My analysis of publicly available information from the Ontario University Application Centre show that Wilfrid Laurier’s applications increased this year by 2.5%. They had 3.1% more students choosing them as their first choice, a whopping 6.8% selected Laurier as a second choice and for a further 1.9% Laurier was a third or lower option.
So what’s the problem? Well according to the Ontario University Application Centre data, the confirmations or acceptances decreased by 2.5%. Therefore, the net effect was 5% less acceptances than the previous year. This fact likely led to members of the admissions team digging deeper into to the applicant pool to meet their enrolment targets.The problem with this strategy is that Wilfrid Laurier’s reputation will suffer not only for this year and 2012 but in the distant future. Furthermore, although the averages were significantly higher for a few other degrees, all programs will probably be held to the same negative standard. It truly becomes a vicious cycle and it will take a Herculean effort to turn this trend around.
Although this article focused on one university, I’m sure there are others in similar situations. But so far, they are not airing their dirty laundry in public.When you consider your university choices pay attention to the university’s reputation because it can affect your employability; especially when the negative reputation is as a result of lower admission standards. No one wants to go to “last chance university.”
But I do, however, want to stress that you want to go to the best university that will accept you. Your options will vary if you have a 95%, or an 80% or a 73% average. Choose wisely! But more importantly, get the highest possible marks in Grade 12.
