Academics
Senior School

University & Career Counselling Centre

UNIVERSITY & CAREER COUNSELLING CENTRE

Our University and Career Counselling Centre (UCCC) is at the heart of the Senior School, with our dedicated counsellors guiding every senior school student through strategic course selection and the postsecondary planning process beginning in grade 10.

In grades 11 and 12, students and parents meet with our postsecondary counsellors regularly to ensure prerequisite courses are on track for university admission in the grade 12 year. This personalized attention is a key factor in our graduates receiving a 100% university acceptance rate, with students enrolling in their school of preference. In 2024, over 80% of WPGA graduates received scholarships over $1 million, with students receiving multiple offers to leading universities such as Harvard University, Columbia University, UBC, Queen's, University of Waterloo, and King's College London. 

 
CLASS OF 2026 - ADMISSIONS STATISTICS

UCC Team

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Kel McDowell

    Kel McDowell 

    Director, University & Career Counselling
    About Me
  • Photo of James Smith

    James Smith 

    Co-Director, University & Career Counselling
    About Me
  • Photo of Braden O'Donnell

    Braden O'Donnell 

    University Counsellor; Work Experience Coordinator
    About Me
  • Photo of Karen Castelino

    Karen Castelino 

    Executive Assistant, Head of Senior School/University Counselling

OFFERS RECEIVED BY CLASS OF 2024
 

WORK PLACEMENT PROGRAM

Now in its 9th year, our popular Work Placement Program empowers grades 10-12 students to explore career interests and build relevant skills through in-person, remote, or hybrid placements during Winter, Spring, and Summer Breaks. The program thrives thanks to WPGA parents and friends who host students across diverse industries, from finance and technology to healthcare, engineering, and marketing. The Work Placement Program complements our Careers Week in February, which features over 40 speakers from a range of professions for students to learn from and network.  
 

GET INVOLVED
CAREERS WEEK
Every February, WPGA’s university counsellors host Careers Week, a dedicated opportunity for Senior School students to explore a wide range of professions and learn directly from people working in the field. Throughout the week, industry experts share their career journeys, educational pathways, key decisions, challenges, and the experiences that have shaped their professional lives.

Presenters include WPGA parents, alumni, staff, and other professionals from fields such as law, accounting, medicine, film production, education, communications, and business. Their diverse perspectives help students understand the many routes a career can take and the skills, interests, and experiences that can influence future choices.

Students have the opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and hear candid advice from experienced professionals. Careers Week encourages them to look beyond job titles, discover new possibilities, and reflect on how their own strengths, values, and interests might shape the path ahead.


GET INVOLVED


   
UNIVERSITY SESSIONS & FAIRS

UCCC faculty facilitate numerous opportunities, including dozens of visits from university admission representatives, from Canada and abroad, throughout the year for WPGA families to explore their schools' programs, admission process, campus life, residence choices, and varsity sport. 

WPGA hosts the VAIS Fair (Vancouver Area Independent Schools Fair) for American schools to connect with students from both independent and public schools across the Lower Mainland. WPGA originated the VAIS Fair in 2013, and it continues to be the largest fair for US universities and colleges in Western Canada. WPGA also hosts the Canadian Universities Event, featuring admission representatives from Canadian universities every fall at WPGA, and helps to coordinate the Vancouver International University Fair in the spring at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

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PSI Visits

  • Sep
    23

    St. Francis Xavier University (SS Lobby)

  • Oct
    1

    University of Cambridge Information Evening (Dining Hall)

  • Oct
    2

    University of Leeds (SS Lobby)

  • Oct
    5

    Ivey School of Business Presentation (Room 122)

  • Oct
    8

    VAIS Fair (Lower Gym)

  • Oct
    9

    Canadian Universities Fair (CUE)

  • Oct
    14

    University of the Pacific (SS Lobby)

  • Oct
    16

    St. George's University (SS Lobby)

  • Oct
    19

    Carnegie Mellon University (SS Lobby)

  • Oct
    29

    University of Alberta (SS Lobby)

  • Nov
    16

    SFU Beedie School of Business (SS Lobby)

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Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.

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West Point Grey Academy

4125 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750