
Here’s How to Stand Out on a University Application
For the most part, universities choose which students to admit based on their Grade 12 marks. But many of Canada’s most competitive programs, in areas such as business, health sciences, engineering, fine arts, architecture and design, look beyond marks for students who stand out in other ways by asking them to complete extra steps in the application process. Commonly referred to as supplementary materials, this could include writing a personal statement, answering questions electronically in real-time, submitting a portfolio or attending an audition. For students, this process is a chance to show off their creative, interpersonal and critical thinking skills, and to demonstrate their values.
For schools, it’s an opportunity to assess a student’s situational judgment, ability to communicate and how they perform under pressure. In the case of creative programs like dance, film or design, it ensures the student has the skills to be successful in the program.
There’s no denying the amount of extra effort these supplementary materials can require from the student. But schools are looking closely at them, so it’s worth paying attention. What exactly is being asked for in the application? What is the school hoping to see in the student? And, most importantly: what’s the deadline? Here are some tips for nailing this critical part of the application process.
Personal Statements and Short Answers
Many programs require students to submit a series of short answers or a personal statement about themselves. This is an opportunity for students to talk about their interests and values, reflect on what they’ve learned from their experiences and discuss how they’ve overcome challenges.
Students applying to the bachelor of social work program at McGill University, for example, must submit two 600-word essays that show their aptitude for social work and ability to analyze a social problem. Most students applying to the University of British Columbia must complete a personal profile made up of several questions that get at who the student is, what they’ve accomplished and their future academic plans.
When writing a personal statement or essay, it’s important for students to be authentic and talk about their unique experiences and perspectives. All the top applicants will have equally impressive grades and resumés, so personal details and an ability to show growth in character are what stands out.
To prepare, students can make a list of everything they’ve done and things they’ve learned over the years. Parents can be especially helpful sources of information as they may remember things the student has forgotten, or doesn’t see as important.
Real-Time Questions
A number of programs ask applicants to answer a series of questions in real time. Using an online platform, prospective students are asked to type up answers to the provided questions within a time limit.
For example, to apply for the University of Toronto’s engineering program, students must complete a personal profile in real time. Students are asked a question and given 10 minutes to prepare before typing a 250-word response. (For the second and third questions, students are given a few minutes to prepare and then required to record a two-minute video response and then a three-minute video response, respectively: see “Video essay,” below.)
Students won’t know which questions will be asked during a real-time written or video-recorded session, so it’s important to practise answering various questions ahead of time. Questions can cover anything from personal experiences and values to why the applicant feels they are a good fit for the program.
It’s helpful to pay close attention to descriptive details on program websites to get a sense of the particular skills and values that program is looking for.
Another place to gather insight: Reddit. Many universities have Reddit groups where students can learn what the school values in a candidate from its student community. When in doubt, though, it’s always best to confirm important details with the school.
Video Essay
Many business and creative programs require a video essay as part of the application. While some leave it up to the student to determine the format, others use a recording platform and have students answer questions that are recorded in real time. Typically these questions aren’t intended to test a student’s knowledge, but rather to get to know the applicant better and to assess how they perform under pressure.
For example, students interested in the film production program at the University of British Columbia are asked to submit a one- to two-minute “self-portrait” video, where they are asked to highlight the parts of themselves and their interests that would not be evident from the rest of the application.
The Ivey School of Business at Western University requires students to answer five questions in a recorded video. For each question, students are given time to prepare and then a set amount of time to respond.
A great way for students to calm nerves is to practise recording answers and watching the replay to see if they sound confident.
Auditions
Performance-based programs such as music or theatre often have an in-person audition as part of the application process. At times, students can submit a video recording or audition over a platform like Zoom if they are unable to attend in person. In some cases, a first round of auditions is held through video submissions and only callbacks will audition in person.
To apply to Mount Allison University’s bachelor of music program, for example, students perform three pieces that demonstrate their level of musical proficiency on their instrument, such as piano, strings, guitar or voice. Students can also submit a portfolio with any original compositions, arrangements, improvisations or essays about music.
In many cases, auditions are held in February or March, but it’s important to read over the program’s requirements well in advance. Students will need to prepare performance material that meets specific guidelines and may need to arrange for other details such as accompanying music.
Portfolios
Programs such as fine art, architecture and design often ask applicants to submit a portfolio of their work. Specific portfolio requirements vary from program to program, but they usually include samples of recent work and examples of the student’s creative process, like sketches or drafts.
For example, the Emily Carr University of Art + Design asks students to submit a portfolio of recent creative work that shows different materials, processes and creative thinking. This can include a combination of images, video and audio.
Each school will have its own specifications and requirements, so applicants should leave themselves plenty of time before the deadline to carefully review the requirements of their programs of choice and put together their portfolio. Many schools have a department representative students can reach out to with any questions. Another great resource: high school art or design teachers, who are often happy to help select the right range of work to highlight.
This article is from the Maclean’s 2024 University Guidebook, available for purchase for $19.99 here.
