University & Career Counselling

At WPGA, students are guided and prepared every step of the way to a successful postsecondary path that is the best fit for their interests, postsecondary ambitions, and longer-term career aspirations.

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 university counsellors regularly to ensure prerequisite courses are on track for university admission in the grade 12 year. Personalized attention is a key factor in our graduates receiving a 100% university acceptance rate, with 100% of students accepted to their school of choice. In 2023, over 80% of WPGA graduates received scholarships totaling $1 million, with students receiving multiple offers to leading universities worldwide, including Harvard University, Columbia University, UBC, Queen's, University of Waterloo, and King's College London. 

Work Placement Program 
Our highly popular Work Placement Program, now in its 8th year, enables grades 10-12 students to explore their career interests and develop practical skills through in-person, remote or hybrid work placements over Winter, Spring and Summer Breaks. The success of the program is owing to our many families who have hosted students at their place of employment, in industries ranging from finance, science, technology and digital arts to medicine, 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.  

University Sessions & Fairs 
UCCC faculty facilitate numerous opportunities, such as university information sessions and visits from admission representatives, throughout the year for families to explore university programs, 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 among the most known and well-attended fair for American universities 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. 

University & Career Counselling Faculty

List of 3 members.

  • Photo of Kel McDowell

    Kel McDowell 

    Director, University & Career Counselling
    Bio
  • Photo of James Smith

    James Smith 

    Assistant Director, University & Career Counselling
    Bio
  • Photo of Braden O'Donnell

    Braden O'Donnell 

    Career Education Teacher; Work Experience Program Coordinator
    Bio

West Point Grey Academy

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

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.