Researching Post-Secondary Options

Researching and eventually applying to universities is one of the more stressful parts of high school for so many students all over the world and it is understandable why; there is almost too much information (and much misinformation) available and with the power of the internet most of it is easily accessible. There are many consultants, agencies and universities themselves offering “advice”, services and “support” that it can seem difficult to know where to start.

Happily, at CDNIS, we have a wealth of expertise on staff and excellent print and web resources that you can access, with all the guidance you will need. CDNIS enjoys an exceptional record of university matriculation to the finest universities globally and this comes as a result of a careful and well planned route to the university application which requires students to consider “fit”, “context”, “academic challenge”, “geographic considerations”, “finances”, “culture”, “employability” and “Grad School Progression” amongst many other personal factors that students need to bring in to their equation.

With over 300 university visitors each year on campus, many seminars and information sessions, dedicated guidance counsellors with small case-loads, optional College Tours, a Cambridge summer school on campus and the College Clinic as a regular part of a student’s experience at CDNIS it is no wonder students find excellent university placements that are great fits for them, leading to excellent academic success at the university level.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
October
Introduce online resources for researching destinations and tracking personal information
Attend Grade 9 Oxbridge Presentation

March
Higher Education Fair – Specific Gr.9 Focus

Spring
Resume building, discuss summer options

September/October
Meeting new counsellor

October
InterQuest Assessment

December/January
IB Course Registration

March
Higher Education Fair

Throughout
Careers Class

January/February
Introduction to application process and timelines, seminars and workshops

March
Higher Education Fair

April/May
Personal statement workshops

May
IB Predicted Grades

May/June
University short list

July/August
Extended Essay,
University research,
Personal statement drafts refined

August – December

Application process underway

September – May
Offers received

May
IB/OSSD Exams
Graduation

May/June
Decisions must be made

July
IB Results, firming of conditional offers

Research Tools for Families

Students and parents are welcome to visit the Guidance office to explore and borrow the various print resources we have on hand. Families are also invited to the CDNIS College Clinic, a drop-in session running from 3pm – 5pm every Wednesday.