Summer before grade 12 is more than just a break; it’s a sweet spot for rest, reflection, and getting ready for what comes next. For students planning to apply to Canadian universities, especially competitive programs, this is a great time to ease some of the stress that can build up in grade 12 and start preparing on your own terms.
Here’s how rising grade 12 students can make the most of their summer.
Rest and Recharge
Before you dive into applications or academics, make sure you take some time to rest. The end of grade 11 can be intense, and grade 12 won’t slow down. Starting the school year feeling rested, clear-headed, and confident can make a big difference.
This might mean:
- Blocking off a few weeks with no structured commitments
- Spending time outside, off screens
- Catching up on sleep or doing something creative just for fun
Post-Secondary Planning
While you can’t apply this summer, you can get organized. Doing a little groundwork now makes everything easier in the fall.
Here are a few ways to get started:
Explore Your Options
- Take virtual campus tours
- Attend webinars or faculty events hosted by universities
- Visit local campuses like UBC or SFU if you’re in Vancouver
Get to Know the Application Process
- Start building your school list and reviewing each school’s requirements
- Create a calendar with deadlines for applications, supplemental writing, interviews, portfolios, and more
- Make a professional email address just for post-secondary communication
- Don’t forget to check in with your consultant over the summer, so they can help you with these tasks
Think About Scholarships
If you’re a strong student with leadership, community involvement, or top grades, now’s the time to start looking into major scholarships like the Loran or Schulich. These applications often open early and require reference letters, essays, and interviews.
Prepare Your Profile
Grades matter, but they’re not the whole story. Most Canadian schools, especially UBC, want to know who you are outside the classroom.
This summer, try:
- Auditing your extracurriculars: what have you done, and what’s missing?
- Looking at application prompts (like UBC’s Personal Profile) and brainstorming possible stories or themes
- Turning your activities into potential essay topics or journal entries to warm up your writing voice
If you’re applying to programs like Engineering, Commerce, Health Sciences, or UBC in general, consider connecting with a writing coach. These programs often require essays, interviews, and personal statements that benefit from early planning and support.
Workshops to Consider
If you want a bit more structure or support, Options Solutions offers summer workshops to help students get ahead without burning out.
Some popular options for rising Grade 12s include:
- Intro to Canadian Supplement Writing
- Canadian Admissions Boot Camp
- Mastering the Essay
- Video Interview Workshop
- Preparing for University Application Writing
Each session is designed to help you feel more confident and prepared heading into the application and back-to-school season.
The best summer plans mix purpose and pause. Take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy yourself, but also carve out time to get organized, explore your options, and start thinking about your story.
Come September, you’ll be glad you did!
