Homeschoolers Welcome At University Of Ottawa? Admissions Requirements Explained

The University of Ottawa does accept homeschooled students. The university evaluates homeschooled applicants on an individual basis. While homeschooled applicants are not required to have the usual six 4U- or 4M-level courses associated with the Ontario high school diploma or equivalent, they must meet the required admission average. For programs requiring specific grade 12 mathematics or science prerequisites, homeschooled applicants must have completed the equivalent course through standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or AP exams. In addition to these requirements, homeschooled applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their educational history and why they are interested in attending the University of Ottawa. This statement should include a summary of their homeschool experience, the length of their homeschool study, and their future goals and career aspirations.

University of Ottawa's admissions policy for homeschoolers

The University of Ottawa does accept homeschooled students. The university evaluates homeschooled applicants on an individual basis. While homeschooled applicants are not required to have a high school diploma, they will have to present alternative credentials for admission.

The University of Ottawa requires homeschooled applicants to submit a personal statement describing the educational plan they followed to prepare for university studies over the last two years. This could include a transcript of grades from grades 11 and 12, which may be graded by an independent homeschooling agency or the applicant's parent(s). Standardised testing results, such as the SAT, ACT, or AP exams, may also be required for certain programs.

In addition to the above, homeschooled applicants must meet the University of Ottawa's admission requirements, including minimum averages and prerequisite courses for their chosen program. The university recommends that applicants check these requirements before applying.

The Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents (OFTP) suggests that homeschooled students approach the universities they are interested in attending to determine if they accept homeschooled students and what the criteria are for admission. The OFTP has compiled a list of Canadian universities and colleges that have admitted or are willing to consider admitting homeschooled students, which includes the University of Ottawa.

Homeschoolers' application requirements

Homeschoolers Application Requirements

The University of Ottawa evaluates homeschooled applicants on an individual basis. If you are applying without a high school diploma, you will need to present alternative credentials for admission.

Homeschool applicants do not need to have completed the six 4U- or 4M-level courses that are associated with the Ontario high school diploma or equivalent. However, for programs requiring specific grade 12 mathematics or science admission prerequisites, you must have completed the equivalent course through standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, AP exams or 4U-level courses from an accredited Ontario high school, or their equivalent from another province.

Please note that the requirements listed are minimum requirements only and are subject to change. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Before applying, make sure you meet the admission requirements. Check minimum averages and prerequisite courses for your program.

You can apply as early as mid-September for the following fall term. While most programs accept applications for admission until June 1, some programs have different deadlines. Check the deadlines and available programs.

For some programs, you may have to provide additional supporting documents or pass an audition or exam.

If you have been studying in Canada for less than three years, you might have to provide us with your official results in one of the following University-approved language tests. We reserve the right to request the result of a language test at any time, if necessary.

In some programs, you can apply to the Co-operative Education Program or French Immersion Stream. Just indicate your choice on the application form.

You will need an admission average of 80% to be admitted to the Co-op program. Joining a Co-op program is entirely up to you and has no impact on admission decisions.

You must pay application fees for all admission applications. Visit the OUAC website to find out which fees you need to pay.

You can apply online through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC). On the form, declare all current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your current application. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.

As part of your application, you will need to submit a personal statement in which you describe the educational plan you followed to prepare for university studies over the last two years. For example, you may have studied a provincial or other home-school curriculum. Please also describe your extra-curricular activities.

Your personal statement could include a transcript of grades indicating all subjects taken and grades earned from grades 11 and 12. These may be graded either by an independent home-school agency or by the applicant's parent(s).

Standardized Testing Results (such as SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP Exams, etc.), if taken. These are optional depending on your choice of program.

Transcripts submitted through uoDoc are not considered official. If you are admitted, you must submit your official transcript with final grades. An official transcript must be printed and stamped with an official seal and sent by the institution in question, or a copy certified by a notary, lawyer or commissioner of oaths.

The University of Ottawa may request any other document necessary to evaluate your file. All documents become property of the University and will not be returned to applicants. You are responsible for ensuring that we receive all requested documents by the deadline.

Homeschoolers' alternative application routes

The University of Ottawa does accept homeschooled students. They evaluate home-schooled applicants on an individual basis. The University of Ottawa does not require homeschooled applicants to have the usual six 4U- or 4M-level courses that are associated with the Ontario high school diploma or equivalent. However, for programs requiring specific grade 12 mathematics or science admission prerequisites, you must have completed the equivalent course through standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, AP exams or 4U-level courses from an accredited Ontario high school, or their equivalent from another province.

• Complete the GED and submit proof of completion: The GED (General Education Development) is a group of four subject tests that, when passed, certifies that you have high school-level academic skills.
• Apply as a mature student: If you are 21 years of age or older, you can apply as a mature student.
• Submit a transcript showing homeschooled grades: Along with your transcript, you can include a letter explaining that you have been homeschooled and your reasons for wanting to attend a particular university.
• Obtain a high school diploma through an accredited program: There are accredited programs, such as the Independent Learning Centre (ILC) in Ontario, that offer high school courses and allow you to obtain a government-issued high school diploma.
• Take standardized tests: Many universities accept homeschooled students who have taken standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or AP exams. These tests can demonstrate your academic achievement and readiness for university-level studies.
• Apply to universities with special admissions policies for homeschoolers: Some universities, such as the University of Regina, have special admissions policies for homeschoolers. They may have specific requirements, such as submitting a transcript of your homeschooling program, writing a letter outlining why you want to attend university, or achieving a certain score on the SAT.
• Gain entrance as a mature student: If you are 21 years of age or older, you can apply to universities as a mature student. The criteria for admission as a mature student may be different from the requirements for students under the age of 21.

Homeschoolers' application personal statement

The University of Ottawa does accept homeschooled students. However, they evaluate homeschool applicants on an individual basis. While homeschooled applicants do not require the usual six 4U- or 4M-level courses, they must present alternative credentials for admission. For instance, for programs requiring specific grade 12 mathematics or science admission prerequisites, applicants must have completed the equivalent course through standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, or AP exams.

Educational Plan:

Describe the educational plan you followed to prepare for university studies over the last two years. For example, you may have studied a provincial or other homeschool curriculum. Explain how your homeschool experience has equipped you with the necessary skills and knowledge for your chosen program at the University of Ottawa.

Extra-curricular Activities:

The University of Ottawa asks applicants to describe their extra-curricular activities. This is your opportunity to showcase any clubs, volunteer work, sports teams, or other activities you participated in during your homeschool experience. Discuss any leadership roles or significant contributions you made and how these experiences have shaped your interests, skills, and personal growth.

Standardized Test Scores:

If you have taken any standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or AP exams, you may include these scores in your personal statement. Strong test scores can enhance your application and demonstrate your academic readiness for university-level studies.

Transcript of Grades:

Your personal statement can include a transcript of grades from grades 11 and 12. These grades can be graded by an independent homeschool agency or by your parent(s). Be sure to provide a clear and detailed breakdown of the subjects you studied and the grades you achieved.

Unique Experiences as a Homeschooler:

As a homeschooler, you may have had unique learning experiences that differ from traditional school settings. Emphasize the benefits of your homeschool education, such as personalized learning, self-motivation, or the ability to pursue your passions and interests. Reflect on how these experiences have prepared you for the university environment and your chosen field of study.

Remember to tailor your personal statement to the specific program you are applying to at the University of Ottawa. Highlight how your homeschool experience has developed the skills and qualities they are looking for in their students. Be authentic and let your unique voice shine through!

Homeschoolers' application timing

Homeschoolers can apply to the University of Ottawa as early as mid-September for the following fall term. While most programs accept applications for admission until June 1, some programs have different deadlines. It is recommended that homeschooled students approach the university they are interested in attending well in advance to determine if they accept homeschooled students and what the criteria/policies are for acceptance.

The University of Ottawa evaluates homeschooled applicants on an individual basis. Homeschooled applicants without a high school diploma will need to present alternative credentials for admission. They do not require the usual six 4U- or 4M-level courses that are associated with the Ontario high school diploma or equivalent. However, for programs requiring specific grade 12 mathematics or science admission prerequisites, homeschooled applicants must have completed the equivalent course through standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, AP exams, or 4U-level courses from an accredited Ontario high school, or their equivalent from another province.

The University of Guelph considers applications from homeschooled applicants on an individual basis. Admission decisions are based on academic achievement and all applicants must meet the required admission average. Homeschooled applicants must provide individual assessments in the required subjects for their program(s) of interest. The following assessments are accepted:

4U/M courses (accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education). The 4U/4M courses may be completed in any combination of correspondence, online learning, night school, or day school.

Required courses at the Grade 12/senior level completed through an accredited institution.

Approved courses from an accredited college or university.

Official exam results as well as official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended are required.

In addition to the above assessments, homeschooled applicants must submit a personal statement outlining their educational history and why they are interested in attending the University of Guelph. The statement should include a summary of their homeschool experience (e.g. curriculum), the length of their homeschool study, and their future goals and career aspirations.

Frequently asked questions