So I changed my mind. I did a quick Google search and found my advice in a previous column very common if not downright cliche. The majority of students can find the advice I offered and much more from the average website. Therefore, I will not continue my ramble on how to apply for university.
Now, let me tell you some things that I could not find from other websites.
- You need to do your research and you need to do it now. The problem in the university application process is that each university is different and there is no uniform location to find all this information. University A will have a different application deadline, different requirements and even different rewards for different programs and different scholarships. Everything is different! So when you have got your list of four or five choices: research, research, research! Find out the dates and requirements and get started. Heck, the application for the national scholarship at U of T ended in October of last year and it was a full scholarship! If nothing else, move yourself away from the TV and start working!
- Read the instructions. For some reason, this has not been stressed enough. For most universities, more applicants apply than those who are accepted. If you are missing a document or forgot to send a recommendation letter, admission officers and scholarship managers will not hesitate to trash your application. Read carefully and follow all steps. You are disposable.
- Get started! Do it, do it. I cannot repeat this enough. Get start NOW. NOW NOW. No more waiting. If you haven’t applied yet, you have already missed early admission for most universities and the chances of major scholarships are dwindling. So? START!
Yep, that is all. I will try to get you some links of good websites next week. For the next little while, get started if you haven’t and finish up if you already started!
