COUNSELLORS
& TEACHERS
2016-17 HANDBOOK
IT STARTS WITH YOU
We know you’re busy, so this year’s Handbook contains all the important information and updates
you need to know about the University of Alberta at a glance.
THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO!
DEAR COUNSELLOR,
We recognize the invaluable role you play in
helping students on their university journey. It
is truly a pleasure to work with dedicated and
like-minded professionals like you who value
the pursuit of higher education. Here’s
to another great year! All the best,
Your University of Alberta Recruitment Team
SAVE THE DATES
CAMPUS VISITS
There are several opportunities for you and
your students to connect with the University
of Alberta in person in the upcoming year:
Campus Visits are a great way for students,
parents, and counsellors alike to come and
experience the U of A first-hand. Come for a
guided tour of North Campus, Campus SaintJean, or Augustana!
Counsellor Updates: Our annual Counsellor
Update Workshops are a great way to meet
fellow counsellors and get in-person updates
from our friendly recruitment staff. We’d love
to see you there!
•Edmonton – Friday, September 25, 2015
•Calgary – Tuesday, September 29, 2015
•Vancouver – Friday, November 20, 2015
RSVP online at uab.ca/counsellor
Open House - Saturday, October 17, 2015:
Open House is the best way for students to
discover everything the U of A has to offer –
and counsellors are invited too! In addition to
the main booth fair in the Butterdome, there
are dozens of workshops, presentations, and
tours to attend.
» uab.ca/openhouse
Other Events: We host recruitment events
across Canada! For a complete listing, and to
check when we’ll be in your area, go to
» uab.ca/recruitmentevents
Visits can be customized based on program
interest, student type, and more. Group visits
for classes and schools are also available.
And for those who can’t make it to campus in
person, we also offer an online virtual tour.
» uab.ca/visit
IN-SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS
Let us come to you! Our recruiters would be
happy to give a presentation at your school.
Email us at counsellor@ualberta.ca
COUNSELLORS’ E-NEWS
Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to
receive important updates via email and stay
informed all year long.
» uab.ca/counsellor
ADMISSIONS 101
Admissions can be complicated – but we’re here to help!
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
ADMISSION OFFERS
Admission to the U of A is competitive;
students are not guaranteed admission based
on achieving specific grades.
Qualified applicants will receive a single, firm
admission offer in the spring.
The best way to determine what grades will be
required for a particular faculty or program is
to look at last year’s final competitive averages
for that faculty. These ranges are published in
the enclosed charts, with the most up-to-date
figures available online.
» uab.ca/averages
As a general rule, for direct-entry programs,
students must present a competitive average
across the five high school subjects required
for their program of choice. For details on
the particular requirements of each program,
see the charts in the Viewbook, or check the
Programs & Requirements listing on our
admissions website.
» ualberta.ca/programs
APPLICATION & OFFER TIMING
Students are encouraged to apply early, as
they will be considered for admission based
on the earliest indicators of their success.
Students can apply beginning Oct 1 of their
Grade 12 year, using their final Grade 11 marks.
In some cases, high-achieving students may
receive an offer based on these Grade 11
marks alone.
Most students will need to present some
combination of final Grade 11 and final
first-semester Grade 12 marks in order to
be considered.
For linear schools, we will accept interim
Grade 12 grades, provided that they reflect
at least half of the course content.
If students are not eligible the first time they
are assessed, they will be re-assessed once
they submit new final marks.
Offers may have some basic conditions attached,
but students will only receive one offer. (Please
note that we no longer offer “Early” or “Final”
admission – just “Admission.”)
OFFER ACCEPTANCE & RETENTION
Students who receive an admission offer need
to accept their offer by the deadline in order to
secure their place at the U of A.
As part of the offer acceptance process, students
must pay a $500 tuition deposit. This amount
is credited towards their final tuition fees.
Students can accept their offer by logging in
to Bear Tracks and clicking “Accept Offer”
next to the program of their choice.
In order to retain their admission offer,
students must meet any conditions stated
in the offer letter.
Students applying to the Faculty of Engineering
will be required to maintain a competitive
average in their required Grade 12 courses.
For the most comprehensive and up-to-date
overview on admissions and requirements,
check our admissions website:
» uab.ca/adm101
KEY DATES & DEADLINES
October 1 is the opening application date for
admission, awards, and residence.
December 15 is the award application deadline.
NEW: March 1 is the application deadline for
direct-entry programs.
April 30 is the deadline to apply for residence
(for a guaranteed spot on North Campus).
For more details on evaluation criteria, visit:
June 1 is the offer acceptance deadline for
most students (check Bear Tracks to confirm).
» uab.ca/adm101
August 1 is the final document deadline.
WHAT’S NEW AT THE U OF A?
There are lots of exciting changes happening on our campuses, including new facilities and programs!
PAW CENTRE
SCIENCE BIOINFORMATICS MINOR
Our brand new Physical Activity and Wellness
(PAW) Centre is now open! This state-of-the-art
facility on North Campus is home to our
new student fitness and recreation facilities,
including a 64-foot indoor climbing wall – one
of the finest of its kind in Canada. Be sure to
come check it out at Open House or on your
next campus visit!
The Faculty of Science is now offering a new
Bioinformatics minor in the Bachelor of Science
general degree program. Bioinformatics is an
interdisciplinary field that develops methods
and software tools for understanding large sets
of biological data, such as genome sequences.
At the U of A, Bioinformatics is a joint program
between the Computing Science and Biological
Sciences departments.
BACHELOR OF KINESIOLOGY
» science.ualberta.ca
The name of the Bachelor of Physical
Education degree (BPE) has been changed
to Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin).
MEDICINE REQUIREMENTS
The Bachelor of Kinesiology program, offered
by the Faculty of Physical Education and
Recreation, provides a broad approach to
the study of human movement, from both
an arts and science perspective, as it relates
to exercise, athletic performance, and the
promotion of long-term health.
Within the program, students will choose
a specific major: Adapted Physical Activity,
Physical Activity and Health, Sport Coaching,
Sport Performance, or a self-designed
Individualized Major.
The Faculty will continue to offer its Bachelor
of Science in Kinesiology degree (BScKin),
which is a specialized science degree with a
specific focus on human movement.
» physedandrec.ualberta.ca
NEW SCIENCE HONORS DEGREE
The Faculty of Science is now offering a
new Bachelor of Science Honors degree in
Mathematics and Finance, in addition to the
Mathematics and Finance Specialization. The
Honors program offers a diverse education in
mathematics, finance, economics and actuarial
sciences. It also includes a management
science component and is a great choice for
students who are interested in becoming a
Financial Analyst.
» science.ualberta.ca
Specific prerequisite course requirements
will no longer be required for entry into
the Doctor of Medicine program. All other
admission requirements will remain the same,
including cumulative GPA, Medical College
Admission Test (MCAT), Personal Activities,
Reference Letter, and Interview.
» med.ualberta.ca
WHAT’S NEW AT AUGUSTANA?
New Admission Requirements:
Augustana will now accept Math 30-2
(or Math 30-1) for the following programs:
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major and
Environmental Studies Major.
For the Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Studies
major, Augustana will now accept Biology 30,
and Math 30-1 or 30-2 are required.
Counsellor Preview Days: Augustana is now
reserving space at Preview Days for high
school counsellors. Preview Days are a great
way for counsellors to experience Augustana
for themselves, or to bring a few students. Tour
campus, learn about admission requirements,
have lunch, and speak with the Dean, the
Assistant Dean of External Relations, and
the Director of Student and Residence
Services. We have limited space reserved for
counsellors so please contact Lucas Hudec at
lucas.hudec@ualberta.ca to reserve your spot.
» aug.ualberta.ca/visits
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN CANADA
All undergraduate programs (including co-operative work opportunities) are open to international students
with the exception of the Doctor of Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy programs.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
All students are required to demonstrate English
Language Proficiency (ELP) in addition to
meeting the general admission requirements.*
The Bridging Program is designed for applicants
who meet all other admission requirements for
their program of choice, except for ELP. The
Bridging Program allows eligible students
to complete the ELP requirement by taking
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses
during their first year of study, while also
taking academic courses and earning credit
toward their degree.
» uab.ca/BP
The tables below outline the most common
methods that students use to demonstrate
ELP. For a complete list of approved ELP
exams and required grades for admission,
please visit admissions.ualberta.ca/ELP
* Proof of ELP is a separate requirement from English literature (ELA
30-1, English 12, ENG4U, etc) as an academic entrance subject.
BRIDGING PROGRAM
Table 1: English Language Proficiency requirements
WRITTEN EXAMS
REQUIRED GRADES
TOEFL INTERNET-BASED TEST (iBT)
Total score of at least 86 with no section less than 21
IELTS (ACADEMIC)
Total score of at least 6.5 with no section less than 5.0
COURSE WORK – HIGH SCHOOL
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS 30-1 (ALBERTA)
OR ENGLISH 12 (BRITISH COLUMBIA)
75% or higher (final blended grade includes the diploma or
provincial exam mark)
IB ENGLISH A1, A2, A LITERATURE,
OR A LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
5 or better
IB ENGLISH B
6 or better
AP ENGLISH
4 or better
PREVIOUS EDUCATION IN ENGLISH
THREE OR MORE YEARS OF FULL-TIME EDUCATION
IN ENGLISH (EXCLUDING ESL) 1
Successful completion 2
POST-SECONDARY COURSE WORK
6 CREDITS OF UNIVERSITY-LEVEL ENGLISH STUDIES
COMPLETED AT A RECOGNIZED ENGLISH-LANGUAGE
INSTITUTION
B+ or better
(must be transferable as 6 credits at the University of Alberta)
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA EAP 140/145
Successful completion
Table 2: Spoken English Proficiency Requirements
In addition to demonstrating overall English Language Proficiency, applicants to the teaching and
health sciences disciplines need a further level of Spoken English Language Proficiency. Spoken ELP
is not required by all programs.
SPOKEN EXAMS
REQUIRED GRADE
TOEFL INTERNET-BASED TEST (iBT)
Minimum score of 26 in the Speaking section
IELTS (ACADEMIC)
Minimum score of 7.5 in the Speaking section
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA SPEAK TEST
Minimum score of 50
PREVIOUS EDUCATION IN ENGLISH
SIX YEARS OF FULL-TIME EDUCATION IN ENGLISH IN CANADA 1
Successful completion 2
1In Canada or another country or institution where English is recognized as the official/primary language of instruction.
2Education must include Alberta Grade 12 (or equivalent) if secondary education is the highest level completed, or if a combination
of secondary and post-secondary is used.
COMPETITIVE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
TABLE 1: PROGRAMS THAT OFFER DIRECT ENTRY FROM HIGH SCHOOL
This information is current as of July 15, 2015. Get the most up-to-date figures online: uab.ca/averages
FACULTY
COMPETITIVE ADMISSION RANGE
(PREVIOUS YEAR)
MEAN ADMISSION AVERAGE
(PREVIOUS YEAR)
AGRICULTURAL, LIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCES
ales.ualberta.ca
78% – 80%
85%
70% – 80%
82%
Jane Leadbeater Recruiter
780.492.7764 | new2ales@ualberta.ca
ARTS
ualberta.ca/arts
Kristofer Connor Student Recruitment &
Engagement Officer
780.492.6269 | kristofer.connor@ualberta.ca
Kyle Ireland Student Recruitment &
Engagement Coordinator
780.492.8840 | ireland2@ualberta.ca
Some Arts degree programs are subject to additional requirements (i.e. audition, letter of
intent, portfolio, interview) in accordance with the program’s admission average. For more
information visit admissions.ualberta.ca
AUGUSTANA CAMPUS (CAMROSE)
augustana.ualberta.ca
70% – 80%
81%
70% – 80%
81%
70% – 80%
81%
85% – 90%*
* Averages vary by province. For details, see
engineering.ualberta.ca
89%
70% – 80%
76%
85%
86%
73% – 85%
84%
80% – 85%
88%
Lucas Hudec Admissions Advisor
780.679.1132 | augustana@ualberta.ca
CAMPUS SAINT-JEAN
www.csj.ualberta.ca
Frédrique MacDougall Relationship
Coordinator / Coordonnatrice, relation avec
le public
780.485.8638 | fredriqu@ualberta.ca
EDUCATION
educprospective.ualberta.ca
Ilana Crawford Prospective Student Advisor
& Recruitment Coordinator
780.492.4530 | ilana@ualberta.ca
ENGINEERING
engineering.ualberta.ca
Connor Harper Recruitment and Student
Programs Officer
780.492.1385 | connor.harper@ualberta.ca
Torrey Dance Recruitment & Student Liaison
Specialist
780.492.6517 | torrey.dance@ualberta.ca
NATIVE STUDIES
nativestudies.ualberta.ca
Freda Cardinal Academic Advisor
780.492.0525 | nsadvisor@ualberta.ca
NURSING
nursing.ualberta.ca
Ian Payne Student Advisor
780.492.6314 | ian.payne@ualberta.ca
PHYSICAL EDUCATION & RECREATION
physedandrec.ualberta.ca
Tyson Lazaruk Recruitment Coordinator
780.492.7184 | tlazaruk@ualberta.ca
SCIENCE
science.ualberta.ca
Shennella Blake Recruitment & International
Officer | 780.492.7649
Kevin McEwan Recruitment Specialist
780.248.2027 | science.recruiting@ualberta.ca
The application deadline for all direct-entry programs is March 1, 2016. Applications for admission, awards, and residences open October 1, 2015.
COMPETITIVE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
TABLE 2: PROGRAMS REQUIRING PRE-PROFESSIONAL STUDY
No direct entry from high school to these programs.
FACULTY
TRANSFER AVERAGE
(PREVIOUS YEAR)
ADMISSION RATIO
(PREVIOUS YEAR)
BUSINESS (SCHOOL OF)
business.ualberta.ca/bcom
2.8
1,400 applications; 775 admitted.
>>Average GPA: 3.8
>>Average LSAT Score: 161
1,217 applications; 185 admitted.
>>Applicants with a 4 year degree: Competitive
overall GPA of 3.9 with a mean MCAT score
of 11.05
>>Applicants with 2-3 years of post-secondary
degree study: Competitive overall GPA of
3.96 with a mean MCAT score of 11.59
1,649 applications; 162 admitted.
>>Minimum GPA in prerequisites to apply: 2.0
>>Competitive GPA in prerequisites to apply: 3.5
137 applications; 28 admitted.
>>Minimum Overall GPA to apply: 3.0
>>Competitive Overall GPA: 3.9
>>Average DAT Score: 69 out of 90
(in 3 required sections)
431 applications, 32 admitted.
>>Minimum Overall GPA to apply: 2.7
>>Competitive Overall GPA: 3.32
162 applications; 42 admitted.
>>A minimum GPA of 3.2 will be required
to apply.
60 applications; 13 admitted
(program capacity is 15 at this time).
3.5
511 applications; 131 admitted.
Kirstyn Blomquist Student Recruiter
780.492.5773 | bcominfo@ualberta.ca
Application Deadline: MARCH 1, 2016
LAW
lawschool.ualberta.ca
Heather Richholt Student Advisor - Admissions
780.492.3067 | law.admissions@ualberta.ca
Application Deadline:
NOVEMBER 1, 2015 for application.
DECEMBER 2015 for LSAT.
FEBRUARY 1, 2016 for supporting documents.
MEDICINE & DENTISTRY:
MEDICINE PROGRAM
www.med.ualberta.ca/programs/md
Diane Baker Team Lead, MD Admissions
780.492.9525 | diane.baker@ualberta.ca
Application Deadline: OCTOBER 1, 2015
MEDICINE & DENTISTRY:
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
PROGRAM
www.med.ualberta.ca/programs/mls
Roberta Martindale Coordinator, Medical
Laboratory Science
780.492.6601 | roberta.martindale@ualberta.ca
Application Deadline: MARCH 1, 2016
MEDICINE & DENTISTRY:
DENTISTRY PROGRAM
dentistry.ualberta.ca
Melanie Grams Admissions Officer
780.492.1319 | admissions@dentistry.ualberta.ca
Application Deadline: NOVEMBER 1, 2015
MEDICINE & DENTISTRY:
DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM
dentistry.ualberta.ca
Melanie Grams Admissions Officer
780.492.1319 |
admissions@dentistry.ualberta.ca
Application Deadline: NOVEMBER 1, 2015
MEDICINE & DENTISTRY:
RADIATION THERAPY PROGRAM
www.med.ualberta.ca/programs/radth
Brenda Ewing Program Coordinator
780.492.6918 | radth@ualberta.ca
Application Deadline: MARCH 1, 2016
PHARMACY & PHARMACEUTICAL
SCIENCES
pharm.ualberta.ca
Rae Beaumont Team Lead for Student Services
780.492.3363 | phstud@ualberta.ca
Application Deadline: MARCH 1, 2016
CONNECT WITH US
CONTACT US
CONNECT WITH US
University of Alberta
National Recruitment office
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram – and tell your students!
W uab.ca/counsellor
T
E
780.492.6725
counsellor@ualberta.ca
Facebook.com/ualberta
Twitter.com/ualberta
Instagram.com/ualbertastudents