It doesn't matter if you're still in Grade 9 or ready to graduate, live in another country, are thinking of transferring from a community college or want to embark on a new career. If you're considering university study, you need to do some research. We've pulled together some pointers to start you on your way.

Picking a program

It's been said that there's a program for every person. With more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered in Canada as well as professional programs and certificates, there's lots of choice. How do you decide on the one for you?

There's no simple answer - personality and aptitude play a big part in the decision. One way is to focus on what you do well and the topics that interest you the most. Then, think of what the program may provide for you in the future. Can you see yourself as a biochemist or a choreographer or a teacher? How much money are you looking to make? How long to you plan to stay in university - in other words, are you looking for a BSc or a PhD?

It is often wise to ask for help: your parents/family members, professionals you admire, guidance counsellors, teachers, career planning services and mentorship programs are all valuable assets in the search for a program. The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada maintains a searchable database of more than 10,000 program records.

And remember, you don't need to have the decision set in stone… many students change their mind once they get into university and explore the options available to them. Be flexible!

Some other factors to consider

Consider all the variables that would make a university a good "fit". Write them down. Look at programs of study, campus size, location, urban versus suburban environment, cost, housing availability (on and off campus), student services and transportation. Once you've identified the must-have factors, your next step is to investigate the individual universities. With 93 universities in Canada alone, there's certainly a lot to choose from, but you need to narrow down your selections.

Visit the Web site

Take the opportunity to visit the different university Web sites. You'll find all the facts you need to decide whether or not to put a particular university on your "need to visit" list. The York University Web site is a great tool for researching York.

Go on a campus tour

No matter how many calendars and viewbooks you get, nothing beats being there. Tour the campus and get a "feel" for everything the school has to offer. Most universities offer online tours or virtual tours to help those where distance may make it difficult to attend in person. Come on a York tour - imagine yourself here! You can book your tour online.

Look into admission requirements

Visit the prospective/future student sections and the admission and application pages of different university Web sites to find out what you need before you apply. Keep in mind no two universities are alike so the criteria will differ from school to school. Find out about admission requirements, auditions, evaluations and supplementary info at York.

Program availability

Check out the undergraduate programs of study offered on the university Web sites. Read the calendar or viewbook. Look at a wide variety of programs, including those that appeal to you "just because." York's undergraduate programs of study Web site will let you view more than 100 programs of study, certificates and joint programs.

Meet the deadlines

Keep in mind that each university has deadlines by which you must apply for admission. Again, universities can differ on program deadlines, so make sure you know what they are. If you'd like to view York's deadlines, visit the York admission deadline page.

Tuition

Each university should be able to provide a good picture of the projected cost of a degree. Make sure you're aware of what it will cost. We've done the math for you on our tuition Web pages. The page will also link you to the financial services Web site at York, where you can find information about OSAP, bursaries, scholarships and other awards.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Each school offers different scholarships, so take some time to find out what opportunities are available to you at each university. Also check out other forms of assistance like special work/study programs or job opportunities that may be available for students who need to earn some extra money. If you are a Canadian prospective student, these are the offered York scholarships. If you are an international prospective student then these are the offered York scholarships.

On- or off-campus housing

Do you want to live on campus? Does the university guarantee residence for first-year students or for students with a certain academic average? If you don't live in residence, what kind of help does the university provide in finding housing off campus? Do you have to have a meal plan? While you're at it, check out the range of food choices available on campus. York offers undergraduate housing as well as an off-campus housing search service.

Student Life

Don't forget to consider factors beyond academics. What kinds of clubs and activities does the university offer? Is there an on-campus newspaper or radio station? Clubs for special interests (e.g. ethnic groups, religious support, political groups, theatre, debating, groups providing services to transgendered, bisexual, lesbian and gay communities and their friends)? Are there opportunities to volunteer on campus? To find out what York has to offer, check out the Student life site. Did you know that we are the only university with our own mall?

Back to Top