POST SECONDARY Institution (PSI) Admissions
When should I apply for PSIs?
If you are considering a direct from high school to PSI transition, we would recommend applying during winter break. January gets busy with final projects, tests and assessments. Applying earlier does NOT increase chances of getting into a PSI UNLESS you are specifically applying to a limited seat program that clearly states that it is first come, first serve. Most PSI general programs are not first come first serve, so as long as the application is in before the deadline, you should be safe for consideration.
How many PSIs should I apply to?
We recommend applying to 3-5 different PSIs. Your likelihood of getting accepted can also be increased if you apply to a variety of PSIs of varying entrance requirements.
Where can I find out more about PSI entrance requirements?
We recommend a few different sources:
How do PSI applications work?
All applications are completed online now. Most (not all) are done thorough educationplannerbc.ca. Please note that each application may have a different application deadline as well as requirements in terms of some needing other/ more information (supplementary applications, portfolios etc. You can find out more information about applications from our annual PowerPoint Presentation posted here: Presentation
Will PSIs count the marks of all of my courses or select courses only? I am wondering if I find out my average by taking an average of all of my classes or select classes only.
PSIs will be able to see every attempt taken at a course. Most PSIs count select and specific course marks when considering your acceptance, but some PSIs (like UBC) look at all of your courses in a general, wholistic manner. To find out which approved courses your PSI and program of choice considers, please consult the individual program site on the PSI's website or look up the information on Education Planner.
If I upgrade my marks, which mark will post-secondary institutions (PSIs) count?
In BC, PSIs will be able to see every attempt taken at a course, but should only count the highest mark whether that is the first, second or third time at a course.
Will PSIs look at my grade 11 and 12 marks, or only grade 12?
Most PSIs put priority into your grade 12 mark, but some PSIs consider grade 11 and grade 12 marks (ex. SFU and UBC). If your grade 12 mark for a certain course is not yet available, some PSIs may consider your grade 11 mark of that course. Each program and PSI will be different, so please make sure to do careful research!
How do PSIs get my marks?
Most PSIs will be able to access your marks after you create a BCEID and STS account. All grade 12s will complete this process in early December in school as the instructions can be quite complex. Once this process is completed, the Ministry of Education will release your grades to the specific PSIs you have chosen on your behalf. This usually occurs in Spring time. Please note that SFU requires self-reporting, which is a specific reporting process required in addition to your application to SFU on Education Planner. See your counsellor for more details.
How do I get a copy of my unofficial transcript to send to PSIs if they ask for it?
Please go to the front office and let them know that you would like to order transcripts. The process may take a day or two, so please keep this in mind when ordering. Once you have received your transcript, you can scan it to have an electronic copy on hand.
How and where do I upgrade marks after high school?
You can upgrade your marks the following ways after high school within the Surrey School District:
Do I need a second language to get into PSIs?
It depends. Most PSIs so not require a second language to get in. Some (like SFU and UBC) do require a second language for all faculty entrance requirements. UBC wants a full second language (ex. Punjabi 11, Spanish 11, French 11 etc.), while SFU accept full or intro language courses (ex. Intro Spanish 11, Intro Punjabi 11 etc.). Language Challenge Exam marks can count as your second language credit as well. Moreover, many Arts programs in PSIs require a second language up to the grade 11 level. For some of these programs, a second language up to grade 12 is recommended (although not required) as it can exempt students from having to take a first year second language class at the PSI.
How many volunteer hours do I need for PSI admissions?
None. You do need 30 hours of volunteer, work experience, community engagement etc. hours for high school graduation purposes (see the Careers Centre for more information about these requirements). For strict entrance into most general PSI programs, however, no volunteer hours are needed as admissions are for the most part, marks-based. Some application do require an additional portfolio, audition, tape, interview, supplementary application etc. Please check with each individual PSI for the exact requirements.
How do I find out more about the transfer process from PSI to PSI?
There is a helpful website called, www.bctransferguide.ca, that you can use to determine how credits and courses transfer from one PSI to another. Please book an appointment with your PSI advisor of choice to ask for further clarifications and explanations surrounding this.
If you are considering a direct from high school to PSI transition, we would recommend applying during winter break. January gets busy with final projects, tests and assessments. Applying earlier does NOT increase chances of getting into a PSI UNLESS you are specifically applying to a limited seat program that clearly states that it is first come, first serve. Most PSI general programs are not first come first serve, so as long as the application is in before the deadline, you should be safe for consideration.
How many PSIs should I apply to?
We recommend applying to 3-5 different PSIs. Your likelihood of getting accepted can also be increased if you apply to a variety of PSIs of varying entrance requirements.
Where can I find out more about PSI entrance requirements?
We recommend a few different sources:
- www.educationplannerbc.ca: A very helpful website you can use to both research entrance requirements to PSIs in BC and apply to most PSIs.
- www.postsecondarybc.ca: Another helpful website you can use to research PSIs in BC.
- Visiting each individual PSI's website for information.
- Talking with your teachers
- Talking with your Counsellor
- Talking with your Parents/ Guardians
- Attending PSBC (Post Secondary BC) Evening event held once a year every October at Sullivan Heights. Over a Dozen PSI representatives come to Sullivan Heights to answer any question you may have about their school. Parents are welcome to join as well.
- Attending PSI Open Houses. Many are advertised over the announcements or on our IG page. You can also take pictures of Open House posters in the Counselling room and ask any PSI when their Open House is.
- Contacting PSIs directly. You are more than welcome to call or email any PSI directly to ask any questions you may have. Pro-D days and school breaks are also excellent times to book an appointment with an advisor ahead of time, and tour the campus as well as get your questions answered in person.
How do PSI applications work?
All applications are completed online now. Most (not all) are done thorough educationplannerbc.ca. Please note that each application may have a different application deadline as well as requirements in terms of some needing other/ more information (supplementary applications, portfolios etc. You can find out more information about applications from our annual PowerPoint Presentation posted here: Presentation
Will PSIs count the marks of all of my courses or select courses only? I am wondering if I find out my average by taking an average of all of my classes or select classes only.
PSIs will be able to see every attempt taken at a course. Most PSIs count select and specific course marks when considering your acceptance, but some PSIs (like UBC) look at all of your courses in a general, wholistic manner. To find out which approved courses your PSI and program of choice considers, please consult the individual program site on the PSI's website or look up the information on Education Planner.
If I upgrade my marks, which mark will post-secondary institutions (PSIs) count?
In BC, PSIs will be able to see every attempt taken at a course, but should only count the highest mark whether that is the first, second or third time at a course.
Will PSIs look at my grade 11 and 12 marks, or only grade 12?
Most PSIs put priority into your grade 12 mark, but some PSIs consider grade 11 and grade 12 marks (ex. SFU and UBC). If your grade 12 mark for a certain course is not yet available, some PSIs may consider your grade 11 mark of that course. Each program and PSI will be different, so please make sure to do careful research!
How do PSIs get my marks?
Most PSIs will be able to access your marks after you create a BCEID and STS account. All grade 12s will complete this process in early December in school as the instructions can be quite complex. Once this process is completed, the Ministry of Education will release your grades to the specific PSIs you have chosen on your behalf. This usually occurs in Spring time. Please note that SFU requires self-reporting, which is a specific reporting process required in addition to your application to SFU on Education Planner. See your counsellor for more details.
How do I get a copy of my unofficial transcript to send to PSIs if they ask for it?
Please go to the front office and let them know that you would like to order transcripts. The process may take a day or two, so please keep this in mind when ordering. Once you have received your transcript, you can scan it to have an electronic copy on hand.
How and where do I upgrade marks after high school?
You can upgrade your marks the following ways after high school within the Surrey School District:
- Invergarry Adult Education
- Night School
- Summer School
- SAIL Online School
Do I need a second language to get into PSIs?
It depends. Most PSIs so not require a second language to get in. Some (like SFU and UBC) do require a second language for all faculty entrance requirements. UBC wants a full second language (ex. Punjabi 11, Spanish 11, French 11 etc.), while SFU accept full or intro language courses (ex. Intro Spanish 11, Intro Punjabi 11 etc.). Language Challenge Exam marks can count as your second language credit as well. Moreover, many Arts programs in PSIs require a second language up to the grade 11 level. For some of these programs, a second language up to grade 12 is recommended (although not required) as it can exempt students from having to take a first year second language class at the PSI.
How many volunteer hours do I need for PSI admissions?
None. You do need 30 hours of volunteer, work experience, community engagement etc. hours for high school graduation purposes (see the Careers Centre for more information about these requirements). For strict entrance into most general PSI programs, however, no volunteer hours are needed as admissions are for the most part, marks-based. Some application do require an additional portfolio, audition, tape, interview, supplementary application etc. Please check with each individual PSI for the exact requirements.
How do I find out more about the transfer process from PSI to PSI?
There is a helpful website called, www.bctransferguide.ca, that you can use to determine how credits and courses transfer from one PSI to another. Please book an appointment with your PSI advisor of choice to ask for further clarifications and explanations surrounding this.
ALTERNATE OPTIONS after high school
What if I do not know what I want to do/ study after high school?
This is understandable as it can seem daunting, overwhelming and stressful to think about options after high school. There is a helpful handout full of reflection questions shown below that can help guide the process in considering a pathway after high school if you would like to go into a program right after high school, but do not know which program to choose. For a more in-depth conversation, please book an appointment with your counsellor.
What is a gap year? Will PSIs frown upon me taking one?
A gap year(s) is taking time off from formal schooling after high school. You can find out more information about this under the Post-Secondary Tab of our website. PSIs will not frown upon taking a gap year or more. Most of the time, entrance is based on marks and not on a specific timeline of application.
What are some of my options after high school if I do not want to go straight into a PSI after high school?
Students can choose to work, take time to upgrade marks, travel, care for personal matters related to health, family etc., or any other option that they would like.
This is understandable as it can seem daunting, overwhelming and stressful to think about options after high school. There is a helpful handout full of reflection questions shown below that can help guide the process in considering a pathway after high school if you would like to go into a program right after high school, but do not know which program to choose. For a more in-depth conversation, please book an appointment with your counsellor.
What is a gap year? Will PSIs frown upon me taking one?
A gap year(s) is taking time off from formal schooling after high school. You can find out more information about this under the Post-Secondary Tab of our website. PSIs will not frown upon taking a gap year or more. Most of the time, entrance is based on marks and not on a specific timeline of application.
What are some of my options after high school if I do not want to go straight into a PSI after high school?
Students can choose to work, take time to upgrade marks, travel, care for personal matters related to health, family etc., or any other option that they would like.
SCHOLARHIPS, BURSARIES AND FINANCIAL AWARDS
Where do I find out more about scholarships or bursaries?
Please visit the Career Centre regarding any questions about scholarships (often based on accomplishments and merit) or bursaries (based on financial need).
How do I get a copy of my unofficial transcript to send to scholarship organizations if they ask for it?
Please go to the front office and let them know that you would like to order transcripts, the same way you would for a PSI. The process may take a day or two, so please keep this in mind when ordering. Once you have received your transcript, you can scan it to have an electronic copy on hand.
Please visit the Career Centre regarding any questions about scholarships (often based on accomplishments and merit) or bursaries (based on financial need).
How do I get a copy of my unofficial transcript to send to scholarship organizations if they ask for it?
Please go to the front office and let them know that you would like to order transcripts, the same way you would for a PSI. The process may take a day or two, so please keep this in mind when ordering. Once you have received your transcript, you can scan it to have an electronic copy on hand.