Welcome to the University Pathways page – your source for plenty of information to help you get started on exploring this exciting post-secondary option.

GENERAL INFORMATION

OUAC Title Banner

  • 2024-2025 OUAC APPLICATION DEADLINE – JAN. 15th, 2025
  • OUAC APPLICATION STUDENT HYPERDOC – YOUR GUIDE TO APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY
  • To apply to university in Ontario, you need six grade 12 4U or 4M credits (including the prerequisites for your chosen university program).
  • Open level courses and co-op credits do not count as university prerequisites or your “top 6” average.
  • Be sure your guidance counsellor knows about any on-line, correspondence, private or night school courses you are taking.
  • Universities are increasingly reviewing students’ grade 11 marks to gather further information about potential program candidates.
  • Visit ONTARIOUNIVERSITIESINFO.CA to research programs and admission requirements – make sure you aren’t missing any required courses, etc.!
  • Research costs (tuition, residence, books, etc.) and begin applying for scholarships and bursaries
  • Apply on-line through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) website:
    • NEED HELP WITH THE APPLICATION PROCESS?  CLICK HERE FOR HOW-TO VIDEOS!
    • Submit payment of $156 for three choices – additional choices are $50 each.  Some programs charge additional fees for supplemental applications, etc.
    • All fees are non-refundable.
    • Be aware you are usually limited to 3 programs at one university.  Ensure you are also aware of each university’s policy regarding number of allowable programs.
    • You can make changes to program selections up to the application deadline, but be aware you will incur a fee penalty if switching from one university to another.
    • Be aware of ALL APPLICATION DEADLINES (including those for supplemental applications)
    • Make sure you regularly check your email given to OUAC AND your OUAC account after applying to ensure everything was submitted correctly and your application is being processed.  You can also get updates on progress.
    • Complete and return any Additional Information Forms (AIF) on online profiles if required by your program/university BEFORE THE DEADLINE DATE!  These are typically submited through your temporary student university portals/accounts.
    • Be sure to keep a copy of OUAC reference/confirmation code (proof of successful application).
  • ESL students (or those with less that 4 years of English high school) should check to see if they must write the TOEFL, IELTS, DuoLingo or other English proficiency exam.
  • Research OSAP and complete application on-line after receiving and confirming acceptance of Offer of Admission.  You can’t apply for OSAP until you have committed to a post-secondary program (opens in the spring).
  • Submit forms for residence (if applicable)

 WHERE DO I START?

You’re finally approaching the end of your high school career and are starting to consider your options for possible university destinations in the future.  You’ll be making one of the most important academic decisions of your life, and you want to make sure you research your options as thoroughly as possible.If you’re applying to a university in Ontario, you’re in luck.  The ONTARIO UNIVERSITIES INFO WEBSITE is the best place to begin your research.  This comprehensive website is updated annually with new program and admissions information and provides a number of ways to explore programs.  Check out the video below for instructions on how to use the site.Applying to university in another province?  Check the websites for the universities you’re researching to find out admission requirements and deadlines as these may vary from Ontario schools.

Considering a university in the U.S.?  Check out the College Board website for information regarding programs, schools, SATs and more.

Need more info to help you in your research?  There are many opportunities to learn about different universities and/or programs.  Here are a few great ideas:

  • Check to see if your school is hosting university information sessions or fairs
  • Consider attending the Ontario Universities Fair to meet with reps from ALL Ontario universities
  • Attend university open houses (many in fall and early spring) or arrange school tours/visits.  Make sure to check out the campus of the school you plan to attend to see if it really fits YOU!  Check out university websites for more info!
  • TALK TO YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR!  We’re your in-house experts on post-secondary options.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.    HOW DO I APPLY FOR EARLY ADMISSION?

  • You can’t apply for early admission to Canadian universities.  Universities send out limited early offers of admission based on final grade 11 marks AND any completed grade 12 courses.  Students who receive early offers typically have very high grade 11 marks well above admission cut-offs.  NOTE – a few competitive programs do have earlier dates for students wishing to be considered for first rounds of offers (U of T and U of W Engineering – as of fall 2023).

2.    WHAT IF MY GRADE 11 MARKS AREN’T THAT GOOD?

  • While universities may use grade 11 marks when considering students for early admission, they don’t penalize students for lower grades in their grade 11 year.  The only marks that may be a factor in decisions are any completed 4U/M marks.

3.    HOW DO I LET UNIVERSITIES KNOW WHICH ARE MY TOP 6 MARKS?

  • You don’t – universities do this automatically. If you have more than the required 6 4U/M courses, universities will consider your best 6 when calculating your admission average.  In most cases, any required course for a university program will be used to calculate admission average, regardless of whether or not it is one of your top 6 final marks.

4.    ONCE I RECEIVE AN OFFER, DO THE MARKS THAT COME AFTER MATTER?

  • Absolutely!  Make sure you’ve carefully read any conditions in your university offer.  Every year, students start to coast in the last part of the year and it’s quite common for marks to drop.  Be careful you don’t let marks slide below the minimum acceptable average outlined in your offer or you may have that offer rejected.

5.    WILL I BE PENALIZED FOR REPEATED COURSES?

  • In most cases, universities will accept the higher mark for a repeated course.  Some highly competitive programs do have strict guidelines regarding retakes.  Check with your school/faculty of choice or speak to your guidance counsellor.

6.    DO UNIVERSITIES DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN DAY SCHOOL, SUMMER SCHOOL, ETC.?

  • No.  Universities accept marks from any accredited Ontario educational institution.  You will not be penalized for taking courses outside of regular day classes, but some universities/programs may ask for additional information regarding these classes.
  • Be aware that courses taken during summer school AFTER June of your graduating year are rarely accepted by universities for admission consideration.

7.    I’M OFF TO UNIVERSITY…WHERE WILL MY FUTURE DEGREE TAKE ME?

  • Check out this AMAZING resource put together by Queen’s University – MY MAJOR MAP.  Great, real-life examples of what university grads are doing with their various degrees and/or undergrad experiences!

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
SPEAK TO YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR!