Campus Compass

10/07/2026

Open house season is almost here.

From late October to mid-November, most Ontario universities and colleges hold their fall preview days. Most ask you to register ahead, and the popular sessions fill up.

The campus visit is often when a decision finally clicks. Grades get a student in the door. Fit is what keeps them there.

If your family is heading to a few open houses this fall, try this:

• Register now, and don't cram three schools into one weekend.
• Sit in on a program talk or sample lecture, not just the main tour.
• Ask a current student what a normal Tuesday looks like.
• Have your teen jot down how they felt on campus before the drive home.
• Compare notes that same night, while it's fresh.

A simple comparison worksheet can turn "they all seemed nice" into a real conversation about what matters.

10/05/2026

A conversation in my coworking community this week has stuck with me.

AI is starting to take over a lot of the entry-level work that used to teach people how to work: the research, the first drafts, the basic analysis. That raises a real question for our teens. If the "learn on the job" years shrink, where do they build judgment and confidence?

My answer is this: help them choose programs that put them in real situations early.

As your teen builds their list this fall, look beyond the program name and ask:

• Is there co-op, a placement or a practicum?
• Are there labs, studios or community projects in first and second year?
• Does the school help students find research or volunteer roles?
• Will they get regular feedback from real people, not just grades?

These are the places students learn to read a room, fix a mistake and trust their own judgment. That's the human advantage, and it's built through experience.

If your teen is weighing programs right now and you'd like a second set of eyes on their list, I'm always happy to chat.

Education

10/02/2026

If you missed the first Campus Compass Info Session, please join me on October 13th at 6pm.

This is your opportunity to learn more about Campus Compass services and see what a personalized post-secondary pathway looks like!

Register at: https://forms.gle/4aqYtGYtCH1SdUK59

10/01/2026

Life Sciences. Health Sciences. Biomedical Sciences. Biochemistry.

This time of year, I see a lot of Grade 12 shortlists that look like this. They sound almost identical, and students often assume they are.

They're not.

Two programs with similar names can have very different first years. One might be heavy on chemistry and lab work. Another might lean into health policy, psychology or population health. Some let you specialize right away; others give you a broad first year and ask you to choose later.

So before your teen hits submit this fall, here's what I'd encourage you to look at together:

1. The first-year course list, not just the program title
2. Required Grade 12 courses and minimum averages
3. Whether there's a supplementary application or co-op option
4. How easy it is to switch programs if their interests shift

A little digging now can save a student from landing in the wrong program next September.

If you'd like help comparing the options on your teen's list, I'm always happy to talk it through.

09/29/2026

The Ontario Universities' Fair has wrapped up, and in a lot of homes there's now a bag of brochures sitting on the kitchen counter.

If that's your house, here's the good news: your Grade 12 doesn't need to have it all figured out this week. But this is a great moment to turn "a lot of information" into a few clear next steps.

Here's what I suggest to families:

1. Start with programs, not schools. Which areas of study made your student lean in?
2. Keep a short list. Three to six programs is plenty to dig into properly.
3. Check the requirements now. Prerequisite courses, supplementary applications and early deadlines are easier to manage in October than in January.
4. Plan one or two open house visits. Seeing a campus in person often settles more than any brochure can.

After 20+ years in career education on a university campus, I've seen that the calmest application seasons start with a small, focused list.

If you'd like help sorting through the options, send me a message.

09/28/2026

University applications are officially open!

09/28/2026

Week 2 of the CIP Tour is continuing through Western Ontario! 🚗

Whether you're just starting your college search or narrowing down programs, this is a great chance to talk with school representatives and get your questions answered in person.

Week 2 stops:
📍 Welland – September 28 📍 London – September 29 📍 Ridgetown – September 30 📍 Chatham – September 30 📍 Windsor – October 1 📍 Sarnia – October 2

Full details: https://ow.ly/RHPp50ZOLiz

09/28/2026

Colleges Apps open today!

Today's the day! The 2027-28 Ontario college application is officially LIVE.

If you’ve been waiting for this moment, your wait is over. Head over now to explore 27 Ontario colleges and polytechnics and hundreds of programs. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, technology, business, trades, arts, or anything in between – your path starts today.

⏩ Apply now: https://ow.ly/xKuU50ZOKT6

09/28/2026

Important news! Application season is here.

09/22/2026

Heading to a university or college fair over the next week or two?

Here's how to actually make the most of it, not just wander and grab pamphlets.

✅ Before you go: pull up the floor plan and star your must see schools
✅ While you're there: talk to student reps (not just staff), ask about more than academics, and sit in on an info session or two
✅ No official co-op? Ask what experiential learning options exist instead, like internships, applied research, or placements
✅ Don't skip the schools you're unsure about; sometimes the best fit is the one you almost walked past

And it doesn't end when the fair does. Shortlist your top picks within a day or two while it's fresh, then start looking up fall open house dates so you can actually walk the campus before applying.

Use this helpful University & College Fair Game Plan document to keep you organized and make the most of these experiences.

Resources Free resources to help you find clarity in your post-secondary journey. Your University & College Game Plan (for visiting open houses)