University Counselling

Academic Counselling 

The University Counsellors provide information and services to assist students and their parents in making decisions about senior level courses and post-secondary destinations. The emphasis in academic planning at Grade 10 is on choosing a Diploma program for the final two years of high school. In Grades 11 and 12, each student is counselled through the research and application process to post-secondary programs and institutions. This is done both individually and in small group situations.

Watch this video to discover University Counselling at York.

In addition, the University Counsellors direct a Guidance and Career Education Program at The York School. This program helps students to understand the concepts related to lifelong learning, and career planning. In Grade 10, students pursue a half-credit course in Career Studies, through which the students will set long-term goals, choose courses, investigate career areas and develop exit plans for post-secondary school life.

The University Counselling program is designed to empower students as they navigate the exciting and sometimes complex journey toward post-secondary education. From early exploration to final applications, the counsellors provide personalized guidance and support tailored to each student’s unique strengths, interests, and aspirations.

  1. Personalized Guidance: The University Counsellors work closely with students to explore potential pathways, identify goals, and create a customized plan for post-secondary success. Through one-on-one meetings, students receive advice on course selection, university options, and application strategies.

  2. Global Reach: Whether students are applying to universities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, or other international destinations, we provide specific expertise on a range of admissions processes and requirements. This ensures students are well-prepared to meet the criteria of their chosen institutions.

  3. Workshops and Information Sessions: Throughout the school year, we host workshops for students and families covering topics such as:

    • University research and selection

    • Writing personal statements and essays

    • Financial aid and scholarship applications

    • Navigating the Common Application and OUAC processes

  4. Career Exploration: Beyond university selection, the program emphasizes career exploration. Students are encouraged to consider their long-term aspirations and how their post-secondary choices align with their goals, whether academic, professional, or personal.

  5. Scholarship and Enrichment Opportunities: The counsellors actively support students in identifying and applying for scholarships, bursaries, and enrichment programs. We also guide school-nominated candidates for prestigious opportunities such as the Loran Scholars Foundation or Schulich Leader Scholarships.

Our Commitment

The University Counselling team at The York School is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where students feel confident in their decisions and equipped to take the next step in their educational journey. By offering individualized support and a wealth of resources, we ensure each student is positioned to thrive in their post-secondary pursuits and beyond.

Reference Letter Policy

The York School acknowledges that from time to time, students and/or parents will request that a faculty member write a personal letter of reference for a variety of purposes, most notably for application to US universities and Canadian scholarships. In the interest of supporting our students and upholding our school value of honesty, the following policy will be followed: 

  • Any letters or other forms of student recommendation or rating prepared by a member of the staff for a student shall remain confidential and will only be made available to the institution or person to whom the letter is addressed; 

  • Should any student, wishing to apply to an institution that requires a letter or other form of student recommendation or rating, be faced with an option to waive their right to access letters or other forms of recommendation or rating, the student shall exercise such option to waive, thereby ensuring that all such letters or other form of recommendation remain confidential.

Sponsored/School-Nominated Scholarship or Program Application Policy

In the case of scholarships or programs offered by specific universities or organizations that require The York School to nominate one or more candidates, the following guidelines will apply. This policy has been developed to disclose procedure and to ensure that all potential candidates/nominees will be evaluated in the fairest manner possible. Scholarships or programs requiring a school-based nomination vary from year to year. This policy will apply to all such programs or scholarships. Examples of such programs and scholarships have included: 

  • The University of Toronto National Book Award recognizes one exceptional Grade 12 student for academic excellence, creativity, and community involvement. Chosen by school faculty and the Principal, the student receives a symbolic book award at graduation and can apply for the U of T National Scholarship Program.

  • Queen’s University Chancellor’s Award (school nomination required) 

  • Loran Award (school nomination optional) 

  • Schulich Leaders Award (school nomination required) 

  • National Scholarship (school nomination for up to 4 students - Western University only)

Notification

1. Students and parents will be made aware of sponsored/school-nominated scholarship/program opportunities through the Naviance scholarship list and The Flash. Students interested in such a scholarship/program will consult with their university counsellor to ensure eligibility. 

1.1. In order for a student to be sponsored, The York School must have every confidence in the candidate’s integrity and good character.  

“The support was very personal, one-on-one, and I was able to have lots of meetings with my counsellor.”
- Ella Mathison '21,
King's College London

Eligibility

2. Students who apply Early Decision to US schools will not be eligible to be sponsored in the Fall term for awards in Canada. If such students are either deferred or denied admission from their ED application in December, they are eligible to be sponsored for Canadian scholarships in the Winter term. 

2.1. Eligible students will be asked to complete the entire scholarship/program application. This will include all essays, resumes, activity accounts etc. as stipulated by the application. The completed application will be submitted to their university counsellor two weeks prior to the nomination or scholarship due date. Applications received after the date and time of the posted internal deadline will not be considered;

The Selection Committee

3. All applications will be reviewed by a committee. The committee will be established and chaired by the Principal of the Senior School. The committee, including the chair, will be comprised of an odd number of faculty appointees, no less than three. 

3.1. At least one person on the committee will be a senior school staff member who has had no academic or co-curricular interaction with the applicant. This may include one of the university counsellors, the Director, School Life and Belonging, or other staff member; 

3.2. University counsellors who have advised students into the process will make representations to the committee but will not be on the committee.

The Process 

4. In all cases, the criteria outlined by the program or scholarship description will be used by the committee in their evaluations of the applicants. 

4.1. Additional criteria may be added at the discretion of the committee. Additional criteria may include: 

  • an evaluation of the student’s approaches to learning;

  • an evaluation of the student’s co-curricular engagement either in or out of the school;

  • the committee may, at its discretion, decide that applicants be interviewed before making a decision, in which case, a short list of applicants will be interviewed in a consistent manner. Proper notice will be sent out to those not on the short list. 

5. The committee reads all completed applications and rank orders their choices based on the criteria established by the scholarship/program. The committee will discuss the relative merits of the candidates' applications. In making their decision, the committee members will rely upon both the written applications, the criteria and their personal knowledge of the applicants. 

5.1. The committee may elect to reconvene at a later date after the initial evaluation and discussions;

5.2. All decisions by the scholarship committee will be final; 

5.3. The committee chair will send one email to all applicants identifying who has/have been selected. This will occur at least 5 business days prior to the nomination or application due date. Students who do not receive the school nomination may choose to meet with their university counsellor to discuss the outcome. The committee will establish feedback for each candidate with respect to the strengths and weaknesses of their application and interview. Specific details of the committee’s discussions will remain confidential.