Preparing for University Application Essays
2026-09-02 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Format, Online
This interactive workshop is geared towards preparing students to develop the fundamentals for university application responses and essays. Whereas Options’ other English programs focus on developing students’ technical writing skills, this three day course will help expand students’ ability to express their authentic voice through writing.
Students will build confidence and develop their unique style through brainstorming, reading a selection of prose and poetry, and receiving feedback on their written work. Throughout the course, students will write a personal narrative essay that responds to a reflective prompt. After this course, students will be well-prepared to write in the genre of essay required for university applications.

Video Interview Workshop
2026-09-02 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-09-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Format, Online
This three-hour session prepares students for the video interview components of university applications.
The session will include a presentation that outlines the main components of video interview requirements, as well as a practical guide for successfully completing those videos. During the session, students will learn how to answer typical interview questions and have the opportunity to tackle some sample questions as a group. They will then practice in pairs and give each other feedback, as well as record their responses for analysis. Programs that require the video interview include Commerce at UBC, the University of Toronto, and York University, as well as Engineering at the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo.
The workshop covers topics such as:

body language and appearance
technical set-up
coping strategies for nerves
tips on answering prompts

Canadian Admissions Boot Camp
2026-09-02 10:30 - 13:30, 2026-09-03 10:30 - 13:30 | Virtual Format, Online
This two-day intensive preparation will help students understand and tackle the Canadian admissions process. The goal of this boot camp is to relieve the stress students feel about the application process and to get a head start.
Topics will include:

Comprehensive overview of the Canadian admissions process
Introduction to university or college – choosing a major, minor, or concentration
Finding a field of study & matching a field of study to the best post-secondary options
Exploration of the curriculum covered in expected major
Factors to consider when choosing a university (location, size, class size, access to services, etc.)
Introduction to essay writing and supplement applications
Extra-curricular summary
Generating individualized timelines
Grade 12 academic goal setting

Mastering the Essay
2026-09-02 14:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Format, Online
Want to brush up on your reading and writing skills over summer break? Options Solutions is here to help!
This interactive, fast-paced workshop is aimed at providing students with the theory and practice to succeed in their English studies at the grade 11 to 12 level. It will give students the skills and confidence they need to succeed, making their future English courses easier and more enjoyable.
Furthermore, active reading, planning, and essay writing skills are a great way to prepare for the Graduate Literacy Assessment (GLA), a new provincial exam for students in grades 12.

Intro to Canadian Supplement Writing
2026-09-03 15:30 - 18:30 | Virtual Format, Online
This three-hour session introduces students who are going into Grade 12 to the writing components for Canadian applications.
The session will include a presentation that outlines the typical essay and supplemental writing prompts required by major Canadian universities and programs. During this presentation, session leaders will also provide writing and time management strategies and sample essays from previous years’ successful applications. Students will then be given time to brainstorm and engage in practice writing exercises. Options Solutions writing coaches will give students one-on-one feedback on their drafts.

Intro to Canadian Supplement Writing
2026-09-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Format, Online
This three-hour session introduces students who are in Grade 12 to the writing components for Canadian applications.
The session will include a presentation that outlines the typical essay and supplemental writing prompts required by major Canadian universities and programs. During this presentation, session leaders will also provide writing and time management strategies and sample essays from previous years’ successful applications. Students will then be given time to brainstorm and engage in practice writing exercises. Options Solutions writing coaches will give students one-on-one feedback on their drafts.

Canadian Admissions Boot Camp
2026-09-13 10:00 - 17:00 | South Granville Office, 3195 Granville Street, Suite 203, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3K2, Canada
This one-day intensive preparation will help students understand and tackle the Canadian admissions process. The goal of this boot camp is to relieve the stress students feel about the application process and to get a head start.
Topics will include:

Comprehensive overview of the Canadian admissions process
Introduction to university or college – choosing a major, minor, or concentration
Finding a field of study & matching a field of study to the best post-secondary options
Exploration of the curriculum covered in expected major
Factors to consider when choosing a university (location, size, class size, access to services, etc.)
Introduction to essay writing and supplement applications
Extra-curricular summary
Generating individualized timelines
Grade 12 academic goal setting

Please note, this workshop runs from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.

Back to School Study Skills
2026-09-19 09:30 - 11:30 | Virtual Format, Online
This intensive study skills session is designed to help students be academically prepared for their educational futures.
The session is an instructional as well as practical, hands-on work session. It is offered at the start of the school term to help students thrive. 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 succeed in academic environments.

University Executive Functioning Workshop
2026-09-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Format, Online
The transition from high school to university can be challenging. This interactive course is designed to arm students with the knowledge and reference material required for post-secondary success. The three-hour workshop is instructional as well as practical; students will set achievable goals and create a variety of supplementary schedules. They will also review work and recreation balance, time-management strategies, and test-taking skills. This workshop is scheduled to get students organized before their first round of mid-term exams and assignments.

Topics will include:

Goal setting Important deadlines
Review of post-secondary course expectations and online portals
Daily schedules
Exam-study schedules
General term weekly schedules
Strategies for managing procrastination
How to study efficiently, save time, and do well academically

This is meant to be a Step Two to How to Rock First Semester, but all students are welcome.

Please bring your course syllabi, list of deadlines and due dates, and school academic schedule to the workshop.

Intro to Canadian Supplement Writing - Business Specific
2026-09-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Format, Online
This three-hour session introduces students who are entering grade 12 to the writing components for Canadian applications.
The session will include a presentation that outlines the typical essay and supplemental writing prompts required by major Canadian universities and programs. During this presentation, session leaders will also provide writing and time management strategies and sample essays from previous years’ successful applications. Students will then be given time to brainstorm and engage in practice writing exercises. Options Solutions writing coaches will give students one-on-one feedback on their drafts.
Beginning the application process early will give students the opportunity to make the most productive use of their time and enter grade 12 with more clarity and direction.
