New Horizons: Open Doors and Ongoing Post-Secondary Applications

At Lakefield, many of our students take a proactive approach to university applications, submitting their applications early in Grade 12 to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with receiving offers, sometimes even before the holiday season! This year’s graduating class has already received nearly 300 offers of admission, and some students are now looking forward to March Break with their post-secondary plans already secured.

However, there are still plenty of post-secondary opportunities available, even as we approach the end of February. While the main application deadlines have passed, some Ontario university programs continue to accept applications and may still have spaces available. Students interested in these programs should reach out directly to the university’s admission office to inquire about possible openings. Additionally, several universities across Canada, including the University of Alberta, Memorial University, Bishop’s University, and the University of New Brunswick, have a March 1 application deadline.

Internationally, there are also a number of options for students. In the UK, some universities may still accept applications until June 1, depending on program availability. For students interested in pursuing medicine, several European countries are offering direct entry medical programs, with entrance exams being held in Canada for the first time this June. Medical Doorway is an excellent resource for students considering these options.

In Denmark, students can apply up until March 15, while Spain’s popular IE University offers rolling admissions, which means applications are reviewed as they are submitted. Sweden’s university application deadlines typically follow high school graduation, and the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) will host an April 8 webinar to introduce their Bachelor of Science programs. In the Netherlands, most university programs have deadlines between April 1 and 15, and some schools have rolling admission. This is also a common feature for many American institutions, including art schools such as the Boston Architectural College (MA), Otis College of Art and Design (CA), Ringling College of Art and Design (FL), and Savannah College of Art and Design (GA).

For students interested in studying in the Southern Hemisphere, universities in Australia and New Zealand generally follow an academic calendar that begins in February. As a result, their application cycles run later in the year, typically between June and October. Oztrekk, our local liaison for undergraduate studies in these regions, will be offering webinars in March to highlight the direct entry program opportunities available Down Under.

Students can also explore Concourse, a free service that matches students with universities based on their profiles. Through this platform, universities send direct offers of admission on a monthly basis until June 1 to students who are a good fit for their school. Concourse can help students discover institutions they may not have considered, offering additional options that align with their academic and personal preferences. Additionally, receiving an offer can provide a sense of relief and serve as a backup plan if their initial choices don’t work out.

With so many opportunities still available, this is also an excellent time for younger students to begin exploring their options! If any of this interests you, reach out to your student’s guidance counsellor or bring it up in the course selection meeting discussions.