University applications – what’s the magic number?

By University Study
Student and mentor go over options at the library

This article was written by Dan Seneker, manager of undergraduate recruitment at the University of Saskatchewan.

When it comes to deciding on your future after high school, there are few times when such a decision will have such a large impact on your life. It ranks right up there with marriage, children, moving out of your parent’s house and buying your first home.

Now this isn’t meant to scare you or make you more nervous about making a decision, but the reality is that most teenagers will spend more time researching and deciding upon what car they’ll buy than the university or college they will attend.

Think about it: one decision will last you for five to maybe ten years and the other will have an impact on the rest of your life.

One of the advantages students have over their peers from past generations is the breadth of university programs and career options available – there are thousands of choices, many of which were non-existent only a few decades ago.

How can you narrow it down to just one program and university? Some students approach the application process with very little strategy and consider it as a contest to see how many schools they can get into. Believe it or not, some students apply to as many as 50+ programs!! That’s approximately CDN$4,000-$5,000 in just application fees, not to mention a significant amount of wasted time! This could easily be money towards your first car.

You may be surprised to hear that the magical number of applications is five – and no more. Below is some practical advice and strategy to adopt in getting to that number.

Your top choices

Your first two picks are easy – they are your “fun” pick and your “safe pick”, which are exactly what they sound like.

Your fun pick is your “no holds barred”, “pie-in-the-sky”, ultimate dream school. If money or anything else wasn’t an issue, where would you want to study? A top-tier school? A school on the Gold Coast of Australia? A small liberal arts institution in a university town with lots of atmosphere? Choose something that is for you and only you.

Now balance this out by choosing your safe pick, which is an institution that you are very confident that if you applied you would be accepted. Don’t forget to be realistic with yourself. Don’t pick an Ivy League school if you are struggling to maintain a 75 percent average. Instead, do some research and select a school with the program you want and with a cutoff average that you know you can achieve. For example: With your 75 percent average look at schools with a cutoff of 70 percent.

Sticking close to home

The other three picks should cover different bases but all should be options which are realistic and schools from which you would be happy to accepting an offer. One of the picks should be a “homer” pick, or in other words, an institution that is close to home. While you may not like this idea you never know what can happen between now and the time you accept your offer. Life happens and when it does you’ll be thankful that you have an option that is near home so you can deal with life as well as continue your studies. For most of you, having a homer pick will also make mom and dad happy as they hold on to the slim reality that you won’t be moving away!

Rounding out the list

That leaves you with two choices, and what you do with them is up to you. However, the main thing to determine is what type of environment you want for yourself over the next three to four years.

Canada has an excellent post-secondary system with top quality institutions that go well beyond the large universities that everyone has at the tips of their tongues. There are both medium and small universities in addition to the large ones across the country that deliver quality education which is recognized around the world. So by being re-assured about quality university education in Canada, you can focus more on the ideal study environment for you because that’s what will be a primary factor in your academic success, not necessarily the name of the institution on your parchment.

As the cliché goes, do you want to be a small fish in a big pond? Then look at a larger institution of 30,000+ students where you can be as anonymous as you want and you won’t have people keeping track of your every move. This will mean that you will want to look at the larger urban centres in Canada such as Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver that all have universities that fit this category.

Do you want to be a small fish in a small pond? Look at a small to medium sized institution that will range from about 1,000 to 25,000 students – these types of universities are located in a variety of urban centres such as Halifax, Sherbrooke, Kingston, Peterborough, Thunder Bay, Saskatoon, and Victoria. They can also be found in smaller more rural centres such as Antigonish, Wolfville, Sackville, or Lennoxville. Conversely, what about all the “big fish” out there who want to blaze a trail and be involved in anything and everything? Students with these aspirations will be the ones seeking out opportunity, so it might not matter where you choose but you should still try and find a place that “fits”.

The question of fit

You often hear people talking about “university fit”, and there is a lot of truth to it. Quite often you’ll hear stories from friends or friends of friends about how a certain university is terrible, and that’s why they failed or aren’t going back. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

What typically happens is that the student didn’t pick a school with the right fit and didn’t mesh with the campus philosophy. For example, they wanted to blend in with the student body but picked a school with less than 1,000 students; they wanted a more close knit environment but chose a school with classes larger than their hometown; they wanted a large range of intramural activities where students get involved, but instead chose a commuter campus; or worse yet they based their choice on where their high school friends or their boyfriend/girlfriend were attending. Whatever the scenario, they didn’t do their research…but perhaps they are driving around in the perfect car, right?

So there you go, a few tips to help you make a decision that is right for you. Keep the choices down to five, be strategic in picking them, be realistic in what you can achieve (and afford) and do your research so that you choose a school that is right for you – not for your friends or parents. Good luck with your search!

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World-class universities

Canadian universities are known for their high quality and excellence in academic standards and are consistently ranked among the top universities internationally.

Affordability

While Canada’s quality of education and standard of living are among the highest in the world, the cost of living and tuition fees are generally lower than in other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

A wealth of options

Canada’s universities offer more than 15,000 undergradu­ate and graduate degree programs – as well as professional degree programs, diplomas and certificates – in a broad range of disciplines.

Open to the world

Come experience the research-enriched learning environ­ment on Canada’s globallly minded campuses and develop the invaluable critical thinking and analytical skills global citizens require.

Experiential learning

Canadian universities offer a wide range of programs that provide students with hands-on experiences, including co-op learning, which alternates classroom education and on-the-job training and internships.

Support services

International students benefit from services to help them transition to living and studying in Canada: orientation activities, student advisors, language support, academic associations, social clubs and other programs at their educational institutions.

Cultural diversity

Canada ranks among the most multicultural nations in the world. Regardless of ethnic origin, international students feel at home in our diverse and welcoming communities and campuses.

Opportunity to stay in Canada after graduation

International students have the opportunity to work during their studies and after they graduate. University graduates may also be eligible to transition to permanent residence in Canada. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for more information.

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Increasingly, students around the world are discovering the advantages of going to university in Canada. The attractions? The country’s first-rate education, its diverse study opportunities and its safe, friendly communities.

Ryerson students looking at a tabletIn 2018, there were more than 215,000 international students from more than 200 countries on Canadian campuses. The country and its universities want to grow their international student populations, so you can expect a warm welcome. International student enrolment grew by 15 percent between fall 2017 and fall 2018 and is outpacing total full-time student growth in every province.

Canadian degrees are highly regarded all over the globe, and international students choose Canada for higher education that will lead to successful careers. Once in the country, students from abroad appreciate the excellent quality of education they receive, with first-rate, approachable professors and the freedom to choose flexible and/or interdisciplinary programs, as well as on-the-job training through internships. They also cite the ethnic diversity of Canadian campuses – and of Canada itself, one of the world’s most multicultural nations.

Meanwhile, having a Canadian university degree might make it easier for students from abroad to obtain permanent residence in the country.

Then there’s the relative affordability of a Canadian education: the country’s cost of living and tuition fees are generally much lower than those in other English-speaking countries. At the same time, Canadian universities offer many services to help foreign students adapt to living and studying in Canada, including orientation activities, student advisors, language support, academic associations, social clubs and other programs.

Canada is widely considered one of the most livable countries in the world. In January 2016, the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, named it the second best country to live in, after Germany, on the basis of factors including affordability, economic and political stability, safety and excellent health care and school systems.

You may imagine Canada as a dreary backwater of ice and snow, but in fact, it is vast and varied in climate and terrain, with some parts of the country – most notably British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, where Vancouver is situated, and Vancouver Island – getting little or no snow in winter. And in places where winter is cold, you can enjoy activities such as snowboarding and skating.

The country boasts cosmopolitan cities that rival the great urban centres of the world – with restaurants serving food from around the globe – but that often have far less crime. Canada has a vibrant culture and has given the world such renowned artists and thinkers as Nobel-winning author Alice Munro, rocker Neil Young, actors Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams and Seth Rogen, pianist Glenn Gould, Nobel laureate and co-discoverer of insulin Frederick Banting, singers Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Justin Bieber and The Weeknd, and many, many more. Its less famous citizens, meanwhile, have a reputation for being polite, tolerant and progressive.

Thinking of studying in Canada? Here’s an overview of its university system to you get started.

A high quality education

Canadian universities are among the best in the world. High academic standards and rigorous quality control mean you will receive a world-class education at any postsecondary institution that is a member of Universities Canada.

UBC students talkingEducation in Canada falls under the jurisdiction of the country’s 10 provinces and three territories. This means that robust quality assurance in higher education is maintained through provincial legislation and often includes reviews by outside agencies and internal reviews by the universities themselves.

Membership in Universities Canada, the national voice for Canadian universities that represents 96 public and private not-for-profit universities and university degree-level colleges, requires that an institution be committed to a formal, approved, transparent policy to ensure the quality and continuing improvement of its academic programs. Quality assessment must be based on both self-evaluation and peer review. Some programs, for example nursing and engineering, are also subject to accreditation by professional authorities.

Universities Canada’s member institutions offer a wide range of choices: large and small; English, French or bilingual; in vibrant cities or cozy towns; or reaching out through the Internet. What Canadian universities share is a dedication to high-quality teaching and research, and to providing opportunities that enhance your learning, career and life.

For more information on Canadian higher education quality assurance, visit https://univcan.ca/fr/a-propos/adhesion-et-gouvernance/assurance-de-la-qualite/

Universities, colleges: what’s the difference?

Most members of Universities Canada are called universities, but some have different names, such as college, university college, institute or school. What they all have in common is the power to grant university degrees, which in Canada are generally bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral (usually PhD) degrees.

Canada also has non-university, degree-level postsecondary institutions. Many of those are also called colleges and most focus on applied or vocational training. Some members of Universities Canada offer joint programs with vocational institutions, while others offer both vocational and degree programs.

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Now that you’ve decided studying in Canada is right for you, what’s next?

Choose an Institution

Determine what you’d like to study and where. UniversityStudy.ca is a good place to begin. It includes profiles of institutions and listings of their programs. You may want to research individual university websites as well. An easy way to access those is through our searchable database of study programs.

It is important to find out as much as you can about the institutions you’re considering, and the communities they’re in, to make sure you make the best possible choice. Don’t be afraid to contact officials who deal with international students at the universities you’re interested in and to ask them questions. Also, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to apply and to get a study permit (see below).

Prepare and submit an application

After you’ve identified your preferred universities, find out on their websites what the admission requirements are and what the application process entails. Application rules vary across institutions, but you’ll need to consider the following:

Are you eligible?

In Canada, each university has its own entrance requirements and will assess you on an individual basis. However, graduation from a secondary school and good academic standing are typically the minimum requirements for undergraduate study.

What documents are needed?

You may need to supply official documents, such as transcripts from secondary or postsecondary school. It may be necessary to have those documents assessed and translated into English or French. Consult your country’s educational authorities or the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (cicic.ca) for more information on degree recognition.

Do you meet the language requirements?

International students in Canada must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, depending on the university they apply to. Many English-language universities require that you attain a minimum score on a standardized language test. French-language universities usually assess applicants on a case-by-case basis.

If your language skills are insufficient, there is a host of Canadian programs you can enroll in before applying to a university in the country, offered by universities, colleges and private institutions. For more information, go to the Languages Canada website (languagescanada.ca).

What is the application process to study in Canada?

Application processes vary by province. In some provinces, students can apply through a central application service. In others, you must apply directly to the university. You may also want to apply to more than one program or university in case you aren’t admitted to your first choice.

What are the application deadlines?

Deadlines vary, but generally, you should apply at least eight to twelve months in advance. Typical entry points for international students are the September and January semesters. However, many universities have a “rolling admissions” procedure to consider international students throughout the year.

Obtaining a study permit

Once you’ve received a letter of acceptance from a Canadian university, you must apply for a study permit if you intend to study in Canada for six months or longer. You must apply for the permit before you come to Canada.

You can apply online or submit a paper application to the Canadian visa office responsible for your country. Details about study permits for international students can be found on the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

To study in Quebec, you must also obtain a Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ) from that province. You can find further information online (immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/students).

To obtain a study permit, you must prove you have enough money to pay your tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and family members who come to Canada with you, and return transportation for you and any family members who come. In some cases, you will also need to pass a medical examination that proves you are in good health.

To study in Canada, you must be law-abiding, have no criminal record and not be a risk to Canadian security. You may have to provide a police certificate.

You also need to prove to the visa officer that your primary reason for coming to Canada is to attend university, and that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies.

Working while in Canada

Since 2014, newly arrived full-time international students with valid study permits have been allowed to work in Canada without a work permit. They can work on-campus for an unlimited number of hours and, if their program lasts at least six months, they can work off-campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in progress, and full-time during study breaks.

International students who wish to work while studying must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada. They can work as soon as they have their SIN.

International students in Canada are also allowed to work as part of a co-op or internship program as long as the work is part of their educational program. Students in these programs will require a work permit in addition to their study permit.

After university: working and gaining permanent residency in Canada

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows international students who have graduated from a program of at least eight months’ duration at a Canadian university to get work experience in the country. This permit allows students to work for the same period of time that their university program lasted, up to a maximum three years. If certain criteria are met, a student’s spouse may be able to obtain an Open Spousal Work Permit.

Canadian experience as a skilled worker through the PGWPP helps graduates qualify for permanent residence in Canada through a process called Express Entry, the system through which most immigrants obtain permanent residence in the country. And under new rules introduced in November 2016, getting a degree in Canada also makes it easier to gain permanent residence. With permanent resident status, you get most of the social benefits, including health-care coverage, that Canadian citizens receive. Permanent residents can subsequently apply for Canadian citizenship after having lived in Canada for a predetermined number of years.

For more information on study permits, visit canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html

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