A BASIC GUIDE TO CANADIAN UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS ✩ ontario ed. | Allie C.

Summary

In this informative video, Ali, a second-year health sciences student at McMaster, offers a comprehensive guide to Canadian university applications, focusing on Ontario. She discusses the application process through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC), program selection, costs, and admission criteria. Ali also addresses supplemental applications, including essays and interviews, and provides tips for tracking applications and preparing for interviews. The video is aimed at helping first-generation students and those unfamiliar with the Canadian university application process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ali is a second-year health sciences student at McMaster University, providing a guide to Canadian university applications.
• 🏫 The video focuses on the application process for Canadian universities, particularly in Ontario, and is aimed at first-time applicants.
• 💻 The Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) is the central platform for university applications in Ontario, with different portals for in-province (101) and out-of-province/international (105) students.
• 💼 Ali suggests reaching out to admission officers for support and information, as they are there to help applicants navigate the process.
• 📚 The application process in Canada is different from the U.S., where you apply directly to a specific program rather than the university as a whole.
• 💰 There is a base application fee, with additional costs for each program applied to, and some programs may have extra fees for supplementary applications like interviews or essays.
• 📉 Universities consider both grade 11 and grade 12 marks, with different admission strategies such as rolling admissions, three rounds of admissions, or one-round admissions.
• 📨 Applicants typically receive conditional offers based on maintaining a certain average, with the final decision often viewable on university portals before official emails are sent.
• 🌐 AP and IB scores are not heavily weighted in Canadian university applications compared to the U.S., where they might be considered for enrichment.
• ⏰ The video provides a general timeline for the application process, from receiving OUAC information in November to final decisions by early June.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Ali's video?

The main focus of Ali's video is to provide a guide to Canadian university applications, specifically for Ontario universities.

What is the name of the app sponsored in Ali's video?

The name of the app sponsored in Ali's video is Pearson Prep, which is a free flash card app.

How does Pearson Prep help students study smarter?

Pearson Prep helps students study smarter by using adapted technology that identifies their strengths and weaknesses, adjusts the frequency of cards based on correctness of answers, and includes a progress bar and games to make learning more engaging.

What does OUAC stand for and what is its purpose?

OUAC stands for Ontario Universities Application Centre, and its purpose is to facilitate the application process for Ontario universities, connecting high schools, universities, and students on one platform.

How does the application process differ between Canadian and American universities?

In Canadian universities, especially in Ontario, students typically apply directly to a specific program or faculty, whereas in the United States, students often apply to the school as a whole and indicate a program of interest without deciding on a major until later.

What is the minimum amount one must pay for university applications through OUAC?

The minimum amount one must pay for university applications through OUAC is $150, which allows for at least three program applications.

Do universities consider Grade 11 marks for admission?

Yes, universities do consider Grade 11 marks for admission, but the consideration varies by program and may also depend on Grade 12 marks.

What is the difference between rolling admissions and the three rounds of admissions?

Rolling admissions refer to programs that review applications as they are received and may offer admission at any time. The three rounds of admissions, on the other hand, release offers on specific days, with each round considering different sets of marks, such as Grade 11 marks for the first round, and Grade 12 marks for subsequent rounds.

What is the significance of conditional offers in university admissions?

Conditional offers are offers of admission that require the student to maintain a certain average in order to be officially accepted into the school or program.

How can international students find out if there are additional requirements for university applications?

International students can find out about additional requirements, such as taking the IELTS or TOEFL, by researching the specific university and program requirements or by reaching out to the admission officers.

What tips does Ali give for managing the university application process?

Ali suggests using a spreadsheet to track dates and costs, bookmarking university portals for easier access, preparing for video interviews, and reviewing view books for more detailed information about university programs.