Canada
For most universities and programs, your admission is based 90-100% on your high school grades. However, the most competitive universities and programs (e.g., U of Toronto, UBC, Waterloo Engineering) have added a "holistic" component, requiring short essays or a personal profile. It is simpler than the US system but more complex than a purely grades-based country. Find the Correct Application Portal:
Ontario (e.g., U of Toronto, Waterloo, Queen's): You must apply via the centralized OUAC (Ontario Universities' Application Centre). You use one application for all your Ontario choices.
British Columbia (e.g., UBC): You apply via a provincial portal, EducationPlannerBC.
All Other Provinces (e.g., Quebec [McGill], Alberta [UAlberta]): You apply directly to each university'sindividual online portal.
Academic Records: High school transcripts. Final grades are what matter.
English Language Certificate: IELTS (very widely accepted in Canada) or TOEFL.
The "Essay" (Varies by School):
No Essay (Common): Many top schools (e.g., McGill) admit you 100% on your grades.
Personal Profile (e.g., UBC, U of T): If required, these are short-answer questions (250-500 words), not long creative stories. They ask about your experiences, your goals, and your activities. They are more straightforward than US essays.
