Navigating the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) curriculum effectively is vital for high school students seeking admission to prestigious universities. Strategic planning of courses throughout high school is critical, requiring students to carefully balance mandatory courses with electives that meet specific university prerequisites.

Understanding University Admission Requirements

Before choosing courses, students aiming for university should:

Research Specific University Requirements: Familiarize themselves with the prerequisites of their desired university programs to ensure their elective choices are appropriate.

Consider Future Career Goals: Select courses that align with their interests and career aspirations to better prepare for their professional future.

Ensure a Balanced Curriculum: Choose a diverse array of courses across various disciplines, such as sciences, arts, and social sciences, to foster a comprehensive education.

TVO ILC’s Course Offerings

TVO ILC provides a robust selection of over 140 OSSD courses, encompassing core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Sciences, alongside various specialized fields, including Business, Political History, Geography, Computing, and Arts. This diverse range ensures that students from various backgrounds can find courses that align with their educational aspirations and enhance their chances of gaining admission into top global universities.

OSSD Full-Time Student Requirements

Full-time students pursuing the OSSD must complete a minimum of 30 credits, including 18 compulsory and 12 elective credits.

The compulsory courses are structured as follows:

English: 4 credits, one per year from grades 9 to 12, with ENG3U (Grade 11) and ENG4U (Grade 12) as mandatory.

Mathematics: 3 credits, with at least one course in Grade 11 or 12.

Science, Canadian History, and Canadian Geography

Electives are offered in a wide range to accommodate diverse interests and career objectives:

Business: Business, Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Economics, International Business, Business Law, and Consumer Studies.

Humanities: Physical Geography, Tourism, Environmental and Resource Studies, World Geography, Modern History, Medieval History, World History, Western History, and Canadian Law Studies.

Mathematics: Personal Finance, Algebra, Mathematics for Life, Calculus, and Data Management.

Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and other scientific disciplines.

Arts: Visual Arts, Painting, Jazz, Musical Instruments, Choir, Theatre, and Photography.

Social Sciences: Family Studies, Nutrition, and studies on Multicultural Societies.

Specialized Course Recommendations for Specific Majors

Engineering Track

Recommended courses include Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus (MCV4U), Physics (SPH4U), and Chemistry (SCH4U).

Example: Engineering Science Program at University of Toronto

Architecture Track

Recommended courses include Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus (MCV4U), Physics (SPH4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), and alongside a portfolio for submissions.

Example: Civil Engineering Program at University of Toronto

Business Track

Recommended courses include Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Grade 12 English (ENG4U), Calculus (MCV4U), International Business Fundamentals (BBB4M), Financial Accounting Principles (BAT4M), and Business Leadership: Management Fundamentals (BOH4M).

Example: Rotman Commerce Program at University of Toronto

Arts Track

Recommended courses include Grade 9 Visual Arts (AVI1O9) and Grade 11 Visual Arts (AVI3M), alongside a portfolio for submissions.

Example: History Program at University of Toronto

Computer Science Track

Recommended courses include Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus (MCV4U), Data Management (MDM4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Physics/Computer Science (SPH4U/ICS4U), and Grade 12 English (ENG4U).

Example: Computer Science Program at University of Toronto

Social Sciences Track

Recommended courses include Grade 12 English (ENG4U), Introduction to Human Psychology and Sociology (HSP3U), Challenges and Changes in Society (HSB4U), and World Religions and Belief Traditions (HRT3M).

Example: Ethics, Society and Law Program at University of Toronto