It is you, as a parent and supporter, who plays a pivotal role in shaping your student’s future. Applying to university can feel overwhelming, with many students and families wishing for a simpler process. While there’s no magic wand, understanding the steps and supporting your future student emotionally can make the journey to higher education smoother and less stressful.
By this time of the school year, your student has likely chosen a program of interest and is preparing to submit their application by the January 15, 2025 deadline. This is a crucial stage where your support can help them avoid common application pitfalls.
Here are ways you can guide your future university student to ensure a successful application.
Tips for a successful application
Start early to avoid procrastination
Has your student started working on their application? Encourage them to begin it as soon as possible. Starting early allows ample time for thoughtful completion and minimizes the risk of last-minute errors. Check the How to Apply page for application steps, tuition info and other related details.
Prevent inaccurate information
Double-check that all details entered in the application are accurate and truthful. Errors or omissions can lead to complications during the admissions process.
Review both general and program-specific prerequisites thoroughly
This includes necessary courses, minimum grades and any supplementary components like interviews or portfolios.
Ensure applications are submitted through the appropriate channels.
There are two ways to apply to undergraduate studies at York. If your student applies to multiple schools, they need to use the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC). International or university/college transfer applicants interested exclusively in York programs, should use the York University's application portal.
Use the assistance of the Applicant Services team
Use the assistance of the Applicant Services team if your student applies to an undergraduate program through OUAC. They offer extended support hours to help you submit the right application on January 13-15 until 7 p.m. (ET).
What next?
Once the application is submitted, your future student will receive an acknowledgment email from York University. This email will contain a York reference number, allowing them to track the progress of their application and upload required supporting documents through MyFile.
Remind your student that they are responsible for ensuring York receives all required supporting documentation before the deadline date. They should check their spam or junk folders if they have not received a reference number within 4-5 business days of submitting their application. If it’s still missing, they should contact study@yorku.ca for assistance.
Hard work is immensely satisfying
Encourage your future student to stay consistent in their academic efforts, especially in prerequisite courses. Admissions committees assess both grades and the rigor of courses to determine readiness for university-level work.
Remember to provide emotional support throughout the application process and beyond it. While strong test scores and a high GPA are important, admissions decisions are often holistic. Admissions officers also consider how well the student will fit into the fabric and culture of the campus. Your encouragement and guidance can make a world of difference during this transformative time for your future student.