Transition

Plan 
By Signy Spencer
The University of Victoria
My Career Goal
• Ever since I could remember I've always said I wanted to be
a vet. Like any other kid you'd expect this idea to dissipate
and change throughout the years, but that has not been the
case for me. 
• I adore animals and have 4 pets of my own. It has always
intrigued me how their bodies and minds work.
• Recently I have gotten a volunteer position at a new vet
clinic in Langley where I aspire to engage and support in the
health of beloved pets.
• I found the University of Victoria's Biology program to be
the most suited towards my aspirations and goals of
becoming a Vet
A little bit about UVic
• The University of Victoria offers dynamic learning, a rigorous academic
environment and is among the top-ranked in Canada for scientific impact.
• Due to their geographical location their science programs offer a wide variety of
hands-on experiences by allowing their students to apply their new skillset to
the field. 
• They offer almost 30 programs in the science faculty and allow you to mix and
match the subjects that fit your goals and interests. You can even complete a
combined major that allows optimal education for your future career path.  
• They have a handful of unique opportunities and resources such as
a 0.8meter telescope which is the largest optical telescope on any Canadian
university campus. 
• UVic's mottoes include one translating to "Let there be light," in Hebrew and "A
Multitude of the Wise is the Health of the World," in Latin. I find them
intriguing as they seem to acknowledge and provide confidence in their
students' hard work and drive to make a difference in our world. 
 •  The community is very family oriented, but definitely not dull.

Why • The distance allows for some independence, yet the ferry ride is short enough I could run
back home for the weekend to grab more clothes or have a homecooked meal or two.  
• There are many entertainment, food and shopping facilities nearby where I could escape

UVic?
from my studies periodically or if I needed a few groceries or amenities I couldn’t find on
campus.
•  It is not as populated as UBC which would give me a better chance at getting help from
professors. I will need the extra help as I will be taking more academically challenging
courses and I strive for academic excellence. 
• There is a first-year guarantee for a spot in the residencies for students coming directly
from high school, so I will not need to search for an appartement to rent nearby.
• UVic has developed a sustainability plan for their on-campus locations which includes
dedicated cycling and pedestrian zones to promote the reduction of carbon emissions and
students bringing their own mugs to stop the waste of single-use-plastic. I would like to
be a part of a community that is leading changes in our lifestyles for the betterment of our
world.  
Overview of Biology Program 
• Their Biology program offers students the chance to explore life at all
levels of organization, from genes to the ecosystem. I will cover all the
key concepts of Biology and expand on my practical skills by completing
field, lab and research work. 
• By completing this degree, I will receive a Bachelor of Science.
• This program caters to students wanting to pursue careers as animal
biologists, medical doctors as well as veterinarians. My top career choices
are in these areas so by the time I'm done my program I will have some
flexibility if I decide not to become a Vet.
• I can also choose to take courses in Marine Biology in my 3rd and
4th year to expand on my knowledge of animals from all sorts of biomes. 
• There are also other concentrations such as Neurology, Forest Biology
and general Environmental Studies. 
Why this program?
• I LOVE science and it has consistently been my favorite subject
in school. I decided to take all three sciences this year to explore
and develop my interest. After completing Life Sciences 11 first
quarter it has only increased my obsession with animals and
biological systems. 
• Biology programs are common among universities and if I
decide to transfer to another school it is likely the requirements
will be similar. I would not have to restart my program or have
to retake courses because the new university didn't accept my
credits (like what happened to my mom).
• It will build a strong foundation in subjects such as Organic
Chemistry, Genetics and Statistics which will be vital for
succeeding in Veterinary school.  
 Grade 11  Grade 12 

Requirements  Approved English

11
English Studies 12

Pre-Calculus 11 Pre-Calculus 12
• I have planned to take all these courses and
checked other universities requirements and Chemistry 11 An approved
noticed they remain constant. I am not taking Science 12
a Social Studies 12 this school year, but I plan
on taking Law 12 during summer school 2021 Physics 11  An approved
to cover the requirement. 
Science 12 
• Admission requirements for the science faculty
includes an 80-85% overall average. This is An approved
not a problem as I maintain about a 96%
Social Studies 12
overall average
 Year 1  Year 2 Year 3 & 4
1) BIOL 184—Evolution BIOC 299 BIOL 355
and Biodiversity and 2)
BIOL 186—Physiology
and Cell Biology 

Courses 3) CHEM 101—

Fundamentals of Chemistry
from Atoms to Materials
BIOL 215, BIOL 225 and
BIOL 230
2 BIOL laboratory courses

and 4) CHEM 102—

Chemical Reactivity
• The Biology courses are a requirement as they are Fundamentals with
prerequisites for higher level Bio courses. Environmental
Applications 
• The Chemistry and Math course levels will likely change
slightly depending on if I get a 4 or 5 on my AP exams in 5) MATH 100—Calculus I CHEM 231 and CHEM 7 BIOL or MRNE courses
and 6) MATH 101— 234  of 300/400 level
grade 12 and I can get credit for a course or two. Calculus II 
• I chose the mix of Physics 120 and 130 as it is for students 7) PHYS 120—Physics I 1 science course elective 4 Electives of 300/400
with a strong math and physics background which I will and 8) PHYS 130— level 
have by taking Physics 12 and AP Calculus next year.  I like Physics II 
a good challenge.  9) ATWP 135—Academic STAT 255 or STAT 260 2 science course electives
Reading and Writing  (any level) 
• For my AWR I would choose the ATWP 135 course which
focuses on academic reading and writing which would Elective: 10) FRAN 100— 2 Electives 4 Electives (any level) 
theoretically improve my skills when completing scientific Intensive French 
reports and documenting my research.
• I chose a French course as my elective to strengthen and
sustain my years of learning the language and culture in
French immersion. 
 NEED: COST:
Domestic tuition $5,810
Textbooks and supplies for $1,300
Finances courses
New laptop + phone expenses $2,000
• I will be getting A LOT of financial
Dormitory style single room + $11,424
support from my mother to pay for tuition included meal plan 
and extra costs. I will also be relying on Ferry Costs (minimum 4 $294
entrance scholarships and bursaries to
help myself financially. 
trips)  $73.50 each way
• If I had to take out a student loan, I would Personal necessities (haircuts, $150
use RBC as they have a low interest rate, the odd off-campus snack and
no annual fee and no set up costs.   recreation) 
https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/student-sol
ution/student-loans.html Move-in costs (sheets, storage $100
    
TOTAL: $21,078 bins, blanket, pillow, etc...)
Scholarships
• UVic offers a wide selection of scholarships that would help in paying for
my education and relieve any financial stress on myself and my mom.
• The scholarship criteria and offerings change every year due to different
donors and sponsors.
• This year there are four renewable scholarships that I (theoretically)
would be eligible for: 
1) David H. Turpin National Entrance Scholarship= $20,000 
2) Elsa Eleonora Fagerberg and Clara Maria Fagerberg Entrance
Scholarship= $20,000 
3) John Locke Malkin Entrance Scholarship= $4,000 x5 years
4) T.S. McPherson Entrance scholarship= $4,500 x5 years
• These all are given to academically outstanding students that show great
promise to UVic.
Continued...
• There are also several non-renewable scholarships that I would be eligible
for ranging from $1,000 or less
• In addition, I plan on using scholarship databases such as:  
• https://www.scholarshipscanada.com  
• https://scholartree.ca   
• https://studentscholarships.org  
• https://yconic.com 
• I will also be applying for scholarships through Brookswood Secondary
and the school district. 
• https://bss.sd35.bc.ca/student-life/scholarship-information/ 
• My goal is to get enough scholarships I won't need take out more than
one student loan throughout the 4 years at UVic. 
Brief timeline 

2022-2026 2026-2030 OBTAIN DVM 2030 START CAREER! OR

OBTAIN BACHELOR'S OF FROM VETERINARY START RESIDENCY TO
SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY SCHOOL SPECIALIZE IN A CERTAIN
FIELD SUCH AS DENTISTRY,
PHARMACOLOGY OR
MICROBIOLOGY.
 Thank you!
Note: I will also be applying to the science departments of the
University of British Colombia and Simon Fraser University!
Bibliography
• https://www.uvic.ca/science/biology/assets/docs/course-outlines/202001/202001-biol-150b.pdf 
• https://www.uvic.ca/science/undergraduate/programs/index.php 
• https://www.uvic.ca/students/undergraduate/program-planning/program-worksheets/worksheets/uvic-ppw-biol-major.pdf  
• https://www.uvic.ca/undergraduate/programs/undergraduate-programs/pages/biology.php 
• https://www.uvic.ca  
• https://www.uvic.ca/about-uvic/about-the-university/index.php 
• https://www.uvic.ca/registrar/safa/entrance-scholarships/index.php  
• https://www.bcferries.com/fare-selection/fare-calculator 
• https://www.uvic.ca/students/undergraduate/program-planning/courses-without-pre-requisites/index.php 
• https://www.uvic.ca/sustainability/assets/docs/uvic-sustainability-action-plan-2020-2021.pdf 
Photo Bibliography
• https://codata.org/unesco-global-consultations-on-open-science/ 
• https://theconversation.com/who-will-get-the-scholarships-in-the-new-expensive-world-of-h
igher-education-26958
• https://www.swimmanitoba.mb.ca/scholarships 
• https://medium.com/@scienceguy/12-best-cell-biology-blogs-you-need-to-follow-d91fa1ab
0037
 
• https://www.pinclipart.com/maxpin/iThTTx/ 
• https://www.uvic.ca/about-uvic/about-the-university/index.php 
• https://www.uvic.ca/gustavson/cssi/student-sustainability/index.php