In a recent episode of CAEL Live, we spoke with the registrar of Ontario Tech University about tips for college and university applications, and he share the following with us:

How can a student work toward bettering their chances of being accepted?

• Make sure you have the best grades possible for your area, regardless of what those grades might mean internationally. School applications are competitive, and having competitive grades is essential in ensuring your application is considered.
• The second thing to do to stand out is to show your English proficiency, with results from a reputable provider, and with results that meet the requirements of your institution. Getting your results to your institution as quickly as possible shows that you are prepared for studying at an English language institution.

What are some factors that students might not consider when submitting an application?

• Applications can be unique for every institution, and often students are not aware of the nuances between each institution; so it is important to to pay attention to each individual school.
• Students should not be afraid to reach out to the institution they are applying to; every school has a team of people reviewing applications that can help you complete your application and answer questions you might have.

Do you have a memorable application you can recount?

• One of our first scholarship students was studying engineering, and came from a refugee situation. Not only was he an exceptional student, but watching him grow through four years of education and moving into a career was rewarding, and learning about cultures from around the world as they come through our school is enriching for everyone. So I would say that being able to interact with individuals from around the world is one of the most memorable aspects of the work.

What advice would you give international students when submitting their application?

• Canada is an excellent study destination, and we’ve recently surpassed the UK for the demand for international study, which speaks to the quality of our education. I would encourage any international student who is applying to study in Canada to reach out to their institution and make a connection with their registrar. There is a lot of responsibility on behalf of the applicant, and not just to rely on the admission process to give them a spot. So get involved, ask questions, and learn about each school that you are applying to.

Conclusions

• Take the time to learn about each school that you are applying to, each one is different and may have different considerations for their application processes.
• Reach out to your institution if you are unsure about your application, or have questions about how your application is reviewed. Each school has a group of people who work to answer these questions and help you to understand the application process, so don’t be afraid to reach out!
• For international students looking to study in Canada, the CAEL scholarships are just one example of how you can potentially fund your studies in Canada!