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
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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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