Program Objectives

The Transition Program for Gifted Students is a Ministry of Education and Child Care Provincial Resource Program, with staffing and administrative oversight provided by the VSB, and hosted on campus at UBC. The Transition Program is a program for Gifted students and offers a conceptually advanced, fast-paced curriculum that promotes high standards of academic excellence, a strong work ethic, research skills, and study habits needed to support success in future university studies.

Intake Process

Each year, the Transition Program accepts a maximum of 20 new students, ages 13 to 15. Students apply for the program and are offered placement based upon alignment with Program selection criteria.

Applications for admission to the Transition Program for Gifted Students for the upcoming 2024/2025 school year are accepted between September 5, 2023 and January 31, 2024.

Applicants must be at least 12 years of age in the year they wish to enter the Transition Program. For example, for the 2024/2025 school year, applicants in Grade 7 must be turning 12 in 2024. Minimum age is 12 years (finishing Grade 7) and maximum age is 15 years (finishing Grade 9).

It is highly recommended that interested applicants attend an information session to learn of the Program outline, experiences and additional relevant information.

Information Meetings

November 2, 2023 at 6 pm – location at UBC, TBD

January 10, 2024 at 6 pm – location at UBC, TBD & via Teams link (to be posted)

Application

There are two options to apply to the Transition Program – via email or online. Please visit the Transition Program website to apply. www.transitionprogramforgiftedstudents.ca

Email – Applicants must submit their application to utp@vsb.bc.ca using the naming protocol – Last Name, First Name – application Please ensure that the application form in its entirety, including checklists and required documents, are included in the uploaded application package. Incomplete packages will not be considered.

Online – Applicants complete the online form and upload all relevant documents online. Please ensure that the application form in its entirety, including checklists and required documents, are included in the uploaded application package. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Please apply online on the Transition Program website. www.transitionprogramforgiftedstudents.ca

All application forms can be downloaded from the Admissions page on the Transition Program website. www.transitionprogramforgiftedstudents.ca

Once the application package is received, you will receive an automated response confirming the receipt of your package.

When the application package is received, applications are reviewed, and applicants are invited to complete a large group assessment. There will be two large group sessions:

• Tuesday, November 14, 2023
• Thursday, February 1, 2024

There is no advantage to the later group assessment date. There are two sessions in order to manage the large number of applicants to the Program. The large group assessments take place at UBC.

Upon completion of the large group assessments, potential candidates will be invited to complete small group assessments. There are a variety of dates between November 2023 – February 2024.

The timing of when the application is received and when the applicant participates in either the large or small group assessments has no impact on the applicant’s eligibility for the program. All applications will be evaluated on the same admissions criteria.

Large Group Assessments

For large group assessments, please come to: 240D 1924 West Mall. The closest parking lot is Fraser River Parkade. Alternatively, parking is also available at West Parkade.

Please bring:

• Snacks and lunch
• water bottle
• pens and pencils
• a book to read in the event you need to wait

Parents must be present at drop-off in order to sign an informed consent for the group assessment.

Small Group Assessments

Applicants invited for small group assessments will be provided further instructions. Please note, only invited students will be contacted.

Offers

Offers are made starting on March 15, 2024. As candidates accept or decline offers, additional candidates will be contacted until all 20 spots are filled.