IB Application to Canadian Universities (IB students)

(May 2014)

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.

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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

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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 3

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. 4

The grade conversion scale that will be used to determine admission based on official IB results is as follows: IB Grade % Equivalent 7 6 5 4 3

    

96 90 86 76 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 4 3 2

   

96 86 80 70 5

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 HigherLevel)

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 Mathematics2

Principles of Mathematics 121

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.

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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

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

University Funding Costs

Financial aid for international students Undergraduate degrees

US

Canada

UK

HK

Australia

Many private as well as public Highest (From HK$187,600 upward). Lower for US citizens Many

Public

Public

Public

Public

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

Many small, several full scholarships

Few scholarships

Few

Few

4 years

3-4 years depending on honours programme Combination some at time of application, some choose later Tends to be some but depends on university

4 years

4 years

Nearly all < 30% of total cost 3 years, 4 years in Scotland

When to choose major

Usually by end of 2nd· year

Usually by end of 2nd·year

At time of application

At time of Application (except HKUST)

Broad or specialized

Liberal arts at many universities

Usually have distribution requirements

Application costs

US$150 upward (fee waiver available)

CAN$I50 upward (generally no fee waiver)

Only specialized programmes (no distribution requirements) Approx. HK$450

Application system

Apply individually to each university

Generally apply individually

Only specialized programmes (no distribution requirements) Pay a single UCAS fee £12 (single) £23 (multiple). No fee waiver Maximum 5 through UCAS

Individual

Individual

Predicted grades

Emphasis on predicted grades

Emphasis on predicted grades

Most emphases on predicted grades

Most emphases on predicted grades

Grades achieved at time of application

Type of offer

Unconditional

SATs

Most require SATs

Usually unconditional SATs only for US students

Conditional on IB results Not required but can support application

Conditional on IB results Can support application

Grades already achieved None

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Approx .AUD$100

Examples of IB applicant profiles (university entry 2012) Subject

GCSE/HKCEE/MYP

Psychology

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

Academic Profile and Predicted University grade

A B A A A* A A* BB

Architecture

Anthropology

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

B A B A* B A A* BB

University offers/rejections

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

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

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

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U of T - offer

Dalhousie - offer

24 points

Waterloo – offer Victoria - offer

26 points

Examples of IB applicant profiles (university entry 2012) Subject

GCSE/HKCEE/MYP

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

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

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

Scholarship CAN$5,000

U of T – offer

Scholarship Can$5,000

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

24 points

Simon Fraser – offer

28 points

Neuroscience

Mechanical Engineering

Academic Profile and Predicted University grade

10

University offers/rejections

U of T – offer Victoria - offer

Examples of IB applicant profiles (university entry 2012) Subject

GCSE/HKCEE/MYP

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

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

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

33 points

Queens

28 points

Western Ontario

30 points

Business

Biochemistry

Academic Profile and Predicted University grade

11

University offers/rejections

U of T – offer Queens - offer

U of T – offer

Dalhousie

Examples of IB applicant profiles (university entry 2013) Subject

GCSE/HKCEE/MYP

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 Business Studies English Language English Literature Film Studies Geography Maths Science Double Award Technology Graphics Art English Language English Literature Geography Mandarin Foreign Lang. Mathematics Science Double Award Technology

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

Design Technology HL Geography HL Visual Arts HL Chinese Language B SL English A1 SL Maths SL TOK EE Biology HL Business and Management HL Chemistry HL English A1 SL Maths SL Spanish Ab Initio SL TOK Extended Essay English A1 HL Geography HL Visual Arts HL Biology SL Chinese Language B SL Maths Studies SL TOK Extended Essay

7 6 7 4 5 5 B B 5 6 6 4 5 6 B C 6 7 6 7 6 5 B A

U of T – offer

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

Economics

Landscape Architecture

Academic Profile and Predicted University grade

12

University offers/rejections

McGill – offer UBC - offer

U of T – offer

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

UBC – offer Western – offer Queens - offer Guelph – offer UBC – offer Acadia - offer

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

Examples of IB applicant profiles (university entry 2013) Subject

GCSE/HKCEE/MYP

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

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

English Literature

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

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

English A1 HL History HL Music HL Chinese Language B SL Maths SL Physics SL TOK EE Biology HL Business and Management HL Film Studies HL Chinese SL English A1 SL Maths Studies SL TOK Extended Essay

6 7 7 6 7 7 A B 5 6 6 6 4 6 B A

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

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

UBC – offer

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

Arts

Academic Profile and Predicted University grade

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University offers/rejections

Queens – offer U of T – offer McGill – rejected

Examples of IB applicant profiles (university entry 2014) Subject

GCSE/HKCEE/MYP

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

Scholarship CND$2,000

Concordia – offer McGill - offer

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

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

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

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

Simon Fraser – offer

Scholarship $8,000

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

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

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

5 7 7 6 7 6 B A 5 6 6 6 4 6 B A 7 7 6 7 6 7 B B

UBC – offer UT – offer Western U – offer

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

Biology HL Business and Management HL Chinese Language B SL English A Lang & Lit HL Film Studies SL Mathematics SL TOK EE Chinese Language B SL Design Technology HL Economics HL English A Language & Literature SL Film Studies HL Mathematics SL TOK Extended Essay Biology HL Chinese Language B SL English A Lang & Lit HL Film Studies SL Mathematics SL Psychology HL TOK Extended Essay

UBC / UT / Western Ontario (Business) - offer

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

Business & Administration / Business & Management

Business

Law

Academic Profile and Predicted University grade

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University offers/rejections

Examples of IB applicant profiles (university entry 2014) Subject

GCSE/HKCEE/MYP

Liberal Arts / Social Sciences

Business Studies nd English 2 Language English Language Film Studies French Geography Mathematics Science (Double Award)

Academic Profile and Predicted University grade

Liberal Arts

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

C A* A A B C D A BC C B B B B C B

Science

English Language English Literature Mathematics Science (Double Award)

B B B BB

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*

University offers/rejections

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

Entrance Scholarship CND$2,000

McGill – offer UBC – offer

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

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

6 5 7 4 6 5 B C 5 5 4 6 6 4

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

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

UBC – rejected Kwantlen – offer Columbia College – offer

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

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

IB Diploma pass and maintain predicted grades

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