Get Started Early!
U.S. and International schools often have earlier timelines than Canadian schools. Most programs require that applicants complete standardized admission tests such as the SATs and you need to prepare for these. As well, application forms are lengthier and require essay-style answers. To get started, you will first need to determine whether the schools to which you plan to apply require the SAT I and SAT II subject tests. Use one of the websites below to search for this information:
Schools in the USA – www.schoolsintheusa.com or www.schoolfinder.com
If you have decided to study in the U.S., these two sites are excellent resources. They provide in-depth information on a variety of programs including information on NCAA scholarships. They feature search engines that allow you to search by program or geographic region.
Another great resource from the University of Florida provides a comprehensive listing of every U.S. college that offers four-year degree programs. Click here to access this site.
U.S. & International Schools – www.pennybissett.org
A comprehensive Canadian site that provides links to international and U.S. colleges and universities, programs and financial aid, including NCAA scholarships. Check here for information on international and U.S. school visits to the GTA.
Schools in the UK – www.educationuk.org or www.britishcouncil.org
If you have decided to study in the United Kingdom, these two sites are excellent resources. They provide in-depth information on a variety of programs including what is required when you apply as an international applicant. They feature search engines that allow you to search by program or geographic region.
SAT and ACT Information
The SAT and ACT are two standard admissions tests that are required by many U.S. schools. These tests cover vocabulary, general reading comprehension, writing skills, and math skills. They utilise a multiple choice question format and have an essay writing component. Most students are able to successfully complete these tests upon completion of their grade 11 year.
The SAT II tests are subject specific. These tests are best written during your grade 12 year. It is important to prepare for these tests. There are self-study guides with practice questions available for purchase at any major bookstore or you may choose to take a prep course offered by private tutoring companies such as Prepskills or Kaplan. The tests are written at designated test centres across the GTA at specific times during the year. Students must register to write the tests. Visit the links below to get more information about these tests.
SAT Information & On-line Registration Site – www.collegeboard.com
More information on the SATs including an on-line registration and PSAT practice questions. When you are ready ot register, you will need to have a credit card available for payment and our ESA school registration number: ESA ID #: 826796
SAT & ACT Test Preparation Sites – www.prepskills.ca ; www.kaplan.com and www.kaptest.com
These sites provide help with the SAT and other college admissions tests; they offer courses and provide access to practice tests. Prepskills also sends a representative to ESA for an information session on the SATs.
Other Useful Resources
Ontario School Counsellor’s Association – www.osca.ca
(Click on “Student Resources” from the menu on the left hand side of the screen)
Common Application Form – www.commonapp.org
There are 391 schools in the U.S. that use a common application which is available at this site. Some of the schools utilizing the common app are Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Dartmouth, NYU, and North Western University.
U.S. Financial Aid and Scholarship Information – www.petersons.com and www.fafsa.org
Canadian Bureau for International Education – www.cbie.ca
Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials – www.cicic.ca
Canadian International Development Agency – www.acdi-cida.gc.ca
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade – www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/culture/youth-en.asp