This is the time of year that soon-to-graduate high school students must think seriously about their future before making some big decisions about their next steps. For those considering a post-secondary education there is an immense amount of information online, but many students take advantage of the events organized by Ontario’s colleges and universities to get a better understanding of the programs and facilities they offer. These events also present an excellent opportunity for students in grades 10 and 11 to learn about all the possibilities that lay ahead for them — it’s always a great idea to get ahead of the game.
Ontario Universities Events
The Ontario Universities’ Fair (OUF) is a huge, free event where representatives from each university offer information and answer questions about their many programs and campus amenities. In 2024, the OUF will be at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, from 9:30 am to 5 pm on October 5 and 6. The Aboriginal Post-Secondary Information Program (APSIP) will also have representatives available. Get more details about the OUF at www.ouevents.ca/ouf/.
For those unable to attend the OUF in Toronto, the universities offer smaller, portable Regional Fairs in different regions of the province during September and October. A schedule of the communities they will visit in 2024 is available at www.ouevents.ca/regional/.
Most Ontario universities also participate in Virtual Information Sessions, with 30-minute sessions offering general information and the opportunity to ask questions. This year, the Virtual Information Sessions will take place on September 25 (5-7 pm ET) and November 21 ( 5-7 pm ET). Check out the participating universities and register for specific sessions at www.ouevents.ca/virtual/.
All Ontario universities also schedule fall open houses for prospective students to tour their campuses and learn more about the programs they offer. See the individual universities’ websites for more information. Attending an open house, or arranging for a campus tour, is an excellent way to not only get more details about the programs being offered, but also to get a feel for the atmosphere and campus life at that school.
Ontario Colleges Events
Ontario colleges also present a big, free event for potential students. The Ontario College Fair is at Exhibition Place in Toronto, taking place this year on October 16 (5 – 9 pm) and October 17 (9 am – 2 pm). Like the OUF, college representatives will man their individual booths, offering information and answering questions. Unlike the OUF, the college fair includes sessions on topics such as career planning and financial aid. Many Southern Ontario high schools bus their senior students to this event, but it is open and welcoming to anyone looking for information about the colleges, especially students in grades 10 and 11. See more at www.ontariocollegefair.ca/.
The College Information Program (CIP) Tour is a travelling college fair that will make stops across the province between September 23 and November 1, 2024. In this case, the college representatives will typically set up booths in a local college or high school, offering another opportunity for students to college information and get their questions answered. The CIP Tour schedule can be found at www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/news/cip/cip-schedule.
Most Ontario colleges also host a fall open house, often providing tours and information sessions about their programs and campus facilities. Links to each college’s open house and event schedules are available at www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/colleges/college-recruitment.
Private Career College Events
Many private career colleges host open houses for potential students to meet their personnel and learn more about their programs. Check with the individual career colleges to find out if they’ll be offering such an event. Even if they are not, they will be happy to arrange for a personal meeting and tour of their facilities.
National Portfolio Day Events
For students who will apply for a post-secondary program that requires the submission of a portfolio of their work, National Portfolio Day offers the opportunity to get information and feedback that will help them prepare and decide what to include in their portfolio. National Portfolio Day offers both virtual and in-person events (including in Toronto and Montreal), where portfolio reviewers will offer individual advice on meeting the portfolio expectations of their institutions. Students are welcome to meet with reviewers from any of the colleges and universities involved even if they don’t apply there — the variety of ideas and suggestions given will prove valuable in any case. Check out the schedule and the international scope of this program at nationalportfolioday.org/, and register to take advantage of this opportunity.
For More Information
Learn much more about planning and preparing for your post-secondary education in Ready to Launch: Navigating the Transition from High School to Post-Secondary Life – A Guide for Ontario Students and Parents, including updates and other information at www.ReadytoLaunch.ca.
Great to see you’re still helping people find their way, Janet…
It’s always my pleasure, Marc.