Introduction
University applications for our students fall into four different categories:
- Ontario Universities
- Out-of-Province Canadian Universities
- U.S. Colleges and Universities
- International Universities
Listed below is information concerning the application procedures and resources for these four categories. At the right, you will find a calendar of important dates in the application process for the coming year.
University Application Strategies
Competition for spots in Ontario Universities for September 2012 promises to be keen, especially for entry into limited enrolment programs. It is important to remain optimistic throughout this year, consider all options available to you and be informed.
The following are some strategies which you should consider:
- Consider a smaller university: The trend in recent years is for students to stay home and attend university. Therefore, the city schools like Toronto, York, McMaster, Guelph, Western , Waterloo and Queen’s are close to full enrolment. Smaller , more isolated schools like Lakehead, Laurentian, Nipissing, Windsor, Carleton, Ottawa, Trent and Brock are more likely to have lower cut-offs and smaller first-year classes.
- Go to another province: Canada has excellent universities. Remember, the enhanced cohort dilemma is only an Ontario problem. There are many advantages to going away. You will broaden your life experiences. There is a maturing sense of adventure involved in moving far away.
- Expand your application choices: On the application form, your are granted three choices. For an additional fee, you can add more choices. Out-of-province applications also require an additional fee, but you can make as many choices as you wish. Consider colleges, agricultural colleges, etc. You can transfer to a university program following the completion of your college diploma in most situations.
- Research, Research, Research: Make use of all the resources available to you.
· Council of Ontario Universities
· Penny Bissett Consulting
· Schools in Canada - Campus Starter Magazine
· SchoolFinder - Canadian Universities and Colleges
· Yahoo! Directory - Colleges and Universities
· Web U.S. Higher Education
· Ontario Public University Addresses and Websites
· Guide to Canadian Colleges and Universities
· Career Gateway - Ministry of Education
· Ontario College Application Service
Scholarships / Bursaries
Student applicants are considered for the majority of scholarships/bursaries available at each university when they submit an application. They are automatically considered for them. A special application is not needed for these entrance scholarships. Each university has a number of prestigious scholarships, which require a special application or a nomination by the student’s high school. Students need to have an overall average of 85% or higher to be in the running for entrance scholarships. Many of the scholarships require a 90% or higher average.
University calendars will also have information about a particular university’s scholarships.· Student Awards - Scholarships and financial aid.
Important Dates and Deadlines for Ontario University Applications
September 2011: Regular information mailing to secondary schools.
October 2011: Mailing of application materials to secondary schools including sufficient copies of the Companion Booklet for all on-line applicants.
January 11th, 2012: Deadline for students to submit on-line applications to the OUAC. As applications are submitted on-line, applicants are provided with an OUAC reference number. As applications are processed to the OUAC, acknowledgements are sent to schools and applicants.
February 7th, 2012: RECOMMENDED last date for students to submit all information to the OUAC, including university and program changes, as well as additional choices to be eligible for consideration for early admission.
NOTE: This is not a deadline, changes will be accepted and processed by the OUAC at any time.
Feb 15th, 2012: Deadline for receipt (by OUAC) from Ontario secondary schools of all mid-term grades for full-year courses.
March 8th, 2012: Target date for Ontario universities to receive (from OUAC) all mid-term grades for full year courses. After receipt of these grades universities MAY begin to issue offers of admission to qualified candidates. The majority of candidates will receive offers in late May after receipt of the April 23rd marks.
April 26th, 2012: Deadline date for non-semestered schools to report interim grades for full-year courses to the OUAC.
May 29th, 2012: The latest date by which all secondary school applicants shall expect a response from an Ontario university. Such a response will be one of: 1)an offer of admission, 2)a refusal, or 3) a deferral, pending the receipt of specific additional information.
June 1st, 2012: The earliest date by which Ontario universities may require a response to an offer of admission from an Ontario secondary school student. All other admissions-related elements including scholarships, other forms of student assistance or financial incentives and offers of residence are considered part of the offer of admission. It is understood that students who choose to respond by this deadline may subsequently amend their confirmations to another university or program without penalty until June 2nd, 2011, at which time a financial commitment may be required. The earliest date at which an Ontario university may require a financial commitment of any kind (i.e. registration deposit; residence deposit;)
Ontario College Application Dates
February 1, 2012: Applications due
February 10th, 2012: First set of interim marks are due to OCAS.
April 23rd, 2012: Second set of interim marks are due to OCAS.
May 1st, 2012: By this date, applicants must confirm their accpetance of an offer of admission through OCAS.
June 15th, 2012: Earliest date that colleges can require payment of tuition fees.