Supporting Senior School Students in their University Search

It’s exciting and a bit scary, making important decisions about your future. It’s even more so when you are a student trying to figure out where to go to university and what to do with the rest of your life. You need support, insight and knowledge – and lots of it – to make a well-considered choice. Fortunately for the Senior School students at TFS, that particular expertise and wisdom abounds.

TFS’ Guidance Department has a University Relations Coordinator who is dedicated to developing and managing all activities related to universities. Alison Uys works to continuously expand and enrich the program for our soon-to-be-graduating students.

Summertime sessions for university application success

Jumpstart, an optional program at TFS, was initiated two years ago in light of the increase in applications to universities abroad and for major scholarships. Held during the latter part of August, the course covers the requirements of university applications in different countries, major scholarships and supplementary applications.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Leveraging the vast talents and professions reflected in our alumni and parent communities, students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 (Levels III through IV) are invited to attend career lunches, through a partnership between our University Relations Coordinator and Alumni Relations Office. Alumni and parent guests at these lunches speak to students about their career and university experiences and answer the students’ many questions.

Outside of class, the Alumni Relations Office also fosters and manages an online mentorship program that allows students in Levels IV and V to contact alumni mentors and query them for university and career advice. These mentors come from many different years of graduation, and from varied professional and academic backgrounds.

Getting to know you

This school year so far, over 62 universities and university programs have sent representatives to TFS – 24 from Canada, 25 from the US, nine from the UK, and one from each of Australia, France, Italy and Hong Kong. Students and parents alike are welcome to meet and speak directly to these university and program admissions officers. The Guidance Department also holds university information evenings, giving students and parents the opportunity to learn about the application process, admissions requirements, and academic programs at Canadian, US and international universities.

Nothing, however, matches the experience of visiting a university campus in person. Each year, Level III, IV and V students spend a day on a university campus, to learn about the school and soak up campus life. They also meet with TFS alumni currently attending these universities, to get an insider’s look.

The nitty gritty

Then there are the forms. Guidance Department counselors work one-on one with each student, helping them fill out the different applications for universities in Canada, the US, the UK and elsewhere, and any of the supplementary applications often required by specialized programs.

They do the same for scholarship applications, and as alumni who were candidates for scholarships while at TFS know, in the event of highly sought-after scholarships, they will set up mock interviews to prepare students for the scholarship selection process.

TFS wants each of its students to find the right university home, and the right program of study, after they leave the school. That’s why we offer comprehensive assistance, encouragement, experience and acumen every step of the way.