A global school with a century-old tradition of excellence, Lower Canada College is widely recognized for its dedicated and highly trained teachers. Benefitting from this commitment to learning, LCC graduates consistently go on to study at many of the great universities in Canada, the US, and around the world.

That said, the array of post-secondary options and the constantly shifting career landscape present challenges for today’s high school students, regardless of their grades, interests or accomplishments. LCC’s academic advising program, which features four full-time professionals with deep experience in the field, is designed to help the school’s students, and their families, tackle these issues directly.

Beginning in grade 7, LCC’s academic advisors gently introduce all students to the notion of reflecting on their interests, strengths and learning styles. By grade 9, everyone is assigned their own academic advisor; in grade 10, the number of one-on-one meetings ramps up and students begin to consider the criteria that will determine which universities might be a good fit.

In grade 11 and the Pre-University program, preparation for future studies become a virtual ‘seventh course’. All students are required to attend at least one of the university fairs hosted annually by LCC and contemplate what characteristics their future school might have: is it far from home or in the same city? Sprawling campus or small? Giant research centre or tight-knit liberal arts college? Should they take advantage of the excellent options in Quebec or consider schools across the country or abroad?

Academic Advising Coordinator Maggie Owen notes that this level of dedicated support is quite new to Canadian high schools. “Parents tell us that they really appreciate how available we are, not just to their children but to them as well.”

One of the most effective parts of the program is LCC’s Career Speakers Series. Each spring, alumni, parents and friends from a range of professions speak directly to grades 9-11 and Pre-U about their lines of work. Doctors, business leaders, designers, and entertainers tell students about the challenges and rewards of their individual fields. The students are then asked to write a reflection on what they learned and connect the experience back to their own interests, fit criteria and university goals.

Olivier Rivard ’22, Pre-U ’23 has taken full advantage of the academic advising program: “My advisor helped me navigate the stresses of university applications: endless tests, numerous deadlines, essay crafting, and more. It was empowering to know someone was in my corner, helping me realize my academic ambitions.”