APPLYING TO U.S. UNIVERSITIES

Eachout-of-provinceuniversityhasitsown application process. The majority of these schools require students to apply online directly through their websites. On the application, they may request your OUAC reference number for grade reporting.

Application forms are comprehensive. The university wants to know about a student’s co-curricular activities, interests and awards. In some cases, a student may also be expected to write a personal essay.

Some universities will require that we send a full high school transcript to them—they may see that the student’s marks are increasing or being maintained.

Suppose a student is planning on applying to out-ofprovince schools, email a guidance counsellor or the StudentSuccessOfficerearlyinthefalltosendthe necessary transcripts and documentation. Please do not leave it to the last minute. The earlier the schools have the right information, the sooner students will hear from a particular school. Some schools have rolling admission, which means that they process applicationsastheyreceivethem.Oftenstudents mayhearaboutanofferwithinafewweeksof applying.

The application deadline date varies with each university. Check the website for the schools for the most up-to-date information. Deadline dates are generally at the end of January or February, but as with Ontario schools, we suggest completing the process sooner rather than later. Again, check the school’swebsiteforspecificdates.Please note that

each student is responsible for applying out-ofprovince to request any required documentation that needs to be sent to universities or colleges outside of Ontario.

If possible, it is worthwhile to visit the out-ofprovince universities.

There are over 2,500 accredited four-yearcollegesintheU.S.Each college or university has its own personality.

Amongthefirstquestionsthat students should ask themselves are, “Why do I want to go to the United States for post-secondary education? What can a U.S. collegeoruniversityoffermethat a Canadian one cannot?” Students should discuss these important questions with their parents/ guardians while seeking input from the guidance department.

We recommend limiting the number of U.S. schools a student applies to no more than six. In most circumstances, U.S. applications can be submitted online using The Common Application (commonapp.org), which allows a student to use a single application to apply to over 600 U.S. university and college institutions.

GENERAL GUIDE FOR U.S. UNIVERSITY SELECTION

The following is a general guide for selecting U.S. universities: two choices should be long-shots given the student’s credentials; two should be long-shots, but with a good chance for success; andfinally,twoshouldbeones the student feels they will be accepted. Some of the criteria to consider when deciding on U.S. schools:

• program • application process

• selectivity

Make sure to get to know the school intimately. Admission committees or interviewers will be looking to see how much students know about their school. If time permits, students should visit their schools of choice and introduce themselves to the UniversityAdmissionsOfficers. For some schools, to formally complete the application, this is a ‘must do.’

U.S. applications are a lot of work, so it is important to start the process early. Highly competitive schools will receive over 30,000 applications for a very limited number of spaces! This is not something that can be done at the last minute. If students are applying for early decision or early action, they will have to meet an early November deadline.

The process of applying to a U.S. school needs to be thoughtful andrequiresconsistenteffort. Students will be working closely with their guidance counsellor. Students will be writing and rewriting their material. Teachers, guidance counsellors will need lead time from students to prepare the required letters of recommendation needed for the application. ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR U.S. UNIVERSITIES

Academic Record

A complete transcript of a student’s high school grades must be submitted. The strength of the academic program in high school (rigour, breadth, load) and a student’s marks are probably the most important criterion. Some U.S. schools expect students to take two to three years of a foreign language, plus two years of lab science. They will looktoseeifinthefinalyearthe student has taken a challenging program that will include some Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Adherence to the HSC Code of Conduct is also of consideration.

Standardized Tests (SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT)

Studentsareoftenrequired to submit the results of a standardized test—either the SAT or the ACT. The SAT is a standardized test in reading, writing and language, and mathematics. The ACT has sectionsonEnglish,mathematics, reading and science. Most students will sit one of these tests at least twice. Typically, the firstsittingwillbeinDecember or March of the Grade 11 year and then again in September or October of the Grade 12 year. SAT Subject Tests (if required) should also be done in October, November or December of Grade 12. Not all schools require SAT Subject Tests. Please note, due