Choosing a university program can be one of the most exciting opportunities for students to start making decisions about their future. Here is some information that you can share with your children about university admissions and suggestions on how to approach the university exploration and application process. 

The importance of starting early

Students should begin investigating programs and universities in their first year of college. Applying to multiple programs at different universities, each with its own set of admission requirements, requires a lot of organization and planning. The work students devote in their first year of college will significantly minimize stress the next year when they apply. Some university application deadlines are as early as October of the year preceding the start date, and scholarship application deadlines are often earlier than program application deadlines. Most Open Houses take place in October and November. You can find the days, times, and registration information on each university’s website. The dates for the main universities in Montreal are also shared with students through Omnivox. 

How universities assess applications

University entrance requirements vary widely by school and program. For some programs, the only criteria used for admissions is academic performance. Other programs require a personal statement, a CV, samples of written work, proof of proficiency in English or French, an audition or interview, a portfolio, admission tests or recommendation letters. The R-Score (cote R) is a calculation of Quebec college students’ grades used by the province’s universities when they consider applicants for admissions. You can learn more about our students’ R-Scores here. 

How to get information about universities

Academic Advisors help students explore university programs and provide guidance on the application process. They can clarify procedures, discuss the various components of their application and help students plan a timeline to gather all required material in time for the various deadlines. Together with the Writing Centre professionals, Academic Advisors can also provide feedback on application essays and résumés.

Academic Advisors meet one-on-one with students during scheduled meetings and drop-in hours, and host webinars and workshops throughout the year, covering various university programs and application procedures, both in Canada and abroad. Information sessions are posted to students in Omnivox.

Students can also meet with one of our Counsellors, who help students explore career pathways and provide guidance to students who are unsure of what they might like to study in university. Counsellors meet one-on-one with students during scheduled meetings, and organize workshops on skills and interests assessment and career exploration. A good place to begin the career exploration process is on myblueprint.ca, a platform that students can use to find out more about themselves and their interests and explore university programs and careers.

Supporting students in their university planning

It is important to remind your child to stay open-minded and to avoid an all-or-nothing approach to choosing a program or university. Some students feel responsible for making the “right decision” about what to study and where. In reality, there are multiple paths they can take to achieve their educational and career goals. At the same time, if a student is applying to a highly selective university program, or if they are unsure that they will meet the minimum entrance requirements, they must remain flexible so they can reorient and explore parallel options. You can help them navigate this process and formulate contingency plans in order to minimize stress.

Students also rely on you and their close family members and friends to gain a better understanding of the different paths available to them and how to navigate the decisions they have to make. They may be curious as to how people in their close circle chose the paths they followed and what attracted them to their current careers. Be open to discussions around university and career exploration and, where possible, expose them to the variety of careers and paths that people in your network have followed. These conversations can be very informative and allow them to open their minds to opportunities that they may not have thought of exploring.