin applying for scholarships and bursaries (see below)
  • Apply on-line through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) website:
    • Submit payment of $156 for three choices – additional choices are $50 each. All fees are non-refundable
  • January 15th, 2024 is the equal consideration deadline — be sure to submit your application before this date!
  • A transcript of all your marks will be sent to OCAS as long as you have completed the Post-Secondary Institutions Disclosure of Information consent on School Cash Online
  • After you apply you may be asked to complete and return and Additional Information Form (AIF) or Supplemental Application (SuppApp)
  • ESL students should check to see if they must write the TOEFL or other entrance exam
  • Research OSAP and complete application on-line after receiving and confirming acceptance of Offer of Admission
  • Apply for residence

Out of Province:

  • applications are made directly to each University
  • fees, due dates and requirements will vary with each University
  • must write SAT exams for application to American Universities – registration packages are available in Guidance
  • ESL students should check to see if they must write the TOEFL or other entrance exam

Scholarship opportunities are posted on the Guidance Info D2L page

Where to begin?