For Applicants

Some people are passionate about writing, but they're not sure they can make a living as a writer. So they set aside a dream.

Some have professional writing skills and experience, but they're tired of the narrow focus of their work. So they give up a job.

Others write well, but they lack contacts and confidence. So they hide their talent.

Our key messages? You can make a living as a writer. Your current skills can be used in other communication contexts. And you can gain contacts and confidence in our program.

FALL ADMISSION DEADLINE: April 30  for classes beginning in September

NEXT INFORMATION SESSION: April 17, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Room 3302. Sign up now .   This is the final scheduled information session for the fall 2010 semester.

Here are some questions our applicants often ask. For more detailed answers, attend an information session or contact the program coordinator .

1. Why would I choose Print Futures?

Established in 1991, Print Futures is well recognized for its effectiveness in educating writing professionals. You'll benefit from a well-planned curriculum, experienced faculty, a cohort-model approach, a mandatory work-experience component, and our strong community network.

2. What will I learn in Print Futures?

You'll learn the research, interviewing, writing, editing, and design skills you need to produce a broad range of print and online documents, from reports and web pages, to communication plans and technical manuals. And you'll gain the confidence and connections you need to work as a professional writer.

3. Is Print Futures a credit program? Does it transfer to other institutions?

Print Futures is a 60-credit diploma program, and many of our courses are transferable. You can transfer the completed diploma to Royal Roads University in Sooke, British Columbia, and you'll receive two years' credit toward the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication . You can complete this degree program in one year in RRU's on-campus program or in two years in RRU's online program.

You can also transfer the completed diploma to Athabasca University in Athabasca, Alberta, and you'll receive two years' credit toward its Bachelor of Professional Arts (Communication Studies) . You can complete this degree program by online and distance learning.

Other block transfers are being negotiated.

4. I can't commit to a credit program. Do you offer any other options?

We also deliver a series of non-credit workshops on special topics from Designing Your Business Card to How to Write a Travel Article. These Saturday workshops are ideal for participants who want high-quality, affordable, and accessible instruction in a specific area of research, writing, editing, and design. The workshops will resume in summer 2010.

5. How much does the diploma program cost?

Tuition, books, and supplies cost about $9,000 for the full two-year program of 21 courses. Fees are paid each semester, not all at once. For details of the current fee-payment structure for the diploma, go to program costs . For details of costs by number of credits, go to fees.

6. Can I get financial support to take Print Futures?

The college's Financial Aid Office administers a wide range of financial aid programs, including loans, grants, scholarships, awards, and bursaries. It also offers workshops throughout the year to help students complete their student loan applications. Loans available through the BC Student Assistance Program may be an option for full-time participants in Print Futures.

As well, the Beth Anderson Memorial Bursary and the Carly Reid Memorial Award are dedicated to Print Futures students, and the Editors' Association of Canada (BC Branch) sponsors an annual scholarship for an outstanding graduating student in our program. Local branches of the Society for Technical Communication and the International Association of Business Communicators provide annual scholarships for deserving students. Some participants have also received financial support from Employment Insurance and other agencies.

7. What are the three key steps in applying for Print Futures?

You must apply for admission to the college, attend a Print Futures information session, and participate in a group interview.

Print Futures is a preferential admission program , which means you must meet both the college's general admission requirements and the program's specific admission requirements.

8. How do I apply for admission to the college? Where can I get an application form? Are transcripts required?

Go to Apply Online or pick up an application at any Douglas College campus. The college's general admission requirements include completion of English 12 (or a satisfactory equivalent) with a grade of C or better. You must either provide a transcript showing you meet this requirement or take the college's Writing Assessment .

Complete this first step in the application process, indicating your program choice is Print Futures: Professional Writing.

9. When is the application deadline?

Apply to the college by November 15 for part-time studies beginning in January, or by April 30 (regular deadline) for full-time and part-time studies beginning in September. Earlier application is strongly recommended. See the calendar for details.

Missed the application deadline deadline? Apply for admission in the next intake. Because accepted applicants are sometimes unable to attend, your application may be considered earlier. Make sure your contact information (telephone and email) is up-to-date.

10. When does the next program start?

September 2010 for full-time and part-time students.

11. How many people do you accept?

Approximately 30 full-time program participants begin their studies in September. Part-time program participants are accepted for studies beginning in September or January. The number of new part-time students varies from year to year, but it is usually from five to 10 each semester.

12. When are the next information sessions? Do I need to preregister?

April 17, noon to 2 p.m., Room 1808

Preregistration is required as sessions may be cancelled for low enrollment (five or fewer confirmed attendees).

If you can't attend a scheduled info session, contact the coordinator at 604-527-5292 or printfutures@douglas.bc.ca .

The college is easily accessible by vehicle and by public transit (about 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver by SkyTrain). Here are a map and driving directions .

13. How do I meet the specific requirements for program entry? When is the next group interview?

Apply first for admission to the college. See the calendar . Attend an information session. Then sign up for a group interview.

The first group interviews for fall admission are on Tuesday, May 11, and Thursday, May 13, from 2 to 7 p.m. To sign up for your two-hour group interview, contact 604-527-5292 or printfutures@douglas.bc.ca .

14. Tell me more about the group interview.

The group interview takes about two hours. Bring your transcript for forwarding to the registrar's office, if you haven't already sent it in. Be prepared to

• Meet with two faculty members and other program applicants
• Think about and discuss some writing-related scenarios
• Read a short article and summarize it
• Take a short test that focuses on grammar
• Bring your writing portfolio

15. What should I include in my writing portfolio?

• A letter of application addressed to the coordinator, Maureen Nicholson. Your letter should be no more than two pages. It should clearly describe your career and personal goals, and explain how Print Futures would help you reach those goals.
• Two letters of reference addressed to the coordinator. These letters can be character, work-related, or academic references. Your referees might comment on, for example, your writing skill, academic achievement, technical abilities, professional accomplishments, or potential as a writer. The letters must be current and specifically related to your application to Print Futures.
• A resume. Your resume (two pages maximum) should include your full mailing address, telephone number(s), email address, prior education, and summary of work experience.
• Three or four writing samples. The samples (letters, essays, articles, creative writing, reports, etc., totalling about 10 pages) should be varied in type and provide evidence of your interest in and dedication to writing. You can include excerpts from longer documents.

Don't include your only copy of written works or invest in expensive presentation packages. The portfolio is part of your program application. It will not be returned to you.

16. Do I need computing skills? What computer hardware and software do I need?

Basic word-processing skills are essential; programming skills are not required. Lab courses are taught in a Windows environment, and most program participants find that home access to a computer, a printer, an email account, and the Internet is a significant help in successful program completion. If you are accepted to the program, you will be provided with a list of recommended computing skills, a self-assessment quiz, and some suggestions on how to improve your computing skills before school begins.

17. What qualities are you looking for in applicants?

• A strong interest in writing
• Basic knowledge of English grammar
• Basic word-processing skills
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Critical-thinking skills
• Effective oral communication skills
• Goal- and priority-setting skills
• Honesty and integrity
• Initiative and the ability to meet deadlines
• The ability to work with others

18. How soon would I know if I'd been accepted?

Within a week of your group interview, the program coordinator will call or email to advise you of the recommendation of the selection committee. Shortly after, the registrar's office will confirm in writing the outcome of your admission application.

If you're offered full-time admission to Print Futures, your next step is to confirm or decline the offer in writing. If you wish to accept the offer, you must also pay a tuition deposit of $350 within the deadlines specified in the admission letter. If you're offered part-time admission to Print Futures, no tuition deposit is required.

19. I've already taken writing courses. Can I get advanced standing or some course exemptions?

Because Print Futures is a cohort-model program of integrated studies, we don't encourage diploma-program students to seek advanced standing. In a limited number of courses (particularly in design and professional readiness) and under special circumstances, we'll consider PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment Recognition).

20. What is the expected workload in the program? Can I work and study?

The workload is challenging. For full-time students, we recommend that you focus exclusively on your studies in at least the first semester of the program.

In second year, we typically schedule classes on two days and one evening a week to allow students to work if they wish to do so. Some students continue to work part-time for their work-experience employer.

21. I'd like to do the program part-time. Can I?

Yes. Many students find that a three- to five-year commitment is far more reasonable for them, given family, financial, and other considerations.

Starting in September 2009, you can complete the full diploma program through part-time, evening-only study over three to five years.

22. I've just finished high school. Is Print Futures an option for me?

Yes. Writing skill and maturity aren't necessarily tied to age. If you're keen and prepared, please apply.

23. I already have a degree. How will this program benefit me?

University graduates often benefit from the applied studies in Print Futures. Our program has a strong emphasis on professional readiness (self-marketing, networking, portfolio development and presentation) and skills development (applied research, editing, document design and production). The combination of a university degree and our professional writing diploma may make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers or help you establish your own writing business.

24. It's been a long time since I attended school. What can I expect?

Print Futures will be challenging, but you'll also be part of a cohort of participants, working with supportive and skilled instructors, and learning and applying something new every day. Most of our participants are 25 to 45, and the median age is usually around 35, so if you're a career-changer or a recent university graduate, you'll find yourself in good company.

25. I want to take only one or two courses. Can I?

Yes, if space is available. First, apply for college admission as a general studies student. Then discuss your course requests with the coordinator before classes begin. If you're already a Douglas College student, contact the coordinator by email with your request, providing the name of the course(s) you'd like to take, your student number, and a brief description of your writing experience.

26. Tell me more about the work experience. Am I guaranteed I'll get a job?

No. You'll compete for posted positions with work-experience employers, or you'll develop an appropriate work opportunity -- just as you'll have to in the world outside of school. But you'll also receive instruction, coaching, and support from experienced instructors to help you get a job and meet the program's work-experience requirement. In your job, you'll work from five weeks to four months. (A minimum of 180 hours is required.) Positions may be paid or unpaid, and you choose which opportunities you want to pursue. For a list of recent work-experience sponsors, go to For Employers .

27. What kind of jobs do graduates get?

Employers look for the knowledge, skills, and attitudes we teach in Print Futures. With their generalist skills, our graduates work as technical writers and editors, book and magazine editors, magazine writers, communications officers and specialists, copy editors, proofreaders, journalists, corporate communicators, publicists, public relations specialists, media relations officers, and more. Some graduates prefer to start their own business. The key element that links all of these job and work possibilities is strong writing ability.

28. As a program graduate, what kind of salary can I expect?

Annual starting full-time salaries range from $25,000 to $50,000, with the average around $40,000.

29. May I talk with graduates about their experience in Print Futures?

Yes. You can email a number of graduates through our feature Ask a Grad . They'll be happy to help you decide if Print Futures is a good fit for you.

30. Is Print Futures offered online?

No. Our program is only offered in person at the New Westminster campus.

31. I live outside BC. Do I have to attend the information session and group interview in person?

No. Our program has many out-of-province applicants. Contact the coordinator to discuss alternative application procedures.

32. I'm still not sure if Print Futures is right for me. Any other suggestions?

Do more research. For example, attend the graduating students' Portfolio Show in April. Look at their work and chat about their experiences in the program. Network through a professional association such as the Canadian Public Relations Society, Editors' Association of Canada, International Association of Business Communicators, Professional Writers Association of Canada, and Society for Technical Communication. Check on our reputation in the community. Informally interview professional writers and ask for their recommendations. If you're still not sure, take a test-drive. Request permission to take a course or two as a general studies student, and see if our program meets your needs. Contact the coordinator at 604-527-5292 or printfutures@douglas.bc.ca .


Last updated March 2010