THE ONTARIO COLLEGES APPLICATION www.ontariocolleges.ca

THE ONTARIO COLLEGES
APPLICATION
www.ontariocolleges.ca
St. Br. André Guidance
Department
2015-2016
This is a brief overview of how to apply for programs at Ontario
Colleges only
If you are applying outside of Ontario, you will need to go through the
individual college’s website
It is in your best interest to research all pathways...you may think that
university is the only option but the fact is that 71% of students
attend college...one is not better than the other...they are just
different
There are many degree and transfer options that may be more
appropriate and cost effective...do your research!
Don’t forget to also attend open houses and other events that will
allow you to make an informed decision
You will apply to college via the www.ontariocolleges.ca website
Under the APPLYING tab at the top of the home page there are
several links in the dropdown menu that provide information and
resources as you move through the application process ...please
note that there is a step-by-step video or slide presentation
available under the e-materials that walks you through each step
of your application
FIND A PROGRAM TOOL
Start by researching and making a list of the programs you are
interested in on the www.ontariocolleges.ca website
You will also apply through this same website
EMAIL COMMUNICATION
Provide a valid email address
• Communication re important information
about your application, account activation
and username / password recovery
• Colleges use email to communicate regarding
application and offers of admission
Check your email regularly !
• Update your email address if it changes
• Check your junk/spam mailboxes
Use a professional email (SBA GAFE acct?)
Check your email and online message board regularly
WHAT YOU NEED
BEFORE YOU APPLY
• List of programs
• OEN (Ontario Education Number) and
Student Number
(found on your report card or CCSS)
• Your complete home mailing address
including postal code
• Method of payment
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Students will have received their CCSS in their HR
If you have a spare, please pick up in Guidance
Get organized before you start to make the application process
simple
Step 1: Create an Account
New Users: click the “Create an Account” button
Enter the application portal by clicking on APPLY icon in top menu
bar
You must then create an account
Complete required info
Create your account by filling in the required information carefully
A link will be sent to you via the email you have provided for you to
verify you account
You must then complete the verification in order to access your
application
7
Activate your account
You cannot log in to your account without first activating it!
Once you verify your account, you will receive a message indicating
your account creation is completed
Step 2: Complete the Application
This is the home screen where you will start your application
A checkmark will appear to the left after each section is completed
All sections (even if they do not apply to you) must be completed, IN
ORDER
Click ‘Save’ to continue to the next step.
My Profile
Authorized users: this can be a good option so that if something
happens, another person has access to your account ...this
information is not shared with the individual colleges you have
applied to...only OCAS
My Applications
My Applications: this is where you enterand/or update the
programs that you wish to apply to
Experience
One of the major differences between the Ontario college and
university application is that with college, you can outline any
program-related experience (paid or volunteer) you may have
Select Programs
Make sure you choose the correct start date for the programs you are
applying for ...majority of you will choose Aug 2016 - Jul 2017
If you choose programs from both, you will be charged the application
fee twice...non-refundable
Add Programs & Record Numbers
Click on the Add a Program to enter the programs of your choice
You can apply to a maximum of 5 program with a limit of 3 at any one
college
Be sure to record your account and application number for future
reference
Search & Add Programs
Use the program search feature to search and add the programs of
your choice
MAKE SURE you select the correct Program Delivery (full time), Start
Date, & Campus (some colleges have more than one
location/campus)
Rank Your Programs
Once you have added your 5 programs, you will need to rank them in
order of preference by moving them up or down on the page
Applicant Dashboard
Once program choices are added, the application status will be
Unpaid.
After the application processing fee is received the status is updated
to Paid and the application information is forwarded to your
college choice(s).
APPLICATION FEE
The application processing fee is $95 (nonrefundable)
An application allows you up to 5 program
choices, no more than 3 at any 1 college
All program choices must start within the
same academic year (August 2016 – July
2017)
PAYMENT OPTIONS
• Secure online payment by credit card (Visa,
MasterCard, American Express)
• Direct online payment from bank account
• Will also accept payment through the mail,
by money order or certified cheque only
(payable to ontariocolleges.ca w application
#)
NOTE: your application will not be finalized
until payment is processed.
IMPORTANT DATES
November 23, 2015
●First date that 2014/15 application data is
sent to colleges
February 1, 2014 – Equal Consideration Date
●not a deadline for submitting applications;
applications are still processed after this date
(first-come, first-served basis)
●critical to apply to highly competitive
programs by this date
IMPORTANT DATES (cont’d)
May 1, 2016
Applicants must confirm their acceptance of
an offer
Check your offer letter AND the expiry date of
your offer of admission
June 15, 2016 – Tuition Fee Payment
Earliest date that colleges may require
payment of tuition fees
PLEASE NOTE…
All grades are sent to OCAS electronically →
DO NOT need to send transcript
Check grades in EDUCATION tab to insure all
marks are present and accurate
ANY ISSUES…see your Guidance counsellor!
Colleges do send out generic emails requesting transcripts but this
does not apply to current high school students
All grades are sent electronically...full disclosure applies...all final
marks of completed and attempted courses are uploaded