It can be exciting and stressful when you plan to apply to universities. With about 100 public and private universities in Canada and a few thousand outside of Canada, narrowing your options to a few universities can be overwhelming. Having the correct information about universities can help reduce anxiety and frustration. Connect with people at your high school, home, social circle, guidance counsellor, and university admissions staff who can support you in finding universities you might be interested in attending.
Guidance Counsellor
Seek advice from your high school guidance counsellor. They know about universities and the profiles of students admitted into a university. Your guidance counsellor also knows you and your profile and can suggest which universities would be good for you. They can:
plan your high school courses as required by universities for admission, depending on the programs of your choice
recommend standardized tests like PSAT/SAT/ACT/AP, especially if you wish to apply to universities outside of Canada
advise you on extracurricular activities that you can take part in to explore your career options
suggest universities and walk you through their application process and your admission chances at a university
send your transcripts to universities
give information on financial aid, scholarships, awards, and bursaries
be a reference for your supplementary applications, and write your letter of recommendation if required
connect you with students who are attending or have graduated from universities you are interested in
Meet your guidance counsellor at least once a year during your high school years and tell them about your high school and post-secondary plans.
Some families hire a private guidance counsellor/educational consultant for personalized support. They can give more personal attention and suggest universities based on your personality and career goals. They can review and guide you on supplementary applications, like essays and activities. If you are looking for a private educational consultant to guide you in the university admissions process, contact us at admissionelements@gmail.com.
Teachers and Mentors
Talk to your teachers and mentors about your career plans. They can:
counsel you in deciding your major
be a reference for your supplementary applications, and write your letter of recommendation if required
Family
Discuss your post-secondary plans with your parents/guardians and siblings. Your parents likely understand you well enough to suggest the environment that would best suit you. Although your parents shouldn’t take charge of your applications, they can offer their opinions. Your family can:
guide you in which universities and programs to apply
help keep track of your applications
take you on campus tours
Finances are a major part of your university search, too. Talk with your family about the financial aspect of attending university and plan how to cover your university expenses.
Read our blog post, “How Can Parents Help Their Child Prepare for Higher Education?” to find ways parents can guide and support their child during postsecondary planning.
Alumni and Current Students
Speak to alumni or current students, friends, relatives, or people in your social circle who can discuss their personal experiences at the university. Ask them:
tips they might have when applying to universities
pros and cons about the university they attended (e.g., class size, professors’ teaching style, courses/course load, residences, activities/extracurriculars, campus life, career services)
how the university and the education they received helped them in their personal and professional life
You can also chat with university student ambassadors who can clarify your doubts and share their experiences. Most universities will connect you with one of their student ambassadors if you ask them.
University Staff
Reach out to the staff of the university’s admission office. The admissions staff can help answer your questions about the university’s program offerings, admission requirements, the application process, scholarships, co-ops/internships, facilities, support services, campus life, etc. You can gather more information on the university website or by signing up and attending the following:
annual university fairs hosted by most universities
in-person campus visits, or virtual tours. You can see the residences, facilities, and services available on campus. If travel is a constraint, virtual tours are a great alternative.
online information sessions hosted by the admission office throughout the year for high school students and parents
Conclusion
Consider all the advice you get but rely on your judgment to make a well-informed decision when applying to universities. Having a sound assessment of what you are looking for in a university will help you make the right decision. For personal guidance in finding universities based on your needs and requirements, contact us at admissionelements@gmail.com.
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