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 2007 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Research, Research, Research: Make use of all the resources available to you.

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.

Ontario College Application Dates

February 1st, 2008:  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 15th, 2008:  First set of interim marks are due to OCAS.

April 25th, 2008:  Second set of interim marks are due to OCAS.

May 1st, 2008:  By this date, applicants must confirm their acceptance of an offer of admission through OCAS.

June 16th, 2008:  Earliest date that colleges can require payment of tuition fees.