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November university visits to the College

• Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m. room 213 — Vanderbilt University (virtual presentation)

• Nov. 27 at 1:30 p.m. room 128 — Trinity College Dublin 

McMaster University | Faculty of Engineering Supplementary Application

Join McMaster University to prepare for your supplementary application!

The supplementary application is a mandatory part of the admissions process for all undergraduate programs within the Faculty of Engineering. During this session, Mac Admissions will provide you with resources and information in order to prepare for your supplementary application, including an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the process.

Please note: this is an optional information session and is not the supplementary application itself. This session is intended for applicants who wish to learn more before they submit their supplementary application. All applicants will receive an email invitation to complete their supplementary application.

Two dates: 

Register HERE for Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. 

Register HERE for Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. 

About the supplementary application

The supplementary application is a mandatory part of the admissions process for all undergraduate programs within the Faculty of Engineering.

The application consists of written and recorded interview questions and will provide you with the opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions team beyond your academic achievements. Below, you will find resources, deadlines, and other information related to the supplementary application.

Your supplementary application deadline is Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at 12 p.m. (ET).

Starting your application

You will receive an email invitation to your supplementary application up to 10 business days after you have received your confirmation email and completed your application on the Ontario Universities’ Applications Centre (OUAC). Please check your “spam” or “junk” folders to ensure you do not miss your email. If you still have not received your email invitation after this time, please notify them via this form.

During your supplementary application, you will be asked questions related to various skills and scenarios, including communication, problem-solving, and more. Below are some example question of what you can expect:

• What does being resourceful mean to you, and why is it important?

• Tell us about a time management strategy you use. Why does it work?

• How do you create a balance for yourself when working in a stressful environment­?

• Give us an example of a time you acted with integrity.

Through these questions, they are looking forward to learning more about you!

Advice from current students

“I think it’s best to relax and focus on being your most genuine self. That’s it! If you can do these two things, you’ll succeed at showcasing your unique traits and achievements. The supplementary application is not meant to be intimidating. Rather, it’s a chance to introduce yourself in a way not possible using only a transcript.”

“Practice, practice, practice! Being comfortable with the presentation format will go a long way! Also, do a variety of questions (ex. what are your strengths, who do you admire…etc.). Exposing yourself to different questions will help you prep better for any questions you might come across!”

“Dress to impress! Dressing up in a professional manner will put you in the right state of mind to take the application seriously; it will change everything from your posture to your fast reflexes and thinking on the spot!”

“Take a deep breath! It isn’t something you need to exhaustively prepare for, do your best responding to the questions and you’ll do great! Try and answers the questions with evidence from your life  experiences- extracurriculars, in school, and even day-to-day activities.”

McMaster University | Faculty of Science Q&A

Learn about the McMaster Faculty of Science and their seven first-year programs and opportunities available to future undergraduate students. Your questions will be answered by faculty, staff, and students! 

Date: Nov. 25

Time: 8–9 p.m. EST

Register here.

PSAT Scores 

The PSAT/NMSQT, which most students treat primarily as an easier practice version of the SAT, serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program (applicable if you are an American citizen). The PSAT has been a digital adaptive exam, just like the SAT, since 2023.

According to the College Board, the average PSAT score is about 920, while a score between 1210 and 1520 lands you in the top 10 per cent of test takers. This converts to a predicted SAT score between 1310 and 1570. You can convert your PSAT score to its SAT equivalent using this PSAT to SAT conversion tool. Use the tool to get an idea of how much you’ll need to prepare for the SAT. But remember, there’s no guarantee that your PSAT score will be similar to your SAT score.

For an excellent score, you really want to bump your score as high up in the percentile ranking as you can. The average SAT score for admitted students at highly selective colleges/ universities is about 1550, so you want to be aiming for a PSAT score that puts you around 1490.

PSAT scores: the basics

Though the PSAT and the SAT contain the same number of questions on the same concepts in the same amount of time, the highest possible SAT score is 1600, while the highest possible PSAT score is 1520. That's because a student's PSAT score is intended to be predictive of their SAT score, but the PSAT is less difficult and thus not comparable in score ranges above 1520.

A student's total PSAT score is made up of two section scores, each ranging from 160-760: 

• a Reading and Writing section score

• a Math section score 

Just like the digital SAT, the digital PSAT is adaptive. To more efficiently arrive at a student's score, each section of the exam is split into two modules. A student's performance on that first set of questions determines the difficulty level of the questions they see in the second module.

PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses a slightly different score—called a "Selection Index" score—to determine who qualifies for National Merit Scholarship Program recognition and scholarships.

Your Selection Index score is calculated by doubling your Reading and Writing score, adding that value to your Math score, and dividing that sum by 10.

For example, if you achieve a PSAT score of 1460, with section scores of 750 (RW) and 710 (M), you can calculate your Selection Index score by doing the following:

(750x2) + 710 = 2210

2210/10 = 221

This means that Reading and Writing scores carry greater weight than Math scores do when translating a total score to a Selection Index score. A student who earns a 1460 but with a 710 in Reading and Writing and a 750 in Math will end up with a Selection Index score of 217, four points lower than when the section scores were reversed.

National Merit cutoff scores

Less than 1% of PSAT test-takers become National Merit Semifinalists. Because the number of semifinalists in each state is determined by that state’s percentage of high school seniors nationwide, qualifying National Merit scores vary by state. Qualifying scores also vary from one year to the next, but major fluctuations are not common, so the previous year's cutoff scores will give you a general sense of the goal score you should be aiming for.

A Selection Index score of 221 would qualify a student for National Merit Semifinalist status in most states, but some states required higher scores, including Massachusetts, with a cutoff of 222, and New Jersey, with a cutoff of 223.

Year 12 scholarships

Schulich Leader Scholarships

All Year 12 students interested in studying STEM at a Canadian University should explore the Schulich Leader Scholarships. UCC can nominate 1 student. Schulich Leader Scholarships are Canada’s most coveted undergraduate STEM scholarships. One hundred are awarded to entrepreneurial-minded high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program at 20 partner universities across Canada. Half are valued at $120,000 for engineering scholarships and half are valued at $100,000 for science and math scholarships. Schulich Leaders exemplify academic excellence and an entrepreneurial mindset (demonstrating leadership, charisma and creativity), with strong consideration for financial need.

If you are interested in being nominated, please submit a one-page letter to Ms. Lopez by Monday, Dec. 2 at 8:30 a.m. explaining why you would make an excellent nominee for the scholarship and outlining how you meet the criteria that the scholarship committee is seeking (please refer to their website to gain more in-depth information about the scholarship).

Babson College Weissman Scholarship

Year 12 students interested in Babson College are encouraged to explore the Weissman Scholarship Program. The Weissman Scholarship Program provides four-year, full-tuition scholarships plus financial support for scholars to develop their unique talents and pursue their personal passions. Weissman Scholars at Babson College are leaders who already enjoy distinction in their schools and communities. They have earned grades in their secondary school that place them among the top students in their programs. They have demonstrated a passion for intellectual, creative, and entrepreneurial pursuits, and have a vision for how Babson and the Weissman Scholarship Program can help further dreams, for themselves and the world. 

Selection for the Weissman Scholarship is based on the following criteria: 

• Academic excellence and intellectual passion

• Great distinction in leadership activities

• Strength of vision for how their goals can be fulfilled at Babson with the support of the Weissman Scholarship Program. 

Applications are due on Feb. 1 and more information can be found on their website.

Washington University in St. Louis Signature Scholar Programs

All Year 12 students interested in applying to Washington University in St. Louis are encouraged to explore the Signature Scholar Programs. There are three different scholar programs, so explore the website for more details on eligibility for each one. Any UCC student who is eligible and feels like they are a good fit based on the scholarship criteria can apply through the common application. 

St. Lawrence University Canadian Scholars Program

All Year 12 students interested in applying to St. Lawrence University are encouraged to explore the Canadian Scholars Program. The Canadian Scholars Program seeks students who have excelled academically and demonstrated leadership in some compelling way in their communities. This leadership may be school-related, service-related or any other avenue in which the student has invested substantive time. The scholarship value for the Canadian Scholars Program ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 USD per year, with four-year total values of $100,000 to $200,000 USD. Any UCC student who is eligible and feels like they are a good fit based on the scholarship criteria can apply. Interested students are encouraged to speak with their university counsellor for more information. 

The UBC Beyond Tomorrow Scholars Program assists Black Canadian students who are transitioning to UBC from secondary school or another postsecondary institution. The purpose of the program is to financially support academically qualified students who show an interest in joining and contributing to the UBC community at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, but who would not be able to attend without significant financial assistance. Through the program, new students can access renewable awards of up to $80,000. To be considered students must self identify as Black (African, African-American, African-Canadian, Afro-Caribbean), be a strong academic student, have financial need and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person in Canada. Applications are due by Dec. 1. 

Merit Scholarships at Vanderbilt 

Year 12 students who are applying to Vanderbilt University are encouraged to explore the merit scholarships offered. Each year Vanderbilt awards merit-based scholarships to applicants who demonstrate exceptional accomplishment and intellectual promise. These students represent the top 1 per cent of all first-year applicants to Vanderbilt, and with the limited number of merit scholarships available, the selection process is very competitive. Vanderbilt has three signature merit scholarships and interested students are encouraged to check out the website and speak with their university counsellor to learn more. Applications are due on Dec. 1. 

Boston University Trustee Scholarship

Year 12 students applying to Boston University are encouraged to explore the Trustee Scholarship. In addition to exceptional academic credentials, Trustee Scholars are intellectually and creatively adventurous and demonstrate viewpoints, experiences or achievements beyond the usual. They are, in other words, not just top students, but extraordinarily well-rounded individuals. At BU, Trustee Scholars become part of a unique campus community that offers many intellectual, cultural, and social opportunities. Trustee Scholars rank at the top of their classes and demonstrate exceptional leadership in their schools and communities. The Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory undergraduate student fees for four years if certain criteria are met. To be considered, students must submit their application for admission to BU with one Trustee Scholarship essay by Dec. 1. More information about the Trustee Scholarship can be found on the website. Interested students are encouraged to speak with their university counsellor.