Supporting Your Teen in Choosing a College

How to support your child in choosing the right college and program with our comprehensive parent’s guide: tips, advice, and resources to make an informed decision.

Parents play a crucial role in guiding their child through the important decision of choosing a college.

By staying informed and understanding the options available, you can provide the support and reassurance your teen needs to navigate this significant step with confidence and less stress.

Is your teen unsure where to start? Have them take this fun little quiz (available in French only), courtesy of our partner Academos, to help them get an idea of which LaSalle College programs could match their personality and interests.

P.S. Did you know that, thanks to Academos, your child could chat with a mentor in their program of interest and find out if this future career is truly the right fit for them?

Fashion, arts and humanities, IT, education, management, or hospitality and tourism... Is your child interested in a particular field among our DCS programs, but they are having trouble pinpointing which specific program would suit them best?

Discover the differences between our different DCS programs by field of study!

At LaSalle College, every student’s success is a top priority. A clear and personalized Success Plan is put in place as soon as your child arrives, supported by a fair evaluation policy, success centers, psychosocial services, academic and career guidance, as well as tutoring in languages, computer science, and mathematics. This comprehensive support system helps students build confidence, independence, and ambition, while ensuring a motivating and tailored academic journey.

But we don’t stop there: our Career Services and direct connections with industry help students transition quickly into the workforce. Thanks to our job fairs, internship sprints, Midis industrie, and a strong network of partner companies, our graduates enjoy an internship placement rate nearing 100%.

And the results speak for themselves: our graduation rate is well above the provincial and Montréal averages, reflecting the effectiveness of our approach.

Student success is grounded in holistic support that begins on day one and continues throughout the entire academic journey.

How, as a parent, you can help your child reframe rejection—not as a failure, but as a fresh start?

It’s a decision that will have a significant impact on your child’s future—from their studies and career to the people they’ll meet and their personal growth.

Open House events are the perfect opportunity to get clear answers and determine if the institution aligns with your child’s aspirations and needs.

The college decision process can feel like a high-stakes puzzle for everyone involved. The challenge is to offer wisdom without coming off as the loudest voice in the room.

LaSalle College students can apply for financial assistance through the Loans and Bursaries Program from the Gouvernement du Québec.

Many other funding options are available, including scholarships, promotions, private and government programs, and much more.

There are various financing options available to help learners achieve their goals.

Want your teen to benefit from the best possible support? Our guidance counselor will be happy to meet with them to provide assistance and information regarding:

Their career plan,
University requirements and prerequisites,
Job market trends, salary expectations and placement rates.

She can also offer your teen to take an official career assessment test tailored to their skills and interests to help them make the best decision.

Do you live on the North Shore and want to avoid your child spending long hours commuting?

Our Laval campus offers a wide variety of programs.

About LaSalle College

LaSalle College offers a wide range of programs—more than 60 options across our 7 specialized schools:

Fashion
Arts, Design, and Communication
Hospitality
Business and Administration
Information Technology
Education and Social Sciences
Video Games, Animation, and VFX

We offer both Diplomas of College Studies (DEC) and Attestations of College Studies (AEC), available in-person on campus or online, in either French or English.

To help you and your child choose the program that best supports their future, we recommend exploring our DCS program comparison tool. This tool lets you review different programs based on your child’s interests, goals, and career ambitions.

Our admissions advisors are also here to support your family throughout the process and answer any questions you may have. We’re here to help find the program that will open the right doors for your child’s future.

LaSalle College is a government-subsidized private post-secondary institution, while CEGEPs are public institutions. This distinction affects certain aspects of the educational experience and services offered. Here are a few key differences:

Personalized approach and resources: As a private institution, LaSalle College offers individualized support, smaller class sizes, and resources tailored to students’ specific needs.

Specialized programs in high-demand sectors: LaSalle College stands out because of how its programs align with thriving industries such as fashion, video games, and hospitality. These programs are designed to meet the needs of today’s job market and include partnerships with leading companies.

Flexibility: Unlike most public CEGEPs, LaSalle College offers programs both in-person and online, in either French or English.

Tuition fees: Public CEGEPs are fully government-funded, which generally makes them more affordable. As a subsidized private institution, LaSalle College charges tuition fees, but in return, students benefit from enhanced services, direct access to international opportunities, and a more personalized learning experience.

In short, LaSalle College combines academic excellence with a hands-on, student-centred approach—equipping students with the tools and skills they need to succeed in a global job market.

LaSalle College enjoys an excellent reputation both locally and internationally, thanks to the quality of its programs, its innovative approach, and its strong ties to industry.

In Québec: LaSalle College has been recognized as a leader in private education for over 65 years. It stands out for:

The quality of its programs, directly aligned with labour market needs
Its ability to train professionals in key sectors such as fashion, video games, hospitality, and business
Its partnerships with local companies and organizations, which strengthen internship and employment opportunities for students

Across Canada: As a member of the LCI Education community, LaSalle College is part of a nationally respected group of institutions. Students from across the country choose LaSalle for its hands-on approach, cultural diversity, and bilingual instruction.

Around the world: LaSalle College is also a major player on the global stage, thanks to:

Its connection to the LCI Education community, which includes 12 post-secondary institutions across five continents and supports more than 20,000 learners worldwide. This global reach gives students access to international learning environments and exchange opportunities
Its strong reputation among employers around the world, with graduates working at top companies
Collaborations with prestigious brands and organizations, reinforcing its standing as a world-class institution

Whether for local or international students, LaSalle College is known for delivering practical, forward-thinking education that prepares graduates to thrive in a constantly evolving job market.

LaSalle College provides students with modern facilities and specialized resources to support both their academic success and personal growth. Here’s an overview of some key spaces and services on campus:

Documentation Centre: The Documentation Centre offers students access to both physical and digital resources—including books, databases, and academic journals—along with the technical equipment needed to support learning and teaching.
Active Learning Classrooms: Our collaborative classrooms are cutting-edge learning spaces designed with modern ergonomics and state-of-the-art equipment to support dynamic, interactive learning experiences for both students and faculty.
CL.IP School Store: Located at the entrance of LaSalle College, the CL.IP store is the go-to place for school supplies. Students can find a wide range of items, including books, computers, electronic accessories, and backpacks. It also serves as a printing and photocopying centre.

We also have a wide range of specialized facilities tailored to our programs, such as the Techno-Espace, Mini-Lab, photo studio, educational bar, and more. Explore all our specialized facilities and discover the environment where your child could develop their skills.

During the first few weeks of the semester, student ambassadors—known as “yellow t-shirts”—are on campus to help new students find their bearings and settle in.

Throughout their time at LaSalle College, students can count on the Student Affairs team for support—both online and on campus. Whether it’s helping them succeed in their studies or making the most of college life, they’re here to ensure students have a memorable and rewarding experience.

Explore our student resources.

Absolutely! LaSalle College encourages students to grow beyond the classroom through a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for community involvement.

They can join—or even start—a club, take part in cultural and social events, compete in the International Student Entrepreneurship Challenge, or get involved in volunteer projects!

LaSalle College is known for preparing students to succeed—whether they’re entering the job market or continuing on to university.

Pathways to the job market

LaSalle College stands out for its hands-on approach and strong industry connections.

Programs aligned with job market needs: Whether technical DEC or AEC programs, all are designed to meet current employer demands. Students graduate with practical, job-ready skills specific to their field.
Internships and real-world projects: Most programs include internships or hands-on industry projects, giving students valuable experience and the chance to connect with potential employers.
Career services: The College also offers personalized career support to help students find job opportunities after graduation, including through partnerships with both local and international companies.

Pathways to university

Pre-university programs: LaSalle College offers pre-university DEC programs—such as Arts, Literature, and Communication or Social Sciences—that prepare students for further studies at top universities in Québec and abroad.
University partnerships: Some technical programs include bridge agreements or transferable credits, allowing students to continue their studies at the university level.
Transferable skills: Skills developed at LaSalle—such as academic discipline and project management—provide a strong foundation for university success.

DCS (Diploma of College Studies) programs are primarily designed for high school graduates. They include general education courses such as philosophy, languages, and physical education. There are two types of DCS programs:

Pre-university DCS (2 years): These programs prepare students for university studies.
Technical DCS (3 years): These are career-focused programs for students who want to enter the job market after graduation—though they can also continue on to university if they choose.

Before beginning the enrollment process, it’s important for your child to choose the program that interests them. LaSalle College offers a wide variety of DEC and AEC programs—both pre-university and technical—in French or English.

Each program may have specific academic prerequisites (such as courses in math, science, or languages). It’s important to check that your child meets the requirements for their chosen program.

The next step is to complete an application for admission, either through the SRAM platform or directly on the College’s website.

Once the application is complete, it must be submitted. This step may include an application fee, which varies depending on the program and institution.

Based on program availability and the student’s academic file, an admission decision will be sent. This process may take a few weeks.

Once your child receives an offer of admission, they must respond within the given deadline to confirm their place in the program. This step typically includes payment of registration fees and confirmation of their C37 form.

SRAM (Service régional d’admission du Montréal métropolitain) is a centralized admissions system used by many public CEGEPs in Québec. It simplifies the process by allowing students to apply to multiple institutions through a single platform.

The first round of applications refers to the initial period during which students submit their applications to CEGEPs. The deadline for the first round is March 1—a key date for future college students. If a student is not admitted in the first round, they may take part in the second round, where remaining spots are offered to eligible applicants.

However, private colleges like LaSalle College operate independently from SRAM. We accept applications year-round, giving students more flexibility to apply to the program of their choice at any time.

International Applicants

Find all the key information about the international student admission process, study permits, and more in our page What You Need Before You Apply.

Any student who did not complete their high school studies in Canada must submit the results of a standardized language test.

For French-language programs: DELF tout public, DALF, TCF tout public (le TCF Québec et le TCF Canada ne sont pas acceptés), TEF (le TEF Québec et le TEF Canada ne sont pas acceptés), Bright Five Stars – langue française
For English-language programs: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge, PTE Academic, Bright Five Stars – English Language

For full details, visit our section Placement Test.

At LaSalle College, we do everything we can to support the success and well-being of our students. From day one, they’re welcomed by experienced student ambassadors who help guide them and answer any questions they may have. We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that foster a strong sense of community—including wellness days, cultural outings, and trips.

On the academic side, students have access to six success centres (for French, English, IT, math, and more), as well as a dedicated homework help club. We also provide individualized support to over 200 students, along with career counselling and psychosocial services to meet each student’s unique needs.

Our teachers play a central role in our students’ success. Thanks to smaller class sizes, they’re able to offer personalized support and lead a variety of activities to help students strengthen their French skills—such as conversation clubs, film screenings, and theatre workshops.

To ensure the highest quality of education, LaSalle College invests significantly in professional development. Each teacher receives an annual discretionary budget for training and enjoys a high degree of academic freedom, allowing them to adapt their courses to reflect industry best practices. They also have more time set aside for student support, helping to create a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Yes, our guidance counselor is available to support students throughout their academic and career journey. Whether it’s a first meeting or ongoing follow-up, students can access advice and support either in person or remotely.

Tuition fees vary depending on the program and your child’s status. Our tuition calculator can provide an estimate of the expected costs.

It’s also important to budget a few hundred dollars per session for textbooks and other learning materials. Some creative programs—such as Fashion Design or Interior Design—may have slightly higher costs due to the need for specific materials, like fabric or design supplies.

Yes, as a student at LaSalle College, your child may be eligible for several types of financial assistance. This includes the Québec government’s Loans and Bursaries Program, which can cover part or all of their tuition fees, depending on their financial situation.

We also offer a special promotion for our pre-university programs. If your child is interested in Social Sciences or Arts, Literature, and Communication, they may benefit from a special tuition rate of $300 per session—a cost similar to that of a public CEGEP in the region.

Finally, we’ve partnered with iFinance to provide reliable and accessible student financing options.

For full details on financial aid, our current promotions, and funding options, visit our page Financing Your Studies.

We encourage our students to organize their schedules thoughtfully by planning their study time and finding strategies to stay productive.

Our success centres offer tools and resources to support time management, and our guidance counselors can provide personalized advice.

A part-time job of 10 to 15 hours per week is often a good balance to help students earn income while maintaining strong academic performance.

Choosing the right program is an important step. Students usually select their future college based on several key factors—such as the learning environment, career opportunities, extracurricular activities, and the level of support available.

Attending one of our Open House events or taking part in our Student for a Day experience is a great way to explore these elements firsthand and feel confident in their decision.

Yes, your child can meet with their student coordinator to discuss their options. If they decide to move forward with a program change, our admissions team will be happy to guide them through each step of the process.

Open House Events: Our Open House events are one of the best ways to confirm your child’s college choice. It’s a chance to take a guided tour of our facilities, speak with teachers from their program of interest, and meet with an admissions advisor to ask any questions.

Student for a Day: Experience college life through full immersion! Usually held in January, our Student for a Day events give your child the chance to explore their program of interest from the inside.

Academos Quiz: Your child can also take this fun quiz (available in French only), created in partnership with Academos, to help them discover which LaSalle College program might be the right fit.

Academos Mentorship:

Most programs include internships or industry projects, giving students valuable hands-on experience and the chance to build connections with potential employers. Internships are mentioned for each program in its course list.

Yes, absolutely! When applying to LaSalle College, your child can indicate a second—and even third—program choice. This adds flexibility and increases their chances of being accepted into a program that aligns with their interests and goals.

Why include multiple choices?

If their first-choice program has limited space, having additional options ensures there’s a solid backup plan.

How does the process work?

The College first reviews the application for the first-choice program.

If a spot isn’t available or the specific admission requirements aren’t met, the application will then be considered for the second and third choices, if applicable.

Yes, it is absolutely possible to change programs after being admitted to LaSalle College—under certain conditions:

Speak with an admissions or academic advisor: If your child is considering switching programs, the first step is to contact an admissions advisor or academic advisor. They’ll help guide them through the process and review the available options.
Check program availability: The ability to transfer depends on space in the desired program and whether your child meets the specific admission requirements.
Academic file review: If your child has already completed courses in their initial program, some credits may be transferable, depending on the overlap between the two programs.
Timing matters: We recommend submitting a program change request as early as possible—ideally before the next session begins—to minimize any impact on your child’s academic progress.

To help your child start their journey at LaSalle College on the right foot, there are a few important steps they can take before classes begin. Here are our top tips:

Get familiar with their chosen program: Review the program description and explore the related content on our website and social media channels.
Attend pre-semester info sessions: These sessions are a great way to get key information and prepare for the start of the school year. They are communicated to our students in due time and place.
Get comfortable with the tech and tools: Make sure your child is ready to use the required platforms, such as Omnivox and Microsoft Teams, before classes begin.
Plan ahead and get organized: If possible, visit the campus and do a practice run of the commute. This can help reduce stress and build confidence for the first day.
Take part in orientation activities: These events are designed to help new students meet their peers and get to know student life at LaSalle College.

The R score (Cote de rendement au collégial) is a measure used in Québec to assess a student’s academic performance at the college level. It’s a standardized score that helps compare students fairly across different programs and institutions.

R scores are primarily used for university admissions, helping universities evaluate applicants for competitive programs.

The R score is calculated based on:

The student’s grades
The class average
The overall strength of the class

R scores typically range from 15 to 35, with higher scores indicating stronger academic performance. A score between 25 and 27 is generally sufficient for admission to most university programs. Highly competitive programs—such as medicine or law—often require R scores of 32 or higher.

To understand what an R score means for your child, it’s important to compare it with the admission requirements of the university programs they’re interested in. The higher the R score, the more options are available—especially for selective programs.

Yes, LaSalle College offers tailored solutions to help students who may not meet all the prerequisites for their chosen program.

When your child applies, their file will be carefully reviewed. If any prerequisites are missing, the admissions team will get in touch and suggest available options to help meet the requirements.

Yes, it is absolutely possible to apply to multiple CEGEPs or colleges—and to several programs at the same time—in Québec.

The admissions system is designed to offer this flexibility, helping students explore different options before making their final decision.

To begin the admission process, start by completing our secure online application form. It takes about 10 minutes to fill out.

The admission process includes 10 steps, such as:

Opening your file
Receiving and submitting the required documents
Document validation
Signing the educational service contract
And more

Your child’s registration will be confirmed once all steps are completed.

For more details about each step, visit our What You Need Before You Apply page (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Local students :

To submit an application to LaSalle College, your child will need to provide the following documents:

Birth certificate showing both parents’ names
Academic records, including:
The most recent report card or transcript (issued by the MEES, if your child studied in Québec)
A copy of their high school diploma

If your child is a Canadian resident born outside of Québec, please refer to the Required Documents section on our website for additional details.

International students :

If your child would like to study in Québec, they must first obtain:

A CAQ for studies
A study permit

LaSalle College also requires the following documents:

An official copy of the birth certificate showing both parents’ names
A copy of their high school diploma or equivalent (in French or English)
A copy of the transcript from their most recent studies (in French or English)
A copy of their passport

If needed, documents may be translated by a certified translator.

Students who did not complete their high school studies in Canada must also provide the results of a standardized language test.

Finally, proof of health and hospitalization insurance is required. Once registration is complete, the College will arrange for this insurance coverage. Upon arrival, your child will be supported in obtaining their health insurance card.

Important note: We encourage all parents and future students to be mindful of the time required to obtain certain documents. It’s essential to begin the process as early as possible to ensure that all required documents are submitted on time. Incomplete applications may delay—or prevent—your child’s admission.

For more information about applications for international students, please refer to our page What You Need Before You Apply.

Yes, LaSalle College offers full support to help parents and future students complete the admission process. We understand that the process can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why we provide several resources to guide every step of the way.

And don’t hesitate to use the chat tool on our website to speak with a customer service representative.

Yes, your child can still apply to LaSalle College even if they haven’t yet obtained their high school diploma (DES) at the time of application.

They’ll be able to submit their original documents to their admissions advisor as soon as they’re available to complete their file.

Signing the educational service contract will allow the next steps in the enrollment process to begin.

At LaSalle College, there are no fixed deadlines for applying to our DCS programs. Future students can apply at any time for the session of their choice. Unlike public CEGEPs, which follow SRAM’s admission periods, our status as a private college allows us to accept applications year-round.

This means that if your child isn’t accepted during the first round of SRAM admissions—or simply wants to explore other options—they can apply to LaSalle College without pressure or time constraints. While we encourage early applications to secure a spot in the desired program, we remain flexible and welcome students throughout the year.

We understand that special circumstances may lead some students to apply after the session has begun. LaSalle College allows for late registration—up to one week after classes start—and we’ll do our best to support your child quickly, depending on program availability.

Even for late applications, it’s important to meet specific deadlines for submitting required documents (such as transcripts and diplomas). To avoid any further delays, we strongly recommend submitting the application as soon as possible.

For the most up-to-date information on which programs are still open for admission, we encourage contacting our team directly.

The admission fee is $50. This covers opening a file and is non-refundable. However, applications remain valid for one year.

If your child decides to pursue their studies with us and completes registration, there will be a $200 registration fee, which is also non-refundable.

In general, to be admitted to a DCS program, you must obtain a Diploma of Secondary Studies or its recognized equivalent.

Precise admission requirements for each program are listed on the programs pages of our website.

Explore all our programs.

Yes, each program offered at LaSalle College may have specific high school course prerequisites. These requirements are in place to ensure your child has the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen program.

In general, LaSalle College admits students on a first-come, first-served basis. For programs with limited space, additional criteria—such as academic performance and motivation—may be taken into account.

For Canadian applicants, processing times are usually under two weeks. Please note that processing only begins once all required documents have been received and the admission fee has been paid.

For international students, processing may take up to six months. Files will only be reviewed once all valid documents and the admission fee have been submitted.

To secure a spot for a desired semester, we strongly recommend submitting an application as early as possible. It is your child's responsibility to act quickly and ensure all required documents are submitted on time.

Registration & Admissions: Processes & Requirements

Ideally located in downtown Montréal, LaSalle College is easily accessible by public transit. It’s just steps away from three metro stations—Guy-Concordia and Atwater on the green line, and Georges-Vanier on the orange line—as well as several major bus routes.

An indoor parking garage spanning two levels is also available at very reasonable rates, especially given our central location.

We partner with several well-known student residences—such as EVO, Campus1 MTL, Chelsea House, and Coloc’Montréal—to offer safe and comfortable housing options to suit a variety of budgets.

That said, many of our students choose to search for their own apartment, either on their own or with roommates.

Learn more about your child's options on our Housing page.

Supporting your teen in choosing their future college

Together, Let's Empower Your Teen for a Successful Future

Take the Quiz

Fun personality quiz

Differences between our DCS programs

How to connect with us?

LaSalle College’s Promise of Success

Parents' Blog

Financial Aid

Guidance Counselor

Guidance Counselor

Laval Campus

Do you live on the North Shore and want to avoid your child spending long hours commuting?

Our Laval campus offers a wide variety of programs.

FAQ

About LaSalle College

International Applicants

Want to know more about our program offerings?

About the programs

Registration & Admissions: Processes & Requirements

About Student Life & the Academic Experience

Practical Concerns

About your kid's future