How to Apply for College

Posted on Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

September seems so far away when we just celebrated the New Year, but it’s already time to start thinking about applying for college!

A key deadline for applications is February 1. This is the equal consideration date to apply for programs that start in the fall.

Why is February 1st Important?

If you want to be considered on an equal basis with other applicants, your application and application processing fee must be received at the Ontario Colleges office by February 1st.

After this date, applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, providing there are still vacancies in the program(s) of your choice.

This is particularly important if you are applying to college programs that are considered highly competitive; a program for which the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of seats for the fall term.

Don’t miss out! Be sure to apply before February 1!

Application Process

Step 1: Explore your college options

You can explore your options in a many ways!

  • Attend a College Information Program event
  • Take a college campus tour

Book a campus tour of Algonquin College
Take a virtual tour of Algonquin College

  • Review college websites and programs

Check out the Algonquin College School of Business programs
See what other programs Algonquin offers

  • Research program admission requirements

Step 2: Apply at ontariocolleges.ca

  • Click the “Sign Up Today” button and complete all required fields
  • Check your email account for an account activation link and complete the steps
  • Login, review and accept the Privacy Statement
  • Record your username, account and application numbers. (Keep your password confidential)
  • Complete your application including program choices

Step 3: Make your payment

For your application to be processed, you must pay the $95 non-refundable application processing fee must be paid in Canadian funds.

Unfortunately, there are no exemptions from the application fee. Depending upon the type of applicant you are, other fees may apply.

You can pay online using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express or directly from your bank account with online banking. You can also pay by phone or mail (money order or certified cheque only). All fees are non-refundable.

Step 4: Verify your information

  • Check your email inbox for a message from ontariocolleges.ca with your account information.
  • Return to your account and verify that the grades forwarded by your high school are correct.

Step 5: Make your final decision

The colleges will let you know directly of their admission decision. When you receive an offer of admission and have decided what school and program you will accept:

  • Log back into your online application/account
  • Click on “View Offers”
  • Confirm your offer of admission (If after accepting an offer of admission you do not receive a confirmation email, contact ontariocolleges.ca immediately.)

Need help with the college application process?

ontariocolleges.ca has some helpful resources for you, including a “Live Help” (real-time website feature) where you can chat with one of the Customer Contact Centre staff.

You can also email the Customer Contact Centre at Ask-Us@ontariocolleges.ca or call the Customer Contact Centre at 1 888 892 2228 (toll-free within Canada) Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST

IMPORTANT!

ontariocolleges.ca and the colleges use your email address to send you information about your application. Be sure to check your email regularly!

What Algonquin College program(s) are you thinking about applying to?


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