IB Application to Canadian Universities (IB students)web.wis.edu.hk/public_html/IB_Application_CAN2014.pdf · Canadian universities is the International English ... IB Math Studies

IB Application

to

Canadian

Universities

(IB students)

(May 2014)

1

Introduction

Canadian universities offer 4-year undergraduate degrees similar to

those in the U.S.A. For general degrees, you do not need to specify your

intended major on the application form and the university typically

requires you to decide your major by the end of your 2nd year. Most

application deadlines are in January to March of the entry year.

Canadian universities are nearly all publicly-funded which means that

financial aid for non-Canadians is rare (although much more common

than for the similarly publicly-funded universities in Britain).

While some universities might offer admission conditional on particular

IB scores (usually for particular courses) in general their offers are based

on the same conditions as US university offers - i.e. that you maintain a

standard similar to your WIS predicted university admissions grades.

Many universities offer 1st year course credit for IB HL subjects of Level 5

or higher - this exempts you from taking that course and in all cases

reduces the length of your degree.

Most degree programmes have distribution requirements similar to

those at most US liberal arts colleges - i.e. there will be a required

breadth of courses within your degree.

Canadian undergraduate degrees are widely recognized internationally

making it easy to articulate to US and other universities for graduate

study.

2

The American Colleges and Universities websites has a useful overview

of Canadian universities at http://www.acuinfo.com/index.do

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada website

http://www.aucc.ca has a page linking to all Canadian universities.

Applications to universities in Ontario Province is centralized through

the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) and applications to

universities in British Columbia can be made through the centralized

admissions system ApplyBC. Universities in other provinces have their

own online application form.

Resources - information in Hong Kong

Canada-China Culture and Education Association

2/F, Well View Commercial Building

10 Morrison Street, Hong Kong

Tel: 3743 0850

Fax: 3743 0853

Government of Canada

Trade Commissioner Service Consulate General of Canada

14 FL Tower 1 Exchange Square

8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong

Tel: 3719 4700

Fax: 2847 7441

http://www.acuinfo.com/index.do

3

Application Most students apply online. The universities will request a school

transcript which the Careers Department will help the student

prepare. Although it is optional, we strongly recommend students

submit a personal statement to support their application as this forms

a fuller picture of the student.

Scholarships Some universities grant scholarships automatically with application,

others require the student to apply separately so you should check

with individual universities.

Timeframe We advise applying as early as possible - in term 1 of Year 13 - to

facilitate earlier decision from the universities.

TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language The TOEFL has 4 sections: Listening, Structure, Reading and Writing.

While TOEFL is not the only test of your ability to communicate in

English available in Hong Kong, it is the most widely available. The

TOEFL website has information on the test, how to register, practice

tests etc.

Although WIS provides a letter in the transcript documents that the

medium of instruction is English at WIS, some universities still prefer

students to have the TOEFL. You should research whether the

universities that you are applying to will require you to take TOEFL. No

preparation instruction for the tests is given at WIS. TOEFL website:

www.toefl.org

An alternative English Language proficiency test acceptable to many

Canadian universities is the International English Language Testing

System (IELTS), www.ielts.org

http://www.toefl.org/

http://www.ielts.org/

4

Individual university entry requirements Entry requirements vary from university to university and from programme to programme. Students are strongly advised to check with the individual university. Example of UBC’s International Baccalaureate entry requirements (2013-14 entry) (Source: http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/index.cfm?tree=2,279,0,0) Applicants with International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement Courses UBC recognizes these advanced secondary school programs for admission and for transfer credit. International Baccalaureate Diploma Students For students who complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, admission to the University will require a minimum of 24 points including bonus points. Due to limited enrolment, a higher score will be required for admission to most programs. A minimum final grade of "3" in IB English A1 or A2 (Standard or Higher Level) is required for all programs. International Baccalaureate Certificate Students International Baccalaureate certificate courses may be combined with an approved high school credential for the purpose of admission. For students who present International Baccalaureate certificate courses, the admission average will be calculated on the higher of either the official IB final score or the final school grade. In those cases where an IB score is not available at the time of admission selection, the course grade will be used.

5

The grade conversion scale that will be used to determine admission based on official IB results is as follows: IB Grade % Equivalent 7 96 6 90 5 86 4 76 3 70 International Baccalaureate Transfer Credit Credit for equivalent first-year UBC courses will be awarded to students who achieve a grade of at least 5 in Higher Level IB Arts courses and 6 in Higher Level IB Science courses. Select Standard Level IB courses may also be awarded credit. Details are provided at Admissions. Advanced Placement Students Advanced Placement (AP) courses may be combined with an approved high school credential for the purpose of admission. For students who present Advanced Placement courses, the admission average will be calculated on the higher of either the final AP exam score or the final school grade. In those cases where an AP examination grade is not available at the time of admission selection, the course grade will be used. The grade conversion scale that will be used to determine admission based on official AP results is as follows: AP Grade % Equivalent 5 96 4 86 3 80 2 70

6

Advanced Placement Transfer Credit Credit for equivalent first-year UBC courses will be awarded to students who achieve a grade of 4 or better on the appropriate AP course. Details are available at Admissions. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Courses Approved to Satisfy Pre-requisites Grade 12 Course Advanced Placement Course

Grade 12 Course Advanced Placement Course

International Baccalaureate Course (Standard or Higher-Level)

Biology 12 Biology Biology

Chemistry 12 General Chemistry Chemistry

English 12 English Language and Composition

English Language A

Physics 12 Physics (B or C) Physics

Principles of Mathematics 121

Mathematics2

1. One of AP Calculus (AB or BC) or the UBC-SFU-UVIC-UNBC Calculus Examination Certificate may be used as an elective course (in addition to Principles of Mathematics 12). 2. IB Math Studies does not satisfy the pre-requisite of Principles of Mathematics 12.

7

Useful websites General university websites http://www.aucc.ca/canadian-universities/our-universities/ http://www.internationaledu.net/english/university-canada.htm http://www.canadian-universities.net/ Career website http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/planning/careers/index.shtml Scholarship websites http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/planning/saving/scholarships.shtml http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/eng/scholar/index.htm

http://www.aucc.ca/canadian-universities/our-universities/

http://www.internationaledu.net/english/university-canada.htm

http://www.canadian-universities.net/

http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/planning/careers/index.shtml

http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/planning/saving/scholarships.shtml

http://www.sfaa.gov.hk/eng/scholar/index.htm

8

Comparing University Costs (approximate cost 2013) Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/foreign-student-fees-in-canada-competitive-hsbc-finds-1.1386766

US Canada UK HK Australia

University Many private as Public Public Public Public

Funding well as public

Costs Highest (From HK$187,600 upward). Lower for US citizens

Medium (HK$143,500). Lower for Canadian citizens

Medium – HK$143,500. Lower for EU residents

Low – HK$98,000. Lower for HK residents

High- HK$188,000. Lower for Australian

residents

Financial aid for Many Many small, several Few scholarships Few Few

international full scholarships Nearly all < 30% of

students total cost Undergraduate 4 years 4 years 3 years, 4 years in 4 years 3-4 years

degrees Scotland depending on

honours programme

When to choose Usually by end of Usually by end of At time of At time of Application (except HKUST)

Combination - major 2nd· year 2nd·year application some at time of

application, some choose later Broad or Liberal arts at many Usually have Only specialized Only specialized Tends to be some

specialized universities distribution programmes (no programmes (no but depends on

requirements distribution distribution university requirements) requirements)

Application costs US$150 upward (fee waiver available)

CAN$I50 upward (generally no fee waiver)

Pay a single UCAS

fee £12 (single) £23 (multiple). No fee waiver

Approx. HK$450 Approx .AUD$100

Application system Apply individually Generally apply Maximum 5

through UCAS

Individual Individual to each university individually

Predicted grades Emphasis on Emphasis on Most emphases on Most emphases on Grades achieved

at time of application predicted grades predicted grades predicted grades predicted grades

Type of offer Unconditional Usually Conditional on IB Conditional on IB Grades already

unconditional results results achieved

SATs Most require SATs SATs only for US Not required but can Can support None

students support application application

Examples of IB applicant profiles (university entry 2012)

9

Subject GCSE/HKCEE/MYP Academic Profile and Predicted University grade

University offers/rejections

Psychology Chinese First Lang Economics English Literature English Language Maths Media Studies Religious Studies Science Double Award

A B A A A* A A* BB

Chinese Lang B HL Film Studies HL Psychology HL Chemistry SL English A1 SL Maths SL TOK Extended Essay

6 6 5 5 5 7 B B

UBC – offer U of T - offer

Architecture Design Technology HL English HL Theatre Arts HL Environmental Systems & Society SL Maths SL French Lang B SL TOK EE

6 5 6 4 3 6 C B

U of T – offer Dalhousie - offer

Anthropology Art English Literature English Language French Maths Media Studies Religious Studies Science Double Award

B A B A* B A A* BB

English A1 HL Philosophy HL Visual Arts HL Biology SL French Language B SL Maths Studies SL TOK Extended Essay

5 5 5 5 4 5 C A

UBC – offer Waterloo – offer Victoria - offer

24 points 26 points


10



Geography Art Chinese First Lang Economics English Literature English Language Geography Maths Mandarin Foreign Lang Science Double Award

B A B A B A* A A* AA

Chinese Lang B HL Film Studies HL Psychology HL Chemistry SL English A1 SL Maths SL TOK Extended Essay

7 6 6 6 7 6 C B

UBC – offer U of T – offer Victoria - offer

Neuroscience Additional Maths Chinese First Lang Economics English Language English Literature French Mandarin Foreign Lang Maths Music Science Double Award

B B A A A A* A* A* A AA

Chemistry HL Maths HL Physics HL Chinese Language B SL Economics SL English A1 SL TOK EE

7 7 7 7 7 6 A A

UBC - offer U of T – offer

Scholarship CAN$5,000 Scholarship Can$5,000

Mechanical Engineering

Economics English Literature English Language French History ICT Maths Science Double Award

A B A* A* B B B AA

Chemistry HL Economics HL Physics HL English A1 SL French Language B SL Maths SL TOK Extended Essay

5 7 6 5 6 5 B B

UBC – offer Simon Fraser – offer

24 points 28 points


11



Biology Drama English Literature English Language Geography History Mandarin Foreign Lang Maths Science Double Award

A A A* A* A A* A A*A*

Biology HL Chemistry HL Geography HL Chinese Language B SL English SL Maths SL TOK Extended Essay

7 4 7 5 6 5 A B

UBC – offer U of T – offer Queens - offer

Business Chinese First Lang Economics English Language English Literature Mandarin Foreign Lang Maths Science Double Award Technology

A B A C A* A BB A*

Chinese Language B HL Design Technology HL Economics HL English A1 SL Maths SL Visual Arts SL TOK EE

7 6 7 4 5 5 B B

UBC - offer U of T – offer

Biochemistry Chinese First Lang Economics English Literature English Language Mandarin Foreign Lang Maths Media Studies Physical Education Science Double Award

C A B A A* A A A AA

Biology HL Chemistry HL Chinese Language B HL English A1 SL Maths SL Pshchology SL TOK Extended Essay

6 6 7 5 7 6 B C

McMaster Queens Western Ontario Dalhousie

33 points 28 points 30 points


12



Science Economics English Language English Literature Film Studies Mandarin Foreign Lang Maths Science Double Award Technology Graphics

B B B A B* B AA B

Biology HL Chemistry HL Psychology HL Chinese Language B SL English A1 SL Maths SL TOK Extended Essay

6 5 6 7 6 6 B C

U of T – offer

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

Product Design Art English Language English Literature Geography Mandarin Foreign Lang Maths Science Double Award Technology

B A B A A* B AA A

Design Technology HL Geography HL Visual Arts HL Chinese Language B SL English A1 SL Maths SL TOK EE

7 6 7 4 5 5 B B

U of T – offer McGill – offer UBC - offer


Economics Business Studies English Language English Literature Film Studies Geography Maths Science Double Award Technology Graphics

C B B B B B AA B

Biology HL Business and Management HL Chemistry HL English A1 SL Maths SL Spanish Ab Initio SL TOK Extended Essay

5 6 6 4 5 6 B C

U of T – offer UBC – offer Western – offer Queens - offer


Landscape Architecture Art English Language English Literature Geography Mandarin Foreign Lang. Mathematics Science Double Award Technology

A* A B A A* B A*A* A*

English A1 HL Geography HL Visual Arts HL Biology SL Chinese Language B SL Maths Studies SL TOK Extended Essay

6 7 6 7 6 5 B A

Guelph – offer UBC – offer Acadia - offer



13



Education Art English Language English Literature Geography Mandarin Foreign Lang Maths Religious Studies Science Double Award

A* A A A A* A A BB

Biology HL Psychology HL Visual Arts HL Chinese Language B SL English A1 SL Maths SL TOK Extended Essay

5 6 6 6 5 7 B A

U of T – offer UBC – offer McGill – offer Alberta – offer Simon Fraser – offer Victoria - offer


English Literature Business Studies English Language English Literature History Mandarin Foreign Lang Maths Music Science Double Award

B A A A* A* A* A* A*A*

English A1 HL History HL Music HL Chinese Language B SL Maths SL Physics SL TOK EE

6 7 7 6 7 7 A B

U of T – offer McGill – offer Alberta - offer UBC – offer Simon Fraser - offer


Arts Business Studies English Language English Literature Geography Mandarin Foreign Lang Maths Physical Education Science Double Award

B B B A* B B A* AA

Biology HL Business and Management HL Film Studies HL Chinese SL English A1 SL Maths Studies SL TOK Extended Essay

5 6 6 6 4 6 B A

UBC – offer Queens – offer U of T – offer McGill – rejected



14



Politics, History Biology Business Studies Chemistry Drama English Language English Literature French History Mathematics Physics

A* A A* A A A A* A* B A*

Chemistry SL English A Literature HL French Language B SL History HL Mathematical Studies SL Theature HL TOK Extended Essay

6 6 6 6 7 6 B B

Queens – 28 Concordia – offer McGill - offer

Scholarship CND$2,000 IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

Business & Administration / Business & Management

Art Business Studies English Language English Literature Geography Mandarin Foreign Language Mathematics Science (Double Award)

A* A B A* B A A A*A*

Biology HL Business and Management HL Chinese Language B SL English A Lang & Lit HL Film Studies SL Mathematics SL TOK EE

5 7 7 6 7 6 B A

UBC – offer UT – offer Western U – offer


Business Economics English Language English Literature Mandarin Foreign Language Mathematics Science (Double Award) Technology

A B A A* A A*A A*

Chinese Language B SL Design Technology HL Economics HL English A Language & Literature SL Film Studies HL Mathematics SL TOK Extended Essay

5 6 6 6 4 6 B A

Simon Fraser – offer UBC – rejected UT – offer Western – offer York, CA - offer

Scholarship $8,000 IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

Law Art Business Studies English Language English Literature Geography Mandarin Foreign Language Mathematics Science (Double Award)

A* A* A A* A* A* A* A*A*

Biology HL Chinese Language B SL English A Lang & Lit HL Film Studies SL Mathematics SL Psychology HL TOK Extended Essay

7 7 6 7 6 7 B B

UBC / UT / Western Ontario (Business) - offer



15



Liberal Arts / Social Sciences

Business Studies English 2

nd Language

English Language Film Studies French Geography Mathematics Science (Double Award)

C A* A A B C D A BC

Biology SL Business & Management HL English A Lang & Lit HL Film Studies SL French Language B HL Mathematical Studies SL TOK EE

5 6 5 7 6 6 A B

UT – offer McGill – offer UBC – offer

Entrance Scholarship CND$2,000 IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

Liberal Arts Art Business Studies English Language English Literature Film Studies Mathematics Religious Studies

C B B B B C B

English A Lang & Lit HL Environmental Systems & Society SL Film Studies Mathematical Studies SL Philosophy HL Spanish Ab Initio SL TOK Extended Essay

6 5 7 4 6 5 B C

UT – offer York, CA – offer Queens – offer Western Ontario – offer Simon Fraser - offer


Science English Language English Literature Mathematics Science (Double Award)

B B B BB

Biology SL Chinese Ab Initio SL English A Lang & Lit HL Film Studies HL Mathematical Studies SL Psychology HL

5 5 4 6 6 4

UBC – rejected Kwantlen – offer Columbia College – offer


Business Biology Business Studies Chemistry English Language English Literature French Mathematics Physical Education Physics Religious Studies Technology

A* A A A A A* B A A* A A*

Biology HL English A Literature SL French Language B HL Mathematics SL Philosophy HL Physics SL TOK Extended Essay

5 6 7 5 6 5 A A

Bishops – offer Dalhousie (Marine Biology) - offer


Documents

IB Application to Canadian Universities (IB students)web.wis.edu.hk/public_html/IB_Application_CAN2014.pdf · Canadian universities is the International English ... IB Math Studies