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Information for students
Choosing your university
Choosing a university can be a daunting process, but there are lots of resources to make it easier.
Choosing the right university for you is a big decision with many factors to consider. The institution that you choose will not only be the one that grants you your academic credentials, but it will also be where you will live, learn, play sports, socialize and work for several years. Therefore, before you start filling out those university application forms, take a step back and consider the many variables that affect the "fit" of a university to your unique personality and educational goals. Take a look at the following factors, and decide which ones mean the most to you.
Admission requirements
Once you've gone through the process of deciding what you would like to study, one of the main questions you'll ask yourself is whether you can get into a certain program, and so you'll need to check the prerequisites. Make sure you have the required high school credits and that you meet other criteria for your program of choice. Entering class averages vary from year to year, and some universities may provide cutoff ranges on their websites.
Many times, you will be reviewed on more than just your marks. For some programs, like fine art or journalism, you'll need to supply a portfolio.
Others will ask you to write a statement about your interests, abilities and career plans.
You can check the individual university websites for admission details, or speak with a guidance counsellor for help.
Program availability
Make sure the university offers the program you want - you can check program listings in this directory, or online at www.aucc.ca/programs.
Remember that your first year
is often a time to try a variety of courses, and then choose the area in which you want to specialize. You could try new fields of study that aren't necessarily available in high school courses like astronomy, philosophy or international studies. Be sure to find out about the process for switching majors if you change your mind, as many students do after first year.
Course content
Have a look at the university program guides and read about the individual course outlines. You can also compare how individual programs are designed by different universities (such as course components), the structure of courses (is it group work or exam-based?) and the flexibility offered each year in terms of what students can choose to study.
Size of the university
Do you want a small university, where most of the students are undergraduates and live on campus? Alternatively, would you prefer a larger university, with access to a greater range of facilities and programs? Class size and your study preferences should also be considered.
Location of university
Do you want a university that's downtown in a big city, close to restaurants and shopping? Or would you prefer to be on a campus that's a world unto itself, set apart from the city? Your budget and a city's cost of living (for food, rent and social activities) will affect your decision.
Reputation
A university's reputation continues to be a major factor in how students choose where to study. That said, choosing a university should not be done solely on reputation, but also take the academic programs and overall environment into consideration. Be aware that reputations are sometimes out of date or overstated, so first-hand experience is often beneficial.
Prospective students can visit the campuses of their top university choices and spend some time talking with current students and getting a feel for the campus. Try to get a sense of how you'd see yourself living in that particular place for three or four years.
Cost
The costs associated with attending university go well beyond tuition fees to include housing, food, books, supplies and personal living expenses.
These costs are different depending upon the type of program, type of university and the size and location of the school. A useful cost calculator for students is available online at www.educationau-incanada.ca.
Distance away from home
While it's great to go away to university, living at home is much more affordable. If you're going away, figure out how far you're willing to travel. Remember that being far from home may have some benefits, but it also means you're less likely to see your friends and family often during the school year, and get ready for at least a small dose of home-sickness.
Housing
On-campus or off-campus? Single or shared apartment? Roommates or private room? What is a meal plan? There are a lot of factors when it comes to housing, and you should look into the options at the university that you are considering. Universities can provide assistance with finding accommodations and answering questions through their student services. You can read more about housing decisions at www.aucc.ca/dcu_housing.
Athletics
Athletic departments vary a great deal between institutions, so if sports are important to you, make sure that your chosen university offers the sport in which you're interested. You'll find a listing of all varsity and recreational sports in each university listing of this Directory. Many universities offer not only varsity-level (competitive) sports teams, but teams at all ranges of competitive ability, from the most basic beginner to competitive leagues among residences.
Student life
What kinds of clubs and facilities does the university have? If you're hoping to hone your journalism skills, make sure there is an on-campus newspaper or radio station. Will you need day care on campus? Are you interested in a special interest club (e.g. ethnic groups, political groups, theatre, debating, groups for lesbian or gay students)? Check out whether there are opportunities to volunteer on campus, if you're hoping to become involved in more than just academics. And if school spirit is important to you, remember that all universities are not alike in this respect. If you're hoping to paint your face for football games for example, make sure the university you pick has a high level of "fan participation".
Scholarships and financial assistance
Many universities now have scholarship grids, which are incremental charts that guarantee entrance scholarships to incoming students based on their high school final marks. Don't hesitate to ask about the scholarships available, and also check out other forms of assistance like special work-study programs or job opportunities that may be available for students who need to earn some extra money. For more information on scholarships, you can read a related online article at www.aucc.ca/dcu_scholarships.
There are also a host of other factors that may be important to you, so ask about things like teachers, career preparation services, co-op availability, student services such as exam preparation and study skills workshops, orientation programs, and graduate programs and research.
Once you've identified the factors that are most important to you, you've taken the first steps to making a successful choice. And remember, while your parents, guidance counsellors, teachers and friends will give you lots of good advice, the ultimate decision is up to you. Make sure you pick a university that will serve your needs throughout your university career.
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