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 2009 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 2008- students will received OUAC INFO magazines and additional resources.
November 2008- students will begin applying on-line through OUAC to their selected Ontario Universities. Mr. Southwell will provide instruction and support surrounding this process for our students.
December 16th, 2008- internal recommended date by which our students should have initialized and completed their on-line applications.
January 14th, 2009- Deadline for Ontario secondary school students to submit their on-line applications through OUAC.
February 6th, 2009- Recommended last date for students to submit all information to OUAC, including university and program changes.
February 17th, 2009- Deadline for receipt by OUAC from Ontario secondary schools of all mid-term grades for current full-year Gr.12 U or M courses.
April 17th, 2009- Deadline for receipt of a second set of interim grades for full-year courses.
May 25th, 2009- The latest date by which all secondary school applicants shall expect a response from an Ontario University. Such a response will be one of : an offer of admission, a refusal or a deferral, pending the receipt of specific additional information
May 28th, 2009 - The earliest date by which Ontario universities may require a response to an offer of admission from an Ontario secondary school student.
May 28th, 2009 - The earliest date that any Ontario university may require a financial commitment(eg - registration deposit, residence deposit) of any kind)
Ontario College Application Dates
February 2nd, 2009: Equal consideration date. Applications received at OCAS on or before this date will be given equal consideration by the colleges. (this is not a deadline for submitting applcations to OCAS. After this date, applications are still processed, but are considered by the college on a first-come, first-served basis.) This date is also the earliest admission offer date for all applicants. This date is the earliest date that applicants may confirm an offer of admission.
February 13th, 2009: First set of interim marks are due to OCAS.
April 24th, 2009: Second set of interim marks are due to OCAS.
May 1st, 2009: By this date, applicants must confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission through OCAS.
June 15th, 2009: Earliest date that colleges can require payment of tuition fees.