Options Solutions Educational Consultants

Intro to University Level Writing
2020-05-05 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Format, Online
Grade 12 students heading to post-secondary programs in the social sciences, humanities, arts, sciences, and business will be expected to have the skills necessary to write at the university level next year. However, the quarter-system and other alternative school schedules have made it difficult for students to develop and hone these skills.
This course prepares students bound for post-secondary for the challenges of writing for different disciplines at the university level. It discusses strategies for successful research, critical thinking, and writing while giving students a chance to practice these skills and receive individualized feedback. Materials will be provided.
What do students have to say?
“I liked that the instructor provided good examples for us to fully understand what was expected of us and that there was the perfect balance of freedom to pick a topic but enough structure to help actually get started.”
**The session will be interactive and dynamic. Students are encouraged to attendall sessions as each day will build on the next.

Kickstart to University Application Writing Workshop
2020-05-02 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
This three-hour session introduces Grade 11 students to the
writing components for Canadian applications.
The session will include a presentation that outlines the university application essay genre and provides brainstorming, research, and writing
tips. An interactive simulation will provide students with an understanding of how admissions decisions are made and better prepare them for their own writing tasks. Students will also be given time to brainstorm ideas and engage in practice writing exercises while Options Solutions writing coaches provide one-on-one feedback and guidance. Beginning the application process early will give students the opportunity to make the most productive use of their summer and enter grade 12 with more clarity and direction.
*Please bring a laptop to this session.

Navigating the New Normal: Q & A with Options President Melinda Giampietro
2020-04-22 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
FREE Online Webinar: Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:00 pm
Options Solutions has always been committed to building a positive community and providing families with the most up-to-date information about post-secondary admission. We feel the need now, more than ever, to fulfill this mission. With so much unknown, it is hard for families to make decisions about the future. For our grade 11 students, there is a certain precariousness about the normal process of applying to post-secondary institutions: third term activities are canceled, grades are uncertain, and summer jobs/programs/volunteering are all up in the air. At Options, we excel at motivating others, promoting actionable steps, and mining the good. Join our founder, Melinda Giampietro, for an open discussion about the state of post-secondary admission and information about how to help your teen navigate the next few months. With her usual optimism and humour, Melinda will also share practical tips for handling online school and ways to creatively return to extra-curricular activities. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end.
While this discussion is targeted towards grade 11 parents, all parents are welcome to join our FREE GoToWebinar.
Please register at info@optionssolutionsed.com and provide your name, student’s name, and email address. The day before the event, we will reach out by email with a webinar link.

English 101 Workshop
2020-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Format, Online
These weekly two-hour workshops are designed to give students in grades 9-11 ongoing English and writing support, so they don’t lose their momentum due to online learning. Students will learn essential skills to improve their writing and build on these fundamentals each week to become more confident and better equipped to deal with any writing task they may encounter throughout high school and ensure they don’t backslide. Materials will be provided.
This course will cover:

Active reading and annotations
Planning and outlining
Essay organization
Analytical essay writing
Synthesis essay writing
Research essay writing
Writing creatively
Editing

Each student will leave with a better understanding of different essay writing genres and expectations. Students are encouraged to join all days of each session.

Essay Essentials
2020-04-06 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
This three-day boot camp is designed to give current grade 9, 10,
11, and 12 students a solid understanding of English grammar,
writing conventions, and essay basics, so they can approach
essay writing with the knowledge and skills necessary for
success. Students will learn the essentials to writing expert
argumentative essays, the most common essay genre they will
write in high school. This session will be a great way to hone
students’ writing skills while classes transition to an online
model. Materials will be provided.
The course will cover:

Active reading
Essay planning
Thesis construction
Usage of evidence
MLA citations
Targeted Editing

*This will be a virtual session

Graduation Literacy Assessment Prep: 3-Part Study Series
2020-04-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | All Offices
These in-depth study sessions cover each section of the
exam. Most students should attend all three, while more
advanced English students can target their weak areas. In
each session, students will have opportunities to do hands on
practice and receive incisive feedback from the
instructor.
Part A: focuses on textual analysis and active reading,
multiple-choice strategy, and the creation of a graphic
organizer.
Part B: tackles active reading, essay planning, and
writing a multi-paragraph essay.
Part C: introduces students to two essay approaches
and then guides their writing.

Thriving in an Online Environment
2020-04-04 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Format, Online
This two-hour workshop is designed to give students an introduction to how they can thrive in their new online environment, so they are better able to approach this learning opportunity with the knowledge and skills necessary for success. Students will learn essential strategies to help them make the best use of their executive functioning skills as their classes move online. Materials will be provided.
This workshop will cover:

Setting up a study space
Planning work/study time
Using agendas/calendars
Digital note-taking
Digital organization
Online resources
Stress management
Online studying strategies

Graduation Literacy Assessment (GLA) Prep: 3 Part Study Series
2020-03-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
3 Part Study Sessions:
These in-depth study sessions cover each section of the
exam. Most students should attend all three, while more
advanced English students can target their weak areas. In
each session, students will have opportunities to do handson
practice and receive incisive feedback from the
instructor.

□ Part A focuses on textual analysis and active reading,
multiple-choice strategy, and the creation of a graphic
organizer. (March 30th)
□ Part B tackles active reading, essay planning, and
writing a multi-paragraph essay. (April 4th)
□ Part C introduces students to two essay approaches and then guides their writing. (April 6th)

GLA Mock Exam
2020-03-29 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
Students complete a three-hour practice exam, followed by
a two-hour debrief of the marked multiple choice and
essay questions.
Mar 29th – Mock Exam
Apr 2nd – Debrief

ACT/SAT-Weekend Prep
2020-03-28 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
These weekend prep sessions are designed to deliver a concentration of exam prep. Each Saturday and Sunday is divided into two sessions from 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm. The material used in weekend prep is different from any material used in previous prep sessions.Each Super Weekend is situated before an official ACT or SAT test date and is meant to be a focused weekend of study.
Dates include:
Mar 28
10 am to 1 pm – Math
2 pm to 5 pm – Science

Mar 29
10 am to 1 pm – Essay/Reading
2 pm to 5 pm – English/Grammar

ACT/SAT - Boot Camp - Core Skills
2020-03-23 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | South Granville Office, 3195 Granville Street, Suite 203, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3K2, Canada
Spring Break Core Skills Boot Camp @ South Granville Office (203-3195 Granville Street)
This boot camp is an intensive session that focus on helping students master the ACT and/or SAT exam. Topics will cover every portion of the test and will include test-taking strategies, time management tips, and crossover skills for the ACT/SAT exam.
Dates include:
10 am to 1 pm daily
Mar 23: Math
Mar 24: Reading/Grammar
Mar 25: Reading/Grammar
Mar 26: Reading/Grammar
Mar 27: Math

Essay Essentials Bootcamp
2020-03-17 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
This three-day boot camp is designed to give current grade 10, 11,
and 12 students a solid understanding of English grammar,
writing conventions, and essay basics, so they can approach
essay writing with the knowledge and skills necessary for
success. Students will learn the essentials to writing expert
argumentative essays, the most common essay genre they will
write in high school. Materials will be provided.

This course will cover:

Usage of evidence
MLA citations
Targeted editing
Active reading
Essay planning
Thesis construction

The session will be interactive and dynamic. Students will leave with a clearer
understanding of essay writing basics and how to apply those skills.
*Students are asked to bring a laptop if they prefer to type their essays.

Graduation Literacy Assessment (GLA) Prep: Spring Break Study Series
2020-03-17 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
This in-depth program is a condensed series of practice
sessions offered for three consecutive days during
spring break.

March 17th: Part A
March 18th: Part B
March 19th: Part C

ACT/SAT - Boot Camp - ACT Specific
2020-03-16 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
Winter Break & Spring Break ACT-Specific Boot Camps
These sessions, which are scheduled over school breaks, focus on
helping students master the ACT exam through ongoing prep. Topics
will cover every portion of the test and will include test-taking strategies
and time management tips.
10 am to 1 pm daily
Mar 16: Reading/Grammar
Mar 17: Reading/Grammar
Mar 18: Reading/Grammar
Mar 19: Math
Mar 20: Science

ACT/SAT Prep Programs - Mock Exam Sittings
2020-03-08 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
Test prep at Options is unique because it combines test preparation with teaching fundamental academic skills. With many years of experience, Options instructors ensure that students understand the higher-level reading, writing and math skills that will prepare them for the ACT and SAT, but will also help them succeed in high school and beyond. Options doesn’t just teach “test-taking tricks” like other test prep organizations. Instead, students receive a strong grounding in how the test works and strategies for attaining a high score, combined with an opportunity to increase their overall academic performance.
This option includes a 4-hour exam, exam marking (including customized essay marking), and a 3-hour debrief. Each student is given a cover sheet to help them understand their successes and their areas needing
improvement. In order to get an accurate estimate of a student’s abilities, we use only officially released ACT and SAT exams. This is the best “bang for your buck” prep wise, and the most crucial element of prep. If the exam
dates do not work for you, please contact the office to pick up a copy of the exam.
Debrief (ACT only) – Mar 12, 5-8 pm

Course Planning 101
2020-02-10 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
This two-hour workshop is designed to help grade 10 and 11
students and their parents prepare for 2020-2021 course
planning. Options Solutions president Melinda Giampietro will
walk students through the process of course selection.
An overview of the trends in post-secondary education.
BC Ministry requirements for graduation, including shifts in the 2019-20 curriculum and assessments.
The requirements for various academic majors (Engineering, Science, Kinesiology, Business, Arts, etc).
Usable admission courses versus non-usable admission courses.
How requirements vary by province.
How to keep as many doors open as possible and what to do if you don’t know what you want to study.
Should I take AP, IB or honours courses? Should I do French Immersion?
The myths of course planning (Do I need French 12 or Calculus 12?).
Setting up a foundation for academic success at university, not just “getting in”.
What marks should I shoot for to attend the institution where I want to go?
How is course selection different if I am interested in attending an institution in the US or the UK?

**Students should bring a list of available courses from their school and a copy of their most recent report cards.

ACT/SAT Weekly Core Test Skills
2020-02-05 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
Core test skills classes at Options Solutions allow students to prepare for the ACT and/or SAT exam(s) while also building essential academic skills. Students develop their abilities as active readers, learn fundamental grammar, and increase their understanding of math fundamentals. Ongoing classes prepare students for the ACT and/or SAT by teaching test structure and test-taking strategy. At the same time, students learn skills that translate into success at school in reading, writing and math.
Why is test prep at Options different?

Test prep at Options is unique because it combines test preparation with teaching fundamental academic skills. With many years of experience, Options teachers ensure that students understand the higher-level reading, writing and math skills that will prepare them for the ACT and/or SAT, but will also help them succeed in high school and beyond. Students receive a strong grounding in how the test works and strategies for attaining a high score, combined with an opportunity to increase their overall academic performance. Students can attend each session or pick and choose the sessions they need. Content is unique for each session and is never repeated.

ACT/SAT-Weekly Prep
2020-02-05 06:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
Core test skills classes allow students to prepare for the ACT and/or SAT exam(s) while also building essential academic skills. Students develop their abilities as active readers, learn fundamental grammar,and increase their understanding of essay structure. On-going classes prepare students for the ACT and/or SAT by teaching test structure and test-taking strategy. At the same time, students learn skills that translate into success at school in reading and writing. Students can attend each session or pick and choose the sessions they need.Content is unique for each session and is never repeated.
Dates include:
February 5th: Reading/Grammar
February 12th: Reading/Grammar
February 19th: Math
February 26th: Reading/Grammar

Back-to-School Study Skills Workshop
2020-02-01 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | South Granville Office, 3195 Granville Street, Suite 203, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3K2, Canada
These intensive study skills sessions are designed to help students be academically prepared for their educational futures. The sessions are instructional as well as practical, hands-on work sessions, and they are offered at the start of the school term to help students get a start on forming solid executive functioning habits. Students will leave the workshop armed with the knowledge, skills, strategies, and reference material required to prepare them for academic success. They will also leave the workshop with a concrete understanding of their own executive functioning strengths and weaknesses and with an individualized plan to help them develop as a student.

Back-to-School Study Skills Workshop
2020-01-25 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada

ACT/SAT Prep Programs - Mock Exam Sittings
2020-01-19 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
Test prep at Options is unique because it combines test preparation with teaching fundamental academic skills. With many years of experience, Options instructors ensure that students understand the higher-level reading, writing and math skills that will prepare them for the ACT and SAT, but will also help them succeed in high school and beyond. Options doesn’t just teach “test-taking tricks” like other test prep organizations. Instead, students receive a strong grounding in how the test works and strategies for attaining a high score, combined with an opportunity to increase their overall academic performance.
This option includes a 4-hour exam, exam marking (including customized essay marking), and a 3-hour debrief. Each student is given a cover sheet to help them understand their successes and their areas needing
improvement. In order to get an accurate estimate of a student’s abilities, we use only officially released ACT and SAT exams. This is the best “bang for your buck” prep wise, and the most crucial element of prep. If the exam
dates do not work for you, please contact the office to pick up a copy of the exam.
Debrief (ACT only) – Jan 23, 5-8 pm

Back-to-School Study Skills Workshop
2020-01-18 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | South Surrey Office, 15252 32 Ave, Suite 210, Surrey, BC, V3S 0R7, Canada

GLA- Study Session
2020-01-04 09:00 - 2020-01-18 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | South Surrey Office, 15252 32 Ave, Suite 210, Surrey, BC, V3S 0R7, Canada
The new Graduation Literacy Assessments (GLA) will be a graduation requirement at Grade 10 (GLA 10) and Grade 12 (GLA 12). Options solutions is offering prep sessions that are designed to give current grade 10 and 11 students a solid understanding of English grammar, writing conventions, and essay basics so they can approach their Graduation Literacy Assessment with knowledge and skill.
These in-depth study sessions cover each of the three sections of the exam. Most students should attend all three; advanced English students can target their weak areas. In each session, students will have opportunities to do hands-on practice and receive incisive feedback from the instructor.
□ Part A focuses on textual analysis and active reading, multiple-choice strategy, and the literary response.
□ Part B tackles active reading, multiple-choice strategy, and the tricky synthesis essay.
□ Part C guides the writing of the original composition, helping them craft compelling narratives or strong, well-supported argumentative essays.
Dates and Location:
Jan 4th 9 am – 11 pm – South Surrey Office – 210 – 15252 32 Ave
Jan 11th 9 am – 11 pm – South Surrey Office – 210 – 15252 32 Ave
Jan 18th 9 am – 11 pm – South Surrey Office – 210 – 15252 32 Ave

ACT/SAT - Boot Camp - ACT Specific
2020-01-02 02:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
Winter Break & Spring Break ACT-Specific Boot Camps
These sessions, which are scheduled over school breaks, focus on
helping students master the ACT exam through ongoing prep. Topics
will cover every portion of the test and will include test-taking strategies
and time management tips.
Dates include:
Jan 2: Reading/Grammar
2 pm to 5 pm
Jan 3: Math
10 am to 1 pm
Jan 3: Reading/Grammar
2 pm to 5 pm
Jan 4: Science
10 am to 1 pm
Jan 4: Reading/Grammar
2 pm to 5 pm

Canadian Application Workshop
2019-12-14 09:00 - 12:00, 2019-11-23 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | West Vancouver Office, 1549 Marine Drive, Suite 303, West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1H9, Canada
The application process can be complicated and confusing. These sessions are designed for students who want assistance completing their Canadian university and college applications in a constructive and supportive environment. Our educational consultants will lead students through completing the application process step-by-step and answer any questions that arise along the way. Students should bring a finalized list of universities/colleges and programs to the workshop.

Canadian Application Workshop
2019-12-07 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | South Surrey Office, 15252 32 Ave, Suite 210, Surrey, BC, V3S 0R7, Canada

Canadian Application Workshop
2019-12-07 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | South Granville Office, 3195 Granville Street, Suite 203, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3K2, Canada

Semiahmoo PAC Presentation
2019-11-26 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Join us for an interactive journey through the Canadian university admissions experience. The session begins with an overview of the admission process, followed by an admissions simulation. Each group will be asked to “admit” one student to our mythical Options University. The groups will then join together and participate in a discussion of the admissions process based on their simulation experience. The dialogue will be lead by one of our expert educational consultants, and cover:

Course planning
Picking a faculty/major
Admission averages
The importance of extra-curricular activities
Value setting
Devaluing the myths of admission
Navigating the process with grace and good humour

Participants will leave the session with a clearer picture of how the admissions process works and how their personal decisions can maximize their chances of success.

University Q & A Session: University of Alberta
2019-11-26 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | South Granville Office, 3195 Granville Street, Suite 203, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3K2, Canada
Options Solutions is excited to host a number of different university representatives at our West Vancouver, South Granville and South Surrey offices.
Come meet with university reps from the University of Alberta to learn about life at the school and what the program has to offer.

These interactive Q & A sessions are offered free of charge, but registration is required. Registration is limited to one parent and one student per family.
