Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley provides students with an opportunity to better prepare for college studies.
Students who enroll in our academic upgrading program do not have to pay any tuition fees. The program also offers a continuous intake, meaning students can start classes at any time of the year.
Here are the key things you need to know about our College Preparation courses:
- To be eligible for these courses, you must be 19 years of age or older
- Class size is limited and seats become available on a first-come-first-served basis
- You must be motivated to attend classes on a daily basis in order to successfully complete your academic upgrading
- All classes are held at the Pembroke Campus of Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
- Students do not pay any tuition fees and books are provided free of charge. In addition, students may be eligible for financial support to cover costs related to child care and transportation to and from the College.
- Students who apply for admission into College Preparation courses will be required to meet with one of our teachers for an assessment of their educational level and suitability for upgrading courses in a college setting. The assessment will include an English test and possibily some Math questions.
- The primary courses offered at the Pembroke Campus include English, Math, computers and student success strategies. We may also offer chemistry, biology, or physics. This option will vary depending upon class size, course preference and teacher availability.
- In most cases students will need to complete four courses in the College Preparation program to earn the Academic Career Entrance (ACE) certification. ACE meets the academic requirement for many college and apprenticeship training programs and many employers also recognize it as meeting their minimum employment standard.
- College preparation courses offer students some flexibility, however, there are set timetables and students are expected to attend classes regularly. Classes at the Pembroke Campus will be delivered on a Monday to Thursday schedule.
- Students who enroll in College Preparation courses can take advantage of other college services such as career counselling, abilities counselling, tutoring, health services, and social activities on campus.
- The majority of students who enroll in College Preparation courses carry on with their studies in a full-time college program.
Questions & Answers about College Preparation Courses
1. Who should be considering College Preparation courses at Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley?
Anyone who is 19 years of age or over who dropped out of high school with less than a grade 12 diploma. If you are only a few credits short of a high school diploma we recommend you contact your closest Adult Education Centre to inquire about obtaining the necessary credits to graduate. However if you are several credits away from graduating and you are interested in attending college as a mature student, our career preparation courses may be the right fit for you.
If you have a high school diploma, but you have been out of school for several years, our career preparation courses would also be beneficial, particularly if you are planning to pursue post-secondary education or apprenticeship training.
Many laid off workers take advantage of college preparation courses as a means of updating their communication, math and computer skills as they prepare to seek new employment opportunities or pursue higher education.
For young people under the age of 25 who are pursuing apprenticeship training, successful completion of the ACE curriculum through our college preparation courses will help you meet the academic requirement to become an apprentice. You may also qualify for a $1,000 scholarship upon successful completion of your upgrading and registration as an apprentice. This scholarship is offered through the Job Connect program and rewards young people who return to school to prepare for apprenticeship training.
2. When can I apply for Career Preparation courses?
This program has a continuous intake. When you contact the college, you will be given an appointment where a teacher will meet with you to assess your situation and academic level. If you are a suitable candidate for our college preparation program, you can expect to start classes very soon after your initial consultation, subject to seat availability. The college will work with you to develop an action plan that suits your career goals.
3. Will any of the courses I take through the Career Preparation program provide me with exemptions in a full-time college program?
In some cases you may be eligible for an exemption. For example, you may receive an exemption for an introductory computer course based on the computer skills you develop in the college preparation program. However, in most cases, the courses you take in the program will prepare you to be successful in your college studies but will not result in exemptions.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
For more information, contact Judy Purdy at 613-735-4700, ext. 2764
or e-mail purdyj@algonquincollege.com.
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