Career Centre Information
Career Information Advisor Hours: M-F 11:15am to 3:15pm
lhudson@sd38.bc.ca
The first item you see here is the Calendar. This calendar shows all the information sent to you via email. You will find information sessions, scholarship deadlines, and upcoming events posted here. Check this calendar daily for important post-secondary information.
Career Centre Calendar
Applying to Post-Secondary Schools
Colleges
Colleges begin accepting applications on a specific date and cut off applicants once a program is full so the earlier you apply, (as soon as it opens and not before), the better. Applying early also secures a better registration time and timetable. College applications may open in September - check the school you are interested in to find out the exact date.
Universities
Universities begin accepting applications in Sept/Oct and consider each application based on a specific set of course/grade criteria, not necessarily how early you've applied. They stop accepting applications on a specific date.
Applying to Schools
Students either apply directly to the individual school or use a Provincial Post-secondary Application Service, this will be clearly indicated on the school's website. Students will need their 9-digit P.E.N. number and a credit card.
-Apply to B.C. Institutions (colleges & universities): https://apply.educationplannerbc.ca/
-Apply to Alberta Institutions (colleges & universities): https://www.applyalberta.ca/pub/
-Apply to Ontario Universities: http://www.ouac.on.ca/ouac-105/ (BC students must use this online application service to apply to ALL Ontario universities)
International Institutions
Vary, Check Websites (early application dates may apply!)
Make sure to prepare and plan well in advance.
Write the Required Tests if Required
TOEFL: http://www.toeflgoanywhere.org or IELTS: http://www.ieltscanada.ca/
Websites and Resources
UniversitiesCanada: https://www.universitystudy.ca/
Explore universities, search programs, find scholarships, plan for university
Canadian Colleges: https://www.schoolfinder.com
Education Planner: http://www.educationplannerbc.ca
Provides information on B.C. colleges & university program availability, application dates, tuition costs, admission requirements, lengths and more.
College Board (American Schools): http://www.collegeboard.org/
The StudentTranscripts Service (STS), is an online application for students to view their marks and transcripts, and send transcripts to post-secondary institutions and third parties.
To access the service, visit the Ministry of Education’s Order Transcripts and Certificates website at: www.StudentTranscripts.gov.bc.ca
Follow the instructions found there.
Before you access the StudentTranscripts Service as a current student, you will need:
- Your Personal Education Number (PEN)
- A valid email address
- Your date of birth
- Your legal first and last name
You must register for a Basic BCeID account first in order to access the StudentTranscripts Service.
Step 1. Fill-In an Application before the Deadline
B.C. Institutions: (Colleges & Universities). Students may apply either directly to a specific institution or use BC's online Post-Secondary Application Service: https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/
This service allows students to apply for admission to most public post-secondary institutions in British Columbia. Students will need their P.E.N. and a credit card. Fill in the common form once, then apply to any institution you choose (payment for each institution chosen is required). You may also save and log back into your account at any time.
Alberta Institutions: (Colleges & Universities): https://www.applyalberta.ca/pub/
Ontario Universities: B.C. students must apply on-line through the Ontario Universities Application Website: https://www.ouac.on.ca/ (Applications open late Sept.)
Apply to Ontario Colleges: http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/apply
Applying to American Institutions:
-Education USA: Information on the application process: https://educationusa.state.gov/your-5-steps-us-study#top
-The Common Application: Application Service to over 600 American Institutions: https://www.commonapp.org/
Applying to UK Institutions:
-UCAS: Application service for UK Universities: http://www.ucas.com/
-All Other Institutions: Varies – please check their website
Step 2. Send Additional Information
Broad Based Application (BBA), Supplemental Application, Resumes, Portfolio, Video Interviews etc require extra information. Some schools may also require students to write additional entrance/assessment tests such as an LPI, TOEFL, or IELTS. They will have deadlines so check carefully!
Step 3 Submit Grades
Grades can be submitted through the Student Transcripts Service (STS), online via university portals or official transcripts can be sent directly to schools. Some schools require students to self-report early in the year while others want students to wait for a specific date. Some schools may not provide a self-reporting option but require transcripts to be mailed at certain times throughout the year. Students must check with each institution to find out how marks are to reported. In many cases, marks are sent directly to schools via STS. However, official transcripts can be ordered from the office for a small fee.
Grade 12 students that are taking a distance/distributed learning course - If a mark for the purpose of applying to a Post-Secondary Institution is required, there may be a separate deadline to have the course either 50 or 100% completed. Students must check with each institution's specific requirements and rules around online courses for the purpose of admission and required completion date.
Step 4. Complete the Student Transcript Service Selections Form using the Ministry of Education Student Secure Website: http://www.StudentTranscripts.gov.bc.ca
Website: www.StudentTranscripts.gov.bc.ca
- Make sure the STS form is completed by the specified dates. Transcripts are sent electronically to the majority of B.C. post-secondary institutions, University of Calgary, University of Alberta and Ontario Universities Application Centre. All other PSIs are mailed paper transcripts
- Final transcripts are sent by the Ministry at the end of July
- Results from August exams are not available in time for September admission to post-secondary institutions
Step 5. Check University Student Service Centre Portals:
To Accept Offer, Confirm Registration Date & Time - Grade 12 students who have applied to a university/college for entry in Sept are reminded to regularly check the institution's secured student service website/portal for new messages. Many sites require students to use the Identification Number that was noted on their confirmation letter along with a password. These sites contain important details regarding admission offers, course pre-requisites, registration, deadline dates, contact information, grades, etc.
Step 6. Offers – Accept or Decline:
Conditional offers begin arriving after all necessary documents are received. They are time-sensitive and require students to pay a deposit. It is important to check the deadline date regarding your 'Offer of Admission' and indicate your response on your student portal at the university/college before the deadline. Also, pay the registration deposit before this important deadline date. Most institutions require time to process your deposit/payment before your registration date.
Scholarships
It is students' responsibility to search out scholarships and apply for them. Scholarships are posted on the Career Centre Calendar and the ones posted there are also emailed to students. Some scholarships are nominated requiring students to apply to be nominated. The process is discussed in this document. The Matthew McNair Scholarship application is posted on the McNair website before spring break. All students are encouraged to apply.
There are many places to apply for scholarships so the following offers more information.
Helpful Hints
- Start researching scholarship options during grade 11 as the scholarship process begins early in your grade 12 year
- Begin volunteering regularly as many scholarships require a strong/consistent history of involvement as part of the eligibility
- Each award has unique criteria. You may have to complete an essay and/or provide school transcripts and references
- Consider a variety of smaller scholarships/awards as they may attract fewer applicants
- Have an updated resume and cover letter, that you can change for a specific scholarship
- Dedicate a specific time each week for your scholarship research
- Pay close attention to application deadline date/time, particularly if sending hardcopy documents
Find a Match
Some websites will match a student with a variety of awards in their database. Register online for this option at
https://yconic.com/?redirect_from=studentawards
http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/
https://scholartree.ca/
More Sites to Search:
https://studentlifenetwork.55rush.com/99scholarships
https://studentscholarships.org/#google_vignette
https://www.scholarshipscanada.com/
https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/index.aspx?lang=eng
https://www.keytoscholarships.com/
Scholarships For International Students
Most universities will have entrance scholarships for international students, so this is a place to start.
Students can also register at the following websites and indicate you are an international student:
Student Scholarships: https://studentscholarships.org/#google_vignette
Student Awards: http://www.studentawards.com/
Scholarships Canada: http://www.scholarshipscanada.com
ScholarTree: https://scholartree.ca/
Student Loans
https://studentaidbc.ca/sabc-home-page
Nominated Scholarships
THESE ARE NOT THE VALEDICTORY SCHOLARSHIPS
These scholarships require students to submit the online nominated scholarship request form by the posted deadline to be considered for nomination. (The nomination form follows). The form can be filled in online and then either printed or emailed to the career advisor.
Matthew McNair In-School Nominated Scholarship Form
Scholarships noted below have an in-school Matthew McNair deadline for students to submit the form. This provides staff time to review each student request as well as allowing the nominated student time to gather requisite materials to make a formal submission to the scholarship. Check links for nomination and and submission deadlines.
Students interested in nominations are required to review the criteria of each scholarship carefully prior to submitting the online nominated scholarship request form. Details can be found on the link provided for each scholarship.
Submit the nomination form to your career advisor.
NOV/24 The UBC International Scholars Program - In-School Nomination Deadline
NOV/24 Deadline for Completed Application Submission
Four prestigious need-and-merit-based awards are available through UBC’s International Scholars Program. When a student is nominated for the International Scholars Program, our team will determine which award(s) they are eligible for based on the information provided in their application.
https://undergraduatescholarships.ubc.ca/prog/2023_international_scholars_program_/
OCT/24 U of T National Scholarship nomination deadline
OCT/24 deadline to submit completed application
https://future.utoronto.ca/national-scholarship/about/
The University of Toronto National Book Award
https://future.utoronto.ca/national-scholarship/about/
JAN/25 Cmolik Scholarship In-School Deadline for Nomination Consideration
JAN/25 BC Excellence Award In-School Deadline for Nomination Consideration
JAN 15/25 Schulich Leader STEM Scholarships In-school Nomination Deadline
JAN/25 National Scholarships (Western University) in school nomination deadline
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Youth TRAIN in Trades
Richmond School District offers a variety of Skilled Trades training to Richmond students. Check out their website to find out more!
https://careerprograms.sd38.bc.ca/our-programs/youth-train-trades
I Don't Know What I want to Do After High School
Who Am I?
It’s important to learn about yourself. Why?
The better you know yourself, the easier it will be to find a career that matches your personality, skills & values.
Know Your Interests, Strengths & Skills
Why is it important to identify your interests?
To understand what you are (and are not) interested in, as you are likely to spend the most of your adult life at work!
Examples: music, sports, technology, reading….
Why is it important to identify your strengths and skills?
Knowing your strengths and skills helps you find a career utilizing what you are good at.
Examples: calm, high energy, creative, practical
What is the difference between a strength and a skill?
Strengths are positive aspects of your personality, and the way you think.
Skills are the ability to take these strengths and turn them into useful actions.
Example: perhaps, one of my strengths is creativity so I am skilled at coming up with original ideas!
Find Out Who You Are & Your Career Options
myBlueprint:
MyBlueprint follows a comprehensive education and career planning process that meets the learning needs, interests and aspirations of all students. Who Am I Quizzes, Post-Secondary Institution Search Tool, Job Profiles & Employment Outlook, Resume, Cover Letters, Job search tools and more are part of this resource.
Education Planner
This site is set up to help students explore different programs at various post-secondary schools.
https://www.educationplannerbc.ca/
Discover Your Personality Type: http://www.humanmetrics.com/personality
Free personality test to discover your personality type and learning styles.
WorkBC Career Compass
https://careerdiscoveryquizzes.workbc.ca/
Quizzes help you identify your strengths, work preferences and interests and then see which careers might suit you best.
SKILLED TRADESBC
Take the TRADE Quiz.
The quick, fun quiz will help you explore the best skilled trades for you!
The Richmond School District offers students opportunities in Trades
https://careerprograms.sd38.bc.ca/
Labour Market Information
Of course, there is no point going to school doing all the work in a field where there will be no jobs. The best way to know what job fields will be strong in the future is to follow current trends. Remember, nothing is static – life is constantly changing. One place to search is the following:
Career Centre News
Welcome!
Welcome back to school! Grade 12s - this will be a very busy year. Already scholarships are opening and many have been posted. Make sure you check the calendar for their deadlines. The Canadian Universities Event is also scheduled in Burnaby on Monday Sept23/24 from 6:30pm-9:00pm at the Hilton Metro