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A favor to ask of you...
We have started a College Life forum over on that litle spacefem place...
...even if you don't directly post to it (it is also a new member group like BL and the RPG one...) - I was hoping that you might have some insight on what it takes to apply and get accepted to college in Canada. Meta is posting about it, but he's already in college, and he's a guy from Quebec (can he really be trusted?? ;)
So, yeah... think you might have a few words of wisdom?
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Want to answer more questions in the Work & School category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Colleges & Universities?
I took a look.
Heres some advice from me and if you could post it for me, that'd be awesome. You can reference me or not, its your choice really.
Actual applications:
(sites to visit)
www.ouac.on.ca/ (for UNIVERSITIES within ONTARIO)
www.ontariocolleges.ca/ (for COLLEGES within ONTARIO)
Heres an article for Canadian colleges/universities with useful information
Post-Secondary Education in Canada: The Basics
First, let's tackle some terminology before you make any life-altering decisions. Colleges and universities, what's the difference? And which type of school should you choose? Check out these explanations.
College
Community colleges, colleges and CEGEPs in Canada offer a world of courses and programs - so shop around! College programs typically offer specialized training that will allow you to get hands-on experience for the real world. You'll receive a certificate or diploma from these kinds of schools, usually after one or two years. Some examples of college programs include dental assistant programs, animation, agriculture, and travel and tourism.
University Colleges
These institutions are exactly what the name implies. They offer both degree programs and diploma or certificate programs. It may sound confusing, but once you take a closer look at a school (try our School Search), you'll see which programs get you a degree and which get you a diploma or certificate.
Universities
These are the places to go if you are planning to become a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, an accountant or another type of professional, or if you're interested in academic study. Remember, there are lots of different fields, so you'll finally get a chance to find out everything you've ever wanted to know about genetics, psychology, astronomy, or even religion.
Universities offer various types of degrees. There are undergraduate degrees like the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. For students who already have an undergraduate degree, there are graduate or post-graduate degrees, including the master's (e.g. Master of Business Administration or MBA) and doctorate programs leading to Ph.D.s.
The Real World
Wondering how college and university education applies to the real world? Check out your local employment and career listings, and look for some of the certificate and degree programs that are required for any particular position. Your career or guidance counsellor knows all about how diplomas, certificates and degrees apply to the real world, so pull him or her aside and ask for help! Your counsellor will probably tell you to start thinking about the activities you enjoy.
Application Centres
If you're thinking about a school in Alberta, British Columbia or Ontario, make sure you understand how the application centres work. They handle their university and college applications through central application centres.
(from [Link](Mouse over link to see full location))
Royal Military college of Canada [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
List of all Canadian Colleges and Universities
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
Something for United States people looking towards school in Canada
Comparing Canadian and US School Systems
The most significant difference between American and Canadian schools is their ownership. Virtually all Canadian universities are public institutions; there exist a large number of private schools in the US. Almost all American schools that are religiously affiliated are also private.
In terms of the application process, Canadian universities are generally thought to place a greater emphasis on your academic record - they don't request personal statements and they don't hold interviews, so your grades are the primary factor upon which they base their decisions. Scholarships are also typically awarded on the basis of academic success, and there are far fewer opportunities for financial aid in Canada. Athletes are not awarded the same status in Canada, either, and athletic scholarships do not exist at most Canadian institutions. Applications for schools in Canada are usually due much later than American applications, and admissions decisions are delivered much later consequently.
There is also a major difference in the general mythology surrounding American and Canadian schools. It's true, though, that our pictures of these two cultures are formed largely through stereotypes which are not accurate reflections of many, if any, schools. Try not to base your vision of US college life on all the movies you've watched as a teenager. We'll go over this later, but this part of the reason why it is so important for you to try and visit the schools in which you are interested. For example, when we think of the typical social life at American schools, one of the first things that comes to mind is the fraternity and sorority scene - something which is largely absent from Canadian college and university life.
(from [Link](Mouse over link to see full location))
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Fern's two cents.
Don't be afraid of applying to universities and colleges in Canada. Visit the websites of whatever colleges or universities you are interested in and find out when they might be visiting your school or find out if they offer a mailing list and they can send you information brochures and booklets about the school. Remember one thing - universities and colleges want YOU. Make your decision on which university or college to attend FIRST on whether it will offer you the best education possible and the greatest experience. THEN think about money or friends who are also going to that school. Never short change yourself out of a possibly excellent education and experience.
Make sure you read their booklets!
Also, there is nothing wrong with staying at home to go to school if there is a university or college in your city or town. Living on residence is an excellent experience but never assume that that is your only option. Though I'm sure it would be a really great time to be on your own.
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