Wilfrid Laurier University: Programs and Admission Requirements

Wilfrid Laurier University, founded in 1911, is a comprehensive public university in Ontario, Canada, with a strong commitment to academic excellence and a student-centered learning environment. The university awards bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across a wide range of disciplines. With campuses in Waterloo, Brantford, Milton, and Kitchener, as well as an international location in Chongqing, China, Laurier offers diverse educational experiences to its students. This article delves into the various programs offered at Wilfrid Laurier University and provides a detailed overview of the admission requirements for prospective students.

A Brief Overview of Wilfrid Laurier University

Wilfrid Laurier University aims to be a supportive and diverse community while being devoted to learning, research, scholarship, creativity, professional expertise, and personal development in a student-centered environment. The university prides itself on educating engaged and aware citizens prepared to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Locations and Campuses

Waterloo: The main and largest campus, located in Canada’s leading technology and innovation corridor. This 40-acre urban campus with easy access to Toronto is home to many startups, multinational companies, and Canada’s tech ecosystem.
Brantford: Offers a smaller, community-focused academic environment along the Grand River.
Milton: A growing academic site focused on applied business and education programs.
Kitchener: Specializes in graduate and executive-level business education, including MBA and finance programs.

Key Facts and Figures

Founded: 1911
Setting: 40-acre urban campus (Waterloo)
Total Enrollment: 12,296
Faculty: 724 (329 full-time, 395 part-time)
Student-Undergrad Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Application Statistics: 26,046 applied, 57% were admitted
Full-time Students: 9,569 (62% women, 38% men)
Part-time Students: 1,684 (55% women, 45% men)
Student Demographics: Students come from 14 provinces and territories, 60 other countries, 7% are 25 or older.

Academic Programs

Wilfrid Laurier University offers a diverse array of programs across various faculties: Arts and Social Sciences, Business and Economics, Music, Science, Social Work, and Theology. The university is especially recognized for its programs in Business, Economics, Arts, Science, Education, Music, Health, and Data & Analytics programs.

Cross-Institutional Agreements

Laurier has partnered with institutions like Vancouver Film School (VFS) to offer unique pathways for students. The VFS-Laurier Pathway allows students to combine direct experience training in film production, acting, or writing with a comprehensive education in film studies and/or English. One year at VFS counts towards the first year of study at Laurier. Laurier students in Year 3 of their program can undertake an applied study year in a VFS program and then return to Laurier for Year 4 to complete their BA (Honours) degree.

Special Programs and Services

Laurier provides a range of services and programs to support its students:

Services for students with learning disabilities (LD)
Accelerated degree programs
Honors programs
Summer sessions for credit
Part-time degree programs
Adult/continuing education programs
Co-op programs and internships
Off-campus study at the University of Waterloo
Study abroad programs

Admission Requirements

Gaining admission to Wilfrid Laurier University involves meeting specific academic requirements and showcasing your potential through various application components. The admission process is moderately difficult, with a holistic review of each applicant.

Entrance Requirements

Application Options: Common Application, international baccalaureate accepted.
Required Documents:
- High school transcript
Required for Some Programs:
- Recommendations
- Interview
- Audition for music programs
- SAT I (for some applicants)

Application Process

OUAC Application: Submit your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
Applicant Background Summary (ABS): Complete the Applicant Background Summary (ABS) within two weeks of submitting the OUAC application. While Laurier recommends submitting the ABS within two weeks, the Admissions Office has confirmed that submitting it past this window will not impact the application. The ABS is reviewed by faculty for applicants who fall within 3% of the final May cut-off.
Unofficial Documents: Submit unofficial documents (e.g., transcripts) and proof of English proficiency (if applicable) by May 12, 2024.

Applicant Background Summary (ABS)

The ABS is a critical component of the application process, especially for students whose grades fall within a competitive range. It allows applicants to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations.

Key Components of the ABS

Aspirations: Describe your future career plans and aspirations related to your chosen field. Provide specific examples of how the Laurier program will help you achieve these goals, including faculty members you want to work with, co-op opportunities, and student clubs.
Extracurricular Activities and Employment Experience: List any extracurricular activities or employment experience that demonstrate good citizenship and leadership qualities. Focus on quantifiable outcomes from each position/experience. Include 1-2 activities that demonstrate depth (X-factors or independent leadership projects) and 4-5 activities that demonstrate breadth.
Awards and Recognitions: List any awards or recognitions you have received for your academic and/or extracurricular achievements. Structure your answer in chronological order, starting with your earliest achievements from Grade 10 onwards.
Leadership Experience: Briefly explain a time where you demonstrated leadership that yielded a positive result. Describe the situation, conflict, and/or challenge you faced, emphasizing the skills you used. Explain how your leadership solved the situation/challenge and discuss your biggest learning outcome from this experience.
Community Contribution: Briefly describe how you will contribute to the local and/or Laurier community as a student. Provide specific examples about how you will contribute to the community and why these initiatives are important to you.

Tips for Completing the ABS

Be Authentic: Provide deep insight about who you are and what motivates you. Identify Audacious Yet Authentic (AYA) goals that align with your identity and aspirations.
Use Storytelling: Create an emotional connection with the reader by showcasing character development, deep learning outcomes, and personal insight.
Do Your Research: Know the ins and outs of the program you're applying to. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to go to Laurier?" and "Why does this program stand out to me?"
Quantify Outcomes: Focus on quantifiable outcomes from your experiences to demonstrate your impact.
Highlight Personal Growth: Use the awards and recognitions section to highlight your personal growth, dedication, and self-awareness.

Special Cases or Extenuating Circumstances Form

Applicants can also complete a Special Cases or Extenuating Circumstances Form (aka a Personal Statement) to address recent or present circumstances that have impacted their ability to achieve strong grades. This form is optional and should only be completed if there is a specific event or circumstance that has impacted your academic performance.

Admission Offers

Laurier sends out offers based on grades alone in November-January. A competitive admission range for programs like Laurier BBA is in the low 90s. The ABS is reviewed by faculty for applicants who fall within 3% of the final May cut-off.

Green: Grades are above the competitive admission grade range. You will likely get an offer from Laurier.
Yellow: Grades are in the competitive admission range. You might or might not get an offer from Laurier in the first round of offers.
Red: Grades are in the minimum admission grade range and you are not in the competitive category. You will likely not receive an offer in the first round of offers. Completing an ABS is very important so that you can be in the competitive range when being considered for the second round of offers.

Tuition and Fees (in Canadian Dollars)

Understanding the costs associated with attending Wilfrid Laurier University is crucial for financial planning.

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Application Fee: $85
Province Resident Tuition (Part-time): $938.20 per course
Canadian Resident Tuition (Full-time): $4690
Canadian Resident Tuition (Part-time): $1,876 per course
Mandatory Fees (Full-time): $650
College Room and Board: $4500
College Room Only: $2600
International Student Tuition (Full-time): $9379

Important Dates and Deadlines

Staying organized and meeting deadlines is essential for a smooth application process.

May 1: Application deadline
May 12, 2024: Deadline to submit unofficial documents and proof of English proficiency (if applicable)

Campus Life and Environment

Wilfrid Laurier University offers a vibrant and supportive collegiate environment with numerous opportunities for student involvement.

Collegiate Environment

Orientation Program: Helps new students transition to university life.
Drama-Theater Group and Choral Group: Opportunities for students interested in performing arts.
Student-Run Newspaper and Radio Station: Platforms for students to express their voices and develop media skills.
Social Organizations: 62 open to all, including popular organizations like Water Buffaloes, TAMIAE, Ski Club, Musicians' Network, and Laurier Christian Fellowship.
Major Annual Events: First-Year Students' Orientation, Boar's Head Dinner, Homecoming.
Student Services: Legal services, health clinic, personal-psychological counseling, women's center.
Campus Security: 24-hour emergency response devices and patrols, student patrols, late-night transport-escort service, controlled dormitory access.
Housing: Coed housing available.

Library and Technology

Wilfrid Laurier University Library: Houses 580,000 books and 4,500 serials.
Computer Access: 450 computers available on campus for general student use.

Notable Alumni

Wilfrid Laurier University has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields:

Keegan Connor Tracy: Canadian actress and author.
Martin Lee Ka-shing: Hong Kong businessman in the real estate sector.
John Morris: Canadian curler.
Anthony Rota: Canadian politician.
Shadrach Kabango (Shad): Canadian hip-hop artist and broadcaster.
Chris Van Vliet: Canadian television personality and journalist.
Rod Phillips: Canadian businessman and politician.
Eileen Mercier: Canadian businesswoman.
Alex Mustakas: Canadian actor and theatre director.
Shohini Ghose: Indian-Canadian physicist.

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