What to Include in Your Profile When Applying to Canadian Universities

Confused about what to write to get accepted into popular Canadian universities?As you must be aware, universities and colleges in Canada have their admissions portal open for theupcoming intakes and while knowing when to apply is significant,being aware of only deadlines is not enough, especially when the question of What exactly makes the cut for Canadian universities? is standing in front like a scary giant.

Well, you need not worry anymore! It is not surprising that you want to pursue your higher education there. However, given that each university has its own requirements for international students, identifying exactly what Canadian universities look for in a profile is the first thing you need to do before moving ahead with the application process.

Here are certain pointers and the absolute requirements that you need to fulfil when applying to Canadian universities.

What Makes the Cut for Admission to Canadian Universities?

While there are many formalities involved in any admission process, the process only gets longerin the case of education abroad. In such a situation, it is natural to hope that the efforts and time that youre contributing result in a positive outcome.On an overall basis,your application to any Canadianuniversity shall involve the following:

Academic Transcripts (HSE or UG certificates)

As an international student, you would be required to submit your last academic qualification certificates as and how they are applicable. Every university has its own admissions criteria according to the grading scale accepted by them. Yet, preferences of the universities on average could be summarised as follows:

• Bachelors:GPA: 2.5 - 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale)

• Masters:GPA: 3.0 - 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale)

Note:These ranges fluctuate every year on the basis of the university requirements, level of competition, among other things. The acceptance base of Canadian Universities is not harsh or unachievable, yet high scores are recommended as they will put you on a better platform than the other candidates.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

SOPs form an integral part of the application process. They are your introduction to the selection panel of the university. It, therefore, goes without saying that they must be just perfect. How to make them so? Well, you just need to remember these few points;

• Make sure to dictate your academic interests and trajectory in a manner that indicates growth and development in both your academic choices and eventual decisions.

• Your university SOP needs to contain interesting but necessary and only related information. Avoid the contents which act only as information overload.

• State the inspiration behind applying forthe program, and what you aim to gain after completing it. In other words, you should have your career outcomes clear enough in mind to explain them in words.

• Make sure to use professional language but not overly advanced.

• Though most universities recommend a particular word limit, the ideal range is 700 to900 words.

Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

The general absence of easy access to applying a candidate's background makes the universities make LORs compulsory. These letters act as an undertaking on behalf of you and guarantee on behalf of the recommender, that you shall fulfil the undertaking. It is better to get anLOR written by a person who:

• holds a position of ethical and moral turpitude;

• has been a witness of your academic and general life;

• can provide proof of their authority and position beyond doubt.

In case of the undertaking, you need to make sure of the following;

• academic declarations are true and fair;

• character and behavioural undertakings are assuring and practical;

• there are authorised documents that you can use to support your statements.

English Language Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)

Since all Canadian universities use English as the medium for education, it is important that students who are being considered can understand the language. They all have recommended scores in regards to globally-recognisedEnglish language proficiency tests for the students. You can take these tests in India and submit the scores for which the institutions conducting these tests provide certificates. Similar to academic transcripts, the English proficiency requirements of universities differ, yet we have researched to prepare a range for your convenience:

• IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5

• TOEFL: 80 - 90 (iBT or internet based test)

• PTE: 58+

• Duolingo English Test (DET): 110+

These test scores are valid globally for a period of at least 2 years.

Qualifying Test Scores

In India, we have varying entrancetests for Engineering, MBA, Law, etc. However, atthe global level, the applicable tests are GRE and GMAT for masters and SAT and ACT for Bachelors. The average range which is ideal to make it to acceptance are:

• GRE: 305+

• GMAT: 535+

• SAT: 1300 - 1500

• ACT: 25 - 32

Note:While most Canadian universities do not require ACT/SAT scores for Bachelors, the requirementsmay differ from one university to another. These scores may be accepted together or alternatively in different universities. GMAT scores are animportant criterion for admission toany universitys management courses, for example, MBA or any other management course.

Also, whileyou can refer to the ranges and even exact scores from our university-related pages, it is recommended that you score high in all the tests which will offer youbetter chances of acceptance to foreign universities.

How to Increase Your Chances of Admission toCanadian Universities?

Apart from the above-mentioned particulars, there are some extra points that you can use to boost your profile and boost your chances of admission to universities in Canada:

• Practical Internships or Experiences (freelance or employment) often help in making an extremely positive impression. They convey your insistence on self-development and growth-oriented pursuits.

• Overall order and organisation of your transcripts and application submission areoften looked like an additional point. It cuts the extra work of the panel and makes an impressive first impression.

• The curiosity and interest of the panel in your application is important as it ensures that your application is not being skimmed over but is being thoroughly thought about. The language of your application and presentation must be impressive and intriguing.

• There are numerous applications for the panel to be considered, so make sure to add only relevant information and not overdo anything.

• Every program and/intake would have its own deadlinesbut it is still better to be early. There is always at least a months time available to submit applications. If not within the first week then at least within 15-20 days of application announcement submission should be made. Early applications are extremely helpful in cases where the seats are limited.

While you can't go wrong with a Canadian university, choosing the right program and the right university is where the main tricks lie. In addition, once you have selected the program at the university, knowing how to successfully apply to the university of your choice as your academic background will decide your academic future.

You can get one-on-one guidance and expertuniversity-related support in the application process by registeringwith us for a Free Counselling session, where professional experts are ready to help and guide you through every step and detail of your admission. Connect with us at abroad@collegedekho.com and we will solve all your admission process-related problems!