Everything to Know About Applying and Getting Into College

there are a dizzying number of college programs in Canada, with varying entrance requirements, deadlines and application rules. Here, we break down important details about the college application process.

Applying early is key

Colleges generally admit on a first-come, first-in basis, as long as the student meets the program’s minimum grade cut-offs. Applications for fall programs open as early as 11 months before the first day of classes, and some programs start to admit students right away. For some programs, there is an “equal-consideration” deadline, meaning everyone who applies by that date has an equal chance of getting in; after that, admissions officers will review the applications in the order they come in.

Stellar grades aren’t always necessary

The majority of college programs don’t admit students based on who has the highest grades. Instead, they simply require applicants to meet a minimum standard—which can be quite generous. For example, many only require marks in the C range to get in.

Some programs are becoming competitive

Certain programs, often in the areas of health and technology, select students using competitive entrance—in addition to minimum requirements, students are evaluated on a certain set of criteria. For example, Lethbridge Polytechnic’s two-year practical nursing program awards points for grades and the level of course taken (i.e., a student with 80 per cent in a higher level of math would be awarded more points than a student with 80 per cent in a lower level of math). The more points a student accumulates, the more likely they are to get a spot in the program. Other times, students must provide supplemental information or attend an interview before being admitted to the program.

Admission requirements can be specific

While many programs only require a high school transcript and proof of eligibility to study in Canada, like citizenship or a study permit, others have specific requirements such as portfolios or auditions, a criminal record check, a CPR certification or results of assessments like the situational judgment test Casper (often used for nursing programs). Gathering documents or taking tests can take a significant amount of time, and since colleges often admit based on who applies first, it’s key for students to know admission requirements in advance.

There’s no hiding poor grades from the past

Many people go to college later in life, which may require tracking down old high school transcripts and, in the case of post-graduate programs, university or college transcripts. It’s important for students to be up front about all post-secondary schooling and to submit transcripts for all programs they’ve attended, even if they have grades they are not proud of.

High schoolers can go to college

Many colleges partner with high schools to offer dual-credit programs, where high school students attend college courses or apprenticeship training and receive credit towards both their high school diploma and a college credential. Some of these programs also provide paid work experience.

Students without high school diplomas can go to college

As long as they are over the age of 19, students without a high school diploma can apply to college as a mature student. The catch: they may need to pass tests in English and math in order to be admitted. The good news is that if a student doesn’t meet minimum requirements, many colleges offer free academic upgrading courses to bring students to the appropriate level for entry.

College credentials can ladder up (or down)

Colleges offer several types of credentials, such as certificates, diplomas and degrees. But students don’t necessarily need to stick with what they chose when they entered the program: for example, a student could enrol in a one-year certificate, which covers the same content as the first year of the diploma program. At the end of the certificate year, they have the option to move into the diploma. Similarly, a student could enrol in the diploma program and then leave it after the first year, yet still apply to gain a certificate. In many cases, completing a diploma offers the opportunity for a student to then move into the third year of a college degree.

College credentials can lead to university programs

Many colleges have agreements with universities to allow students to transfer into specific degree programs once they’ve completed their diploma. For example, graduates of the media arts advanced diploma program at Sheridan College in Toronto can apply for consecutive admission to the honours bachelor of arts degree in film (cinema and media studies) at York University, providing they have a B average.
In some provinces, like B.C. and Alberta, many colleges offer general university transfer programs where students study for a year or two in an area like business, science or arts, before transferring to a university to finish their undergrad.

And university credits can count toward a diploma

Just like those transferring from a college program to a university, students who start at a university and decide to shift to a college can apply to have credits transferred from one institution to another, meaning their university credits are still going toward a credential.

Students can get credit for “life experience”

Another way to get college credit: life experience. At some schools, students who attend college after a stint in the workforce can apply to have some of their experience count as a course. This is often referred to as prior learning assessment recognition, or PLAR. In some cases, the student will need to pass an exam or submit a portfolio to prove their knowledge or ability is at the level of the course in question. ■

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