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 October and consider each application based on a specific set of course/grade criteria, not necessarily how early you have 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: https://apply.educationplannerbc.ca/

    - Apply to Alberta Institutions: 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)

USA Schools

If you are seriously considering applying to the USA  a majority of schools use the application process known as the Common Application. This process involves direct communication between the Common Application and your alpha-designated counsellor. If this applies to you, it is imperative you see your counsellor ASAP. 

• Common Application: commonapp.org​
• SAT Exam Registration: www.collegeboard.org
• McRoberts SAT registration number:  #821311

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 (USA 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:  Complete an application well 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 can save and log back into your account at any time. 

Alberta Institutions: (Colleges & Universities):  https://www.applyalberta.ca/pub/

Ontario Instituions: 

• Universities: B.C. students must apply on-line through the Ontario Universities Application   https://www.ouac.on.ca/  (Applications open late Sept.)
• Colleges:  http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/apply

USA 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/

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

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.  In many cases, marks are sent directly to schools via STS. However, official transcripts can be ordered from the office for a small fee.

Students must check with each institution to find out how marks are to reported.

Grades can be submitted through:

• the Student Transcripts Service (STS),
• online via university portals or
• official transcripts can be sent directly to schools.

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 (STS) form.

 Website:  www.StudentTranscripts.gov.bc.ca

• Ensure 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.

Grade 12 students who have applied to a university/college for entry in September are reminded to regularly check the institution's secured student service website/portal. These sites contain important details regarding admission offers, course pre-requisites, registration, deadline dates, contact information, grades, etc.

Check regularly to look for new messages to:

• Accept an offer 
• Confirm registration date & time  

Many sites require students to use the Identification Number that was noted on their confirmation letter along with a password. 

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 very 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 McRoberts Scholarship application is posted on the McRoberts website (Students>Grad 2025) before spring break - this is for school-based scholarships that are presented at valedictory. 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/

www.studentawards.com

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/scholarships/provincial-scholarships

https://disabilityawards.ca/

https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/index.aspx?lang=eng

https://www.keytoscholarships.com/

Scholarships For International Students

One place to try: https://www.topuniversities.com/

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: http://www.studentscholarships.org/

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 form can be filled in online and then either printed or emailed to the career advisor.​ Please Note: Students are responsible to check and meet the deadlines showing on the program website. 

​Scholarships noted below have an in-school McRoberts 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.

1. Schulich Leader Scholarship

Details: https://schulichleaders.com 
FAQ: https://www.schulichleaders.com/faq

JAN 8/25 (Noon)  In-School Nomination Deadline for Nomination Consideration 

Jan 29/25 - Deadline for students to submit their completed application

2. CMolik Foundation Scholarships

Details at: https://thecmolikfoundation.com/undergraduate/

JAN 8/25 (Noon)  In-School Nomination Deadline for Nomination Consideration . Nomination letter by school principal required.

Feb 7/25 - The Cmolik Foundation Scholarship Application deadline.

3. BC Excellence Scholarship

Details :https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/scholarships/provincial-scholarships/bc-excellence-scholarships

JAN 8/25 (Noon)  In-School Nomination Deadline for Nomination Consideration  

FEB 15/25 2:59 PM - PST BC Excellence Scholarship deadline for nominated student to submit application. 

​

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.

 https://myblueprint.ca/

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!

https://skilledtradesbc.ca/

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:

https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis