It's the burning question for students entering their final year of high school: Beyond grades, what's the secret to impressing university admissions departments? While there isn't one surefire way to guarantee acceptance, certain strategies can help give concerned students an edge. Admissions officers from across the country spoke with The Globe and Mail about what they're really looking for — and what key pitfalls can send even the most well-meaning application straight to the recycling bin.
1) Pay strict attention to deadlines.
Missed deadlines are the most common pitfall for applicants, say admissions officers. "Sometimes we have to take offers away because [students]haven't followed procedures by deadline," said Tina Sanghavi of the York University admissions office in Toronto. Check and double-check the requirements for your program, and write key dates in an appointment book to jog your memory. Meeting those deadlines shows you're serious about getting into a school and can make your application stand out. In Ontario's double-cohort year, for instance, some admission offers were revoked when students did not confirm in time, said Robb Parker, director of admissions and recruitment at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S.
2) Start early and keep an application file.
Getting a jump on the application process allows students to find out more about the universities they want to get into — including general requirements, prerequisites and strategies for presenting strengths, said Merike Remmel, assistant university registrar and director of admissions at the University of Toronto. "Keep on top of your application," said Kelly MacKenzie, assistant registrar of admissions and recruitment for Dalhousie University in Halifax. To ensure you stay organized, keep tabs on where you've applied, what scholarships you've applied for, and what you've heard back from each school.
3) Tailor your application to your faculty of choice.
An applicant for an arts program likely has different interests than one applying for mathematics, and it may not be possible to show that strictly through the application. Include other materials that are relevant to your field, said Ms. MacKenzie. "If you're interested in architecture, include some drawings; for costume design, include pictures of some fashions you've created; if you're applying to engineering, write about the drafting courses you've taken," she said. Stick to what's relevant, though, and don't overwhelm the admissions department with pages and pages of material.
4) Focus on extracurriculars.
Schools are keen on students with a broad range of interests. "It can make a huge difference," said Andrew Arida, associate director of enrolment at the University of British Columbia. Participation in a club or team shows dedication, a crucial quality at the university level. A recent applicant to the St. FX music program stood out, Mr. Parker said, because of her extracurricular pursuits. "[Her]academic marks were below our minimum but she had been involved in all sorts of music camps, the Atlantic Jazz Festival, et cetera," he said. "This made her a good candidate."
5) Stress your leadership abilities.
Universities want applicants who are eager to take the initiative, both academically and after graduation. "We're looking for students who are going to contribute," said Stuart Pinchin, associate registrar at Queen's University in Kingston, Ont. "We want them to be involved in student life and academic life while at university, and also in the global community by making a contribution in the years after they're here." Evidence of leadership is one of the key attributes the admissions office looks for in a student, said Ms. Remmel.
6) Provide a complete profile of yourself.
If there's a reason your grades don't quite cut it, explain why. Some students' marks suffer because they spend every afternoon volunteering at the food bank or working to keep the family farm going. Admissions officers will take these circumstances into account. "Whatever they feel is relevant … at more of a macro level, I tell them to submit it," Ms. MacKenzie said. A common, tragic scenario is when a student suffers the death of a loved one and is forced to put school on the back burner, resulting in lower Grade 12 marks, Mr. Arida said. In such cases, the admissions department looks closely at other indicators of potential postsecondary success, including extracurriculars and grades from previous years.
7) Explain what your achievements mean to you.
Admissions officers want to get a sense of who you are. "Stop looking for the one thing that you think we're looking for," Mr. Arida said. "Think about what you want to tell us, not what we want to hear." Rather than just rattling off a "shopping list" of accomplishments, explain how and why each one was important to you. "I find I am more receptive to students [who]show some form of self-reflection," Mr. Parker said. The presentation of material doesn't need to be dry, Ms. Remmel noted. "Students should feel they can inject humour or personality into it. Often that's what helps it stand out."
8) Be straightforward.
Explaining your achievements is crucial, but admissions officers can be put off by a meandering application that lists each detail. And they can recognize a braggart. "It's simple: be honest. Let your deeds speak," said Kathleen Massey, assistant vice-president of enrolment and registrar at the University of Calgary. Extreme bragging can be off-putting and cast a negative overall impression. Describe your accomplishments and provide a means for the university to validate them. But maintain a good dose of humility, cautioned Mr. Parker. "Avoid saying 'I was the best,' but don't be shy in stating that you were awarded first place."
9) Edit yourself.
While a misspelled word or a forgotten comma likely won't make or break your bid to get into a school, edit your application carefully, and ask a friend or colleague to proofread it. "Grammar and spelling count," Ms. Massey said. Added Mr. Arida: "We realize people make mistakes, but really, with the importance of a university application, it's difficult to not let those things affect your judgment." If two applications were in contention for a spot, all other factors being equal, the one with poor spelling would lose out, he added.
10) Never give up — persistence is key.
Worried that you haven't heard anything back about your application? It may not be bad news. Though many students are hesitant to call, admissions officers appreciate persistence and urge students who are wondering about their status to call as soon as possible. In some cases, it could be as simple as an application being misdirected. "Maybe they missed a piece of the puzzle," Ms. MacKenzie said. By calling, students also show a keen interest in the school. Mr. Parker recalls one student whose grades didn't quite cut it, but who just kept calling and writing and pushing to get into St. FX. "I finally agreed to accept her application, mostly on her passion, her references … and her sheer determination."