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How do I apply?

Note:

• It is always good to apply to at least two or three schools to keep your options open.
• Apply early to secure early conditional admission and to take advantage of scholarships.

A Check List for Post-Secondary Application Forms

1) REQUIREMENTS

Review the admission requirements to make sure you have all of the required classes for the programs you want to apply to.  It is also beneficial to investigate the admission averages that are required to gain admission to a program.

Examples:

SIAST – Minimum average is 70%.  However, based on demand you typically need a much higher average to be competitive.  Averages change year to year based on the number of applicants and seats available.  To research what is needed to enter into a program at SIAST go to their website and look up the program of interest and the admission requirements are listed.

U of R – 65% – However, that does not guarantee you admission to a program like education.

Early Condiditional Average (average used to determine early conditional acceptance and awards)
Final Admission Average (specific classes needed for the program)

U of S – 70% – However, conditional average for engineering is 83% and final admission average was 78% (averages for the 2009 year), so averages vary based on the specific college.

Admission Requirements and Admission Averages

2) Beware of DEADLINE DATES

• You can find out dates from the Guidance Centre or on-line at the school’s site (go to admissions or prospective student link).
• Post-secondary schools and colleges vary greatly in deadline dates.   
• U of R Faculty of Education is March 15.  Depending on the number of applications, they have been known to extend the date for certain programs.
• SIAST – First Qualified First Admitted except for high demand programs and nursing (January 15)
• U of S – February 15 to apply for admission to maximize your award potential
• Medicine Hat College – the sooner the better especially some high demand programs like nursing and visual communications.
• Deadlines sometimes change so please be responsible and double check all dates with the appropriate educational institution.

3) Obtain an APPLICATON FORM

Your school’s Guidance Centre will have application forms for a variety of schools. However, most post-secondary institutions have on-line application forms that are recommended because they can be processed faster.

Attend career fairs and talk to representatives and pick up an application and information package.  Many Saskatchewan post-secondary schools will actually put on application workshops for grade 12 students.  Talk to your career counsellor to find out when.

Ontario Colleges and Universities have a centralized organization that deals with most if not all applications. It also looks like Alberta might be going that way.

Make sure to have your Saskatchewan student number and that you have a MasterCard or Visa if you want to complete your application on-line at the same time.

Pay attention to all of the sections and fill them in correctly.  Look for the section where you can choose to go through a federated college (highly recommended).

What is a federated college?

The University of Regina is home to three federated colleges – Campion College, Luther College and the First Nation University of Canada – that offer a smaller student community within the larger University setting. All three are located on the main campus but are financially and administratively independent of the U of R. Students who register through a federated college may choose courses offered by their college as well as by the University. Upon completion of their studies, students receive their degrees from the U of R.

STM is the only federated college at the University of Saskatchewan; hence, it is administratively and financially autonomous from the University—that is, it receives its own provincial grants and is accountable to the Provincial Government—but it is academically integrated within the University.

4) Obtain TRANSCRIPTS:

Some schools will allow students to self-report their own marks like the University of Saskatchewan.  However, it is important to remember that if you want to be considered for guaranteed or entrance scholarships you will need a school certified transcript to send in.

Make sure that you have any mid-term marks and your second semester classes listed on the transcript so that the educational institution knows that you will be meeting all of the requirements to graduate.

This transcript or your self-reported marks will help you get conditionally accepted.  You will not be officially accepted until you arrange to have your official transcript from Saskatchewan Learning in June sent to all of the schools you applied to.   

 5) APPLICATION FEE

Application fees vary from $35 to $95.  Be prepared to pay sooner than later so your application can be processed.

 6) After your Application is SENT

You will be notified by either email or mail depending on the school of your early conditional acceptance or denial.   

Please remember that you will need to keep your marks up to maintain your acceptance and that it is YOUR responsibility to make sure a final transcript is sent from Saskatchewan Learning to the school to secure your spot.

 7)  OTHER

Depending on the program and institution you choose, the application process may vary and additional information may be required.

Examples:

University of Regina required a Teacher Education profile
SIAST Applied Photography – High Demand Program
Lethbridge Community College – Criminal Justice (policing) require an interview and aptitude test

8)  SASKATCHEWAN LEARNING OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT

To request your transcript contact Student Services with the Ministry of Education.

There will be a $15 per institution fee (SIAST exception – you just need to send one even if you are applying to more than one program or campus). 

The form needed to be completed is found on their website:  http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/transcripts

9) Consider LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Most universities and colleges have limited student housing.  It is in the student’s best interest to apply for residence at the same time as admission to secure a spot. 

Most residence application forms require a small fee to complete the process.   

Article:  Living On or Off Campus, Career Options High School Edition, p. 21.