1) What led you to apply for a position at Options Solutions? Having worked as a university guidance counsellor and career advisor for over 12 years, I knew I wanted to continue helping high school students with planning for a career and seeking the right post-secondary education programs that best fit them. Choosing the right courses and preparing well for university or college can be a daunting and complex task. With my extensive knowledge and expertise, I hope to be able to assist students in making the right choice as they continue their studies in higher education, paving the path to a rewarding career

2) How would you describe your first month at Options Solutions? The professional consultants at Options Solutions have been tremendously welcoming and supportive in helping me get started. My first month at Options Solutions has been truly fulfilling and rewarding as I was able to transition smoothly to helping students and their parents with career planning and university or college applications. As a valued member of the OS team, I was able to contribute my experience with the PSAT and SAT by giving some useful, test-taking tips on our blog, and assist with our writing and application workshops. I have been privileged to attend this year’s UBC Counsellor’s Event, the Canadian Universities Event, and host a number of university visits at our West Vancouver office, which included the University of Victoria, University of Calgary, Bishop’s and Concordia universities. Hearing about the undergraduate program updates first hand and connecting with the student recruitment representatives in person have helped me to stay current with the latest admissions requirements and the new courses on offer.

3) What inspired you to go into education? I have always been curious about learning and the ways of learning. I did not come to realize what ‘life-long learning’ meant until I went into teaching. When I started out at UBC as an undergrad, I wanted to apply and share the knowledge I learned in a way that would directly benefit those who thrive on it, or even have a thirst for it. One summer, working as an ESL teaching assistant at the UBC English Language Institute, I discovered that special connection which fuels the teaching-learning process when I was leading a current affairs class. The way I approached the lesson brought on natural, unprompted discussions, focussing on the specialized vocabulary, written conventions and layouts that were key to successful Western news reporting and editorials. The students were picking up essential language points to improve their English usage because being able to talk about the news in an intelligent manner and give their opinions mattered to them. I was surprised at how as a facilitator I was able to make an impact on how information was learned. From there, I found my passion in teaching and went on to earn a B.Ed. degree in Secondary Science and Math Education and an M.A. in English Language Teaching. Throughout my career in Education, I have enjoyed being the Head of ESL at Richmond Secondary School and an English lecturer at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where I conducted research in language education. My vested interest in this field has also led me to recently complete the BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association course in order to gain more theoretical and practical knowledge about BC schools and to keep up-to-date on the emerging trends in learning..

4) What advice would you give to high school students today? I would advise students in their senior years of high school to think about some program choices at the post-secondary level well before Grade 12 by having an earnest discussion about their career plans with their family and friends. Students in Grade 11 can start to identify their subject strengths and work hard to improve their performance in those courses they struggle with. To be well informed about their university program options, students can do research and attend university information sessions when available. Armed with this knowledge, students should find it easier to select Grade 12 subjects that cater to their strengths, and this would open up more academic pathways come time for university choice and application. Research is key!

Qualifications:

Marketing Duties

• Knowledge of the marketing management process.

• Oversee long and short term marketing opportunities and strategies.

• Complete marketing and administrative projects that include oversight of company website, blog, newsletter, and Facebook page.

• Assist in writing and editing marketing materials, which include newsletter, presentations, press releases, blogs, and media kits.

• Maintain company email lists.

• Provide logistical assistance for seminars and trade shows.

Administrative Duties

• Perform general administrative and office support activities in a professional and courteous manner. Duties include fielding telephone calls, receiving and directing clients, and booking electronic appointments.

• Reply to general information requests with the accurate information.

• Ensure consultants are prepared for all client meetings (prepare client files, make copies, etc).

• Provide personal and administrative support to company directors.

Personal Traits

The Administrative Assistant will demonstrate competence in the following areas:

• Relationships: Maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally.

• Communication: Excellent oral, written, research and editing skills.

• Needs Assessment: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of clients. Maintain confidentiality.

• Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions to enhance organizational effectiveness; ability to undertake self-directed tasks when necessary.

• Organization: Excellent time management skills; attention to detail; the capacity to prioritize by assessing situations to determine urgency; ability to create/implement actions plans; and ability to make clear, timely decisions.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your resume, cover letter and a sample of your writing to info@optionssolutionsed.com

■Post secondary trends and issues

■Course planning

■How to navigate the application process

■How to evaluate a University and know if it is the right fit

All proceeds from this presentation are going to support the Parent Advisory Council at Sir Charles Tupper.  Any questions about this presentation should be directed to Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School. If you are interested in setting up a similar presentation at your secondary school please contact us at info@optionssolutionsed.com or (604) 922-8456.

Submit your work to dropbox@optionssolutionsed.com. Please include your name, and some information about the writing you’re submitting for feedback. If you are answering a specific supplement or essay question, please include the prompt with your submitted work.

After you submit your files, you’ll get an automated response confirming when you can expect your writing to be returned.

Writing submitted via email is only returned on Tuesdays and Fridays by 5 PM. For a rush fee, you can have your work returned within 24 hours.

Writing Drop Box FAQ

Who can use the Writing Drop Box?

At this time, the Writing Drop Box is only available to Options Solutions clients as part of our comprehensive educational consulting. For information about becoming an Options Solutions client, please email us at info@optionssolutionsed.com

What can be submitted to the Writing Drop Box?

We give electronic feedback on university and college application essays, supplements, and scholarship essays. High school essays and assignments can also be submitted to the Writing Drop Box.

What is the cost for Writing Drop Box feedback?

The fee for editing, proofreading, and writing feedback is $85 per hour. We bill down to the quarter-hour, and will indicate the total hours spent when we return your writing submissions.

When will my assignment be returned?

We return writing assignments twice a week: on Tuesdays and Fridays by 5 PM.

When you submit your writing, you will receive an automated response confirming when you can expect to have your writing returned to you.

Can I have my writing returned to me within 24 hours?

Yes. For a rush fee of an additional $50 flat fee on top of our hourly rate, we will return writing submissions within 24 hours.

How should I format my files?

We accept files in Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, or Rich-Text format.

What can I do to make sure I get the feedback I need?

The more information you provide with your submission, the better we’ll be able to help you polish and fine-tune your writing.

Let us know what you’re struggling with or what your goals are for a piece of writing, and we’ll focus our feedback accordingly.

***It is imperative that you include the purpose (i.e. Common App essay), writing prompt or essay question, and, if necessary, the name of the college or university for which the essay is being written. This information helps us streamline our feedback to you.***

This 2010-2011 cycle, students were accepted to over 170 universities, colleges and professional Canadian and international institutions, and they accrued approximately four million dollars in scholarships (and the number continues to grow this summer). The variety of their success is striking. We had one student accomplish her GED and another be accepted to a prestigious culinary school. Two students were accepted to directly enter medical school in the United Kingdom, and over ten received early decision entry into their first choice US institution. Options’ students will attend 61 of the 93 Canadian universities (we really do believe in finding the perfect fit)! We have enjoyed our role in helping each student reach their individual goals, and we found our new Strong Interest Inventory to be a great addition to the career exploration process this year.

Additionally, as this is our eighth year in business, many past clients have returned seeking new services on their quests to graduate and professional programs. This has been particularly rewarding as we have had an opportunity to re-connect with these students and acquire their valuable first-hand feedback. Finally, our Writing Workshop Series received excellent praise this year as not only valuable for the application process, but also as a skill that will be a foundational necessity at university.

Please share your stories with us over the next school year and keep us updated on your incredible journeys. We, at Options Solutions, are honoured to have been a part of them, and we look forward to following your progress.

If you haven’t started your US applications yet…… join us for US ADMISSION BOOT CAMP!

The goal of this boot camp is to relieve the stress surrounding the US application process. Students will receive a comprehensive overview of the US admissions system. They will learn how to request teacher recommendations, fill out a Common Application and work on producing application essays.

If you are entering grade 11 and want to get a kick start on your SATS…… join us for SAT BOOT CAMP!

This boot camp includes a full length exam with 12 hours of group instruction. Students will be taught how to beat the exam, test taking strategies, time-management, vocabulary building and much more. Students will also receive instruction on how to improve their skills for every section of the SAT exam.

If you weren’t happy with last year’s English mark…. join us for ESSAY WRITING BOOT CAMP!

A one-week writing intensive boot camp that introduces students to the concepts of good writing. Students will develop skills that will help prepare them for English and all writing-based courses at the high school and university levels. Students applying to universities in the coming year will receive practice writing supplemental essays.

If you want to get a head start in Math 12…… join us for MATH 12 BOOT CAMP!

A one-week intensive course introducing the concepts of the Principles of Mathematics 12 course for students entering grade 12 math. (This course is preparatory and not for credit). To get the most benefit from this course, it is recommended that students study at least one hour outside of class for every hour spent in class. Materials will be provided.

If you fear high school or university Calculus…. join us for CALCULUS BOOT CAMP!

A one-week blitz of differential and integral calculus and applications, with emphasis on understanding the concepts and methods. For students entering Calculus 12, AP Calculus, or first year university calculus. (This course is preparatory and not for credit). To get the maximum benefit from this course, it is recommended that students study at least one hour outside of class for every hour spent in class. Materials will be provided.

There are a number of untruths floating around about when and how students should decide on a major. One of the most common is ‘college or university is a waste of time if I don’t know what I want to major in.’ Students can take advantage of the college or university experience by exploring different fields and learning about ones they haven’t been exposed to previously. These students will earn general education credits that count toward their degree.

Another myth that surrounds selecting a major is ‘once I choose a major, I’m stuck with it.’ Research shows that most students will change majors at least once. Students also have the option to double major or select a minor area of study. Although switching majors is a possibility students should be aware that it can be a time consuming and confusing process. This is why it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of one’s interests. Going into university with a general idea of the area you want to study can help to make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

The STRONG Interest Inventory is a great tool that adolescents can use when making decisions about potential college/university majors, post-secondary institutions, and future employment. At this stage, most students’ interests are beginning to solidify and the STRONG Inventory results are useful for long-range educational and career-planning purposes.

Please contact our office to learn more about the STRONG Interest Inventory: (604) 922-8456 or info@optionssolutionsed.com.

Dates:

French 12

Sunday, May 29th 10-12 Mock Exam

Saturday, June 11th 10-11 Mock Exam Debrief

English Literature 12

Sunday, May 29th 1-3 Mock Exam

Saturday, June 11th 12-1 Mock Exam Debrief

English 12

Sunday, June 5th 10-12 Mock Exam

Sunday, June 12th 10-12 Mock Exam Debrief

Sunday, June 19th 10-12 Study Session

English 10

Sunday, June 5th 1-3 Mock Exam

Sunday, June 12th 1-3 Mock Exam Debrief

Sunday, June 19th 1-3 Study Session

Francais Langue 12

Saturday, June 11th 2-4 Mock Exam

Saturday, June 18th 12-1 Mock Exam Debrief

Monday, June 20th 5-7 Study Session

About Nicky Darwin: Having recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with a B.A. in English Language, Nicky hopes to use her knowledge to assist students in mastering the time management, study skills and writing needed to succeed in both high school and university. Nicky is excited to hold workshops and private tutoring sessions in order to help students fulfill their educational goals. Her expertise in the domains of English Language and Literature make her a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tutor, editor and workshop leader. As a graduate of the French Immersion program, Nicky’s fluency and university-level mastery of French allows her to help high school and university students in their French and French Immersion classes. Her previous experience includes five years of tutoring, as well as two editing internships at a travel magazine and publishing company. Nicky writes fiction in her time away from helping students, and she hopes to have a novel published by the time she is thirty. Nicky plans to return to university to earn her B.A. in Education and to teach at the secondary school level in English and French. She is excited to be working at Options Solutions and helping students to pursue their passions.

Subjects covered include:

• Preparing for Your Exam: Organization, Study Notes, Review

• Time Management: Planning Study Time, Time Allocation

• Study Strategies: Methods of Studying, Tips for Exam Questions

• Test-Taking Skills: Day-of Strategies, Stress Management

Dates:

Saturday, May 21st 10:00-1:00 West Vancouver office

Saturday, May 28th 10:00-1:00 Vancouver office

Saturday, June 4th 9:00-12:00 West Vancouver office

Saturday, June 4th 2:00-5:00 Vancouver office

About Nicky Darwin: Having recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with a B.A. in English Language, Nicky hopes to use her knowledge to assist students in mastering the time management, study skills and writing needed to succeed in both high school and university. Nicky is excited to hold workshops and private tutoring sessions in order to help students fulfill their educational goals. Her expertise in the domains of English Language and Literature make her a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tutor, editor and workshop leader. As a graduate of the French Immersion program, Nicky’s fluency and university-level mastery of French allows her to help high school and university students in their French and French Immersion classes. Her previous experience includes five years of tutoring, as well as two editing internships at a travel magazine and publishing company. Nicky writes fiction in her time away from helping students, and she hopes to have a novel published by the time she is thirty. Nicky plans to return to university to earn her B.A. in Education and to teach at the secondary school level in English and French. She is excited to be working at Options Solutions and helping students to pursue their passions.

Myth # 1: The SAT is a test of intelligence. If I am a smart kid, I will do just fine on the SAT.

Fact: While it is understandable that one might come to the above conclusion, the truth is- the SAT is a test of how good you are at taking the SAT and a reflection of how much time you spent preparing. It is very different than a Provincial exam, where you know exactly what content you will be assessed on. There are several specific strategies that you can learn and specific areas that you can study to achieve a good score on the SAT. This is one of the reasons why SAT prep is so important. As a smart kid, your best decision is to learn the correct test taking strategies and to utilize the resources around you to prepare for the test.

Myth #2: By reading an SAT prep book, I will be completely prepared to take the SAT.

Fact: An SAT prep book is a fantastic way to supplement your SAT studying. It will introduce you to the test, the types of questions that are on the test, and it will provide you with solid advice and tips to study. However, the best way to achieve your potential is to take a full SAT prep course. Taking the test in true exam-like conditions with other students is important to give you an accurate read of your baseline. To improve your baseline score, it is important to determine the problem- you can miss questions for a variety of reasons including running out of time, not reading the question carefully, or just not knowing the content necessary to answer the question. Whatever the problem is, taking a prep course is the best option to identify and tackle these problems. Just taking practice tests from a prep book (especially ones without full answer explanations) could potentially solidify bad habits and prevent a student from making curriculum growth.

Myth #3: It is unlikely that you can improve your test score by very much.

Fact: Your baseline score is very much a starting off point! You can see huge improvements if you are dedicated to studying and preparing for the exam. If you can improve your score by even 100 points, you can significantly improve your chances of admission to many schools. From personal experience, I was able to improve my score by over 200 points through a test preparation program allowing me to open my college search to Ivy League schools. One of the best ways to improve your Critical Reading score and your Writing Score is to expand your vocabulary. SAT prep courses can provide you with great vocabulary-building tools. And the best way to do well on the Math section is to understand the way concepts are tested- the math itself is not extremely complex. Remember, there are significant curriculum differences between British Columbia’s curriculum and traditional US curriculum. Our prep course will help you fill in the blanks.

Myth #4: I have straight A’s and an excellent list of extra-curricular activities so if I don’t have a really SAT score it doesn’t matter.

Fact: It is true that U.S. colleges look at several factors in the admissions process; however, the SAT continues to be the biggest objective predictor of admissions consideration. Unless you are a heavily recruited Division I athlete or from a family with extraordinary circumstances, chances are that if you do not have a top 25% SAT score in a school’s SAT range, your chances are risky to be admitted to the college of your choice.

Myth #5: I will take the exam for the first time in October because I am too busy in May and June.

Fact: Grade 12 students are busier in the fall of their grade 12 year than in any other time during their high school career. The US admission process is an arduous and time consuming process. Students must complete essays and supplemental questions, on top of, concentrating on first term marks and keeping up with their activities profile. While we understand that the May and June exams co-exist with a student’s final exam schedule, it is imperative to get a working score in the spring of grade 11. This is especially true for students who are applying to places that will require the SAT II Subject tests.

Here at Options Solutions, we offer SAT test preparation courses with a tried-and-true test record. Please see our online calendar for a list of class times and availability and contact our office at 604-922-8456 to sign up! We look forward to seeing you soon.