1. Canadian University Applications
David Lu, Bill Xun, Ben Zhang

2. David Lu University of Waterloo Class of 2020 Software Engineering
Olympiads Programming & Web Design Teacher
Enjoys gaming and country music

3. Bill Xun University of Illinois Class of 2019 Electrical Engineering
Enjoys swimming and Art

4. Ben Zhang University of Waterloo Class of 2020 Computer Science
Enjoys Pizza

5. Overview Most Universities located in Ontario
Apply through OUAC
Applications filed entirely online
Rolling admissions
Only conditional offers given
Admissions primarily based upon marks

6. Canadian Universities
Ontario
Outside of Ontario
University of Waterloo
University of Toronto
McMaster University
Western University
Queen’s University
University of Ottawa
Carleton University
York University
McGill University
University of British Columbia
University of Alberta
University of King’s College
Universite de Montreal

7. Why Canada? Low tuition costs Closer to home High quality of education
Maximum of $
Average $10 000
Closer to home
High quality of education
Easier application process

8. General Admissions Marks are sent via OUAC
Access obtained from school in late September/early October
Only certain schools require additional information
Majority of decisions made based upon marks
Most scholarships given depend entirely on marks
Admission requirements are reasonably loose
Some affirmative action practiced

9. General Admission Averages
Admission average calculated from top 6 grade 12 courses including all required courses
Different universities require different courses
Some universities utilize grade 11 marks for early admissions
High school difficulty taken into account
IB marks are adjusted to reflect difficulty
AP scores are not counted by most universities
Minimum admission averages are in the mid 80s (~85%)
High 90s practically guarantees admission to most programs

10. Hot University Programs
University of Waterloo Software/Biomedical Engineering (Co-op)
University of Waterloo Computer Science/Engineering (Co-op)
McMaster University Health Sciences
University of Toronto Engineering Science
McGill University Health Sciences
University of Western Ontario Ivey Business School
University of Toronto Rotman School of Management
Queen’s School of Business

11. University of Waterloo – Engineering
Software/biomedical engineering, most in-demand programs in Canada
Software requires programming experience
Admission average chances (semi-official):
85% to 90%: 0% chance
90% to 95%: 10% chance
Above 95%: 70% chance
Depends heavily upon the supplementary application (AIF), up to 10% boost
Marks help to a degree
Contest performance strongly affect admission
Many applicants deferred to computer engineering/other engineering
Prerequisites – MHF, MCV, ENG, SCH, SPH (ICS highly recommended)

12. University of Waterloo – CompSci
Computer science, prestigious program in Canada, amazing co-op program
Admission average chances (unofficial):
85% to 90%: 5% chance
90% to 95%: 40% chance
Above 95%: 95% chance
Depends heavily upon contest performance
Marks in certain subjects help
Supplementary application somewhat affects application, up to 5% boost
Many applicants deferred to mathematics/geomatics
Prerequisite: MHF, MCV, ENG (ICS recommended)

13. Additional Information Form (AIF)
Part 1
Reasons for choosing your program and Waterloo
Extracurricular activities
Additional Information about extracurriculars
Employment background
Special achievements, distinctions, and awards
Part 2
Circumstances regarding academic record
Institutions attended
Post-secondary education
Additional information

14. Additional Information Form (AIF)
Part 3
Grade 12 courses information with marks
Additional courses
Courses not taken at a regular day school
Repeated courses
Engineering
Engineering interests and goals
Reading interests
Programming knowledge (software engineering only)
Scholarships
Alternate engineering choices

15. Additional Information Form (AIF)
Math/Computer Science
Math contests
Euclid
Fermat
Hypatia
CSMC
Euclid contest (required)
Canadian Computing Competition
Other contests
Math teacher reference

16. University of Toronto - Engineering
Top ranked engineering program in Canada
Engineering Science, Electrical, Computer, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, etc.
Entrance depends mostly upon the supplementary application (SPF)
High marks not essential
Many students go on to graduate school
Admission averages are in the low 90s
Required courses: MHF, MCV, SCH, SPH, ENG

17. Student Profile Form (SPF)
Similar to the AIF
References required for everything
Video portion involved
Problem 1: 2 minute preparation, 2 minute video response
Problem 2: 10 minute typed response (250 words)
Problem 3: 3 minute preparation, 3 minute video response

18. McMaster University – HealthSci
Highly competitive medical program – 150 acceptances out of applicants
~50% of graduates go on to medical school
Minimum 90% average in required courses
Less than 50% acceptance at 95% average
Three essay questions
Similar to Common Application
Sample Essay prompt: “Why?”
Prerequisite courses: ENG, SBI, SCH, MCV or MHF

19. Business Schools Includes
Western Ivey
York Schulich
Queen’s Business
Toronto Rotman
Laurier Business
Marks are much less important compared to supplementaries
Cutoff based
High 80s to low 90s required

20. Supplementary Application
Mostly essay based
Creativity required
Very similar to essays required on the Common Application (US)

21. Life/Medical Sciences/Humanities
Toronto, McGill, Western, Waterloo, Queen’s, etc.
Similar programs throughout Ontario
All lead to medical school
Mid 80s to receive admission
Hard to remain
University of Toronto Life Sciences has a 50% attrition rate
Prerequisites: Varies between schools, generally ENG, SCH, SBI, MCV/MHF

22. Summary Easy to get in, hard to stay in
Competitive programs require 90s
Most programs require mid 80s and above
Supplementary applications are crucial to certain programs
High grades trump most things

23. Thank You – Questions?
Presentation available at david-lu.com