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Canadian vs. US Universities: Which Is Easier to Get Into?
18/10/2024•20 minute read
Are you considering studying in North America but unsure whether to choose a university in Canada or the US? The admissions landscape can vary significantly between the two countries, affecting your chances of acceptance. In this blog, we’ll explore the question: Which is easier to get into? We’ll cover important factors like admissions selectivity, the application process, and how the education systems compare, helping you make an informed decision for your academic journey.
Education System Comparison: US vs. Canada
Before we delve into the application process, let's compare the education systems of the US and Canada. The primary difference between US and Canadian institutions of higher education has to do with their vocabulary. This will be important for you to keep in mind, depending on what kind of certification you’d like to graduate with!
In the US, the word “college” typically refers to any institution which will grant you a degree at the end of your period of study. Largely, these are 4-year programs, where you’ll start with a broad exposure to a variety of subjects and disciplines, and can declare a major from your second year onwards.
On the other hand, Canada offers 2 types of degrees when it comes to higher education. There are academic degrees, which you can earn from public, private or liberal arts universities. The structure of this tends to resemble the British system, where you’ll choose your major at the beginning, but are welcome to explore a range of courses and disciplines. These programs can be up to 3 or 4 years long, but this depends on your aspirations to attend graduate school!
However, for a more holistic path that takes into consideration vocational skills, you have the option to study at a college to earn a diploma or applied degree! This might be worth considering if you’re particularly entrepreneurial, and want to focus on building your repertoire of skills alongside academic rigour.
To help you better understand the nuances of each system and make an informed decision, we will be looking at the application process for studying in the US and Canada, starting off by listing the top universities in both countries.
US vs Canada Universities: A Ranked Overview
Here’s an overview of the best schools in the US and Canada, along with their latest rankings!
Rankings of US and Canadian Universities
| QS World Ranking | Name of University – US | QS World Ranking | Name of University – Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 25 | University of Toronto |
| 4 | Harvard University | 29 | McGill University |
| 6 | Stanford University | 38 | University of British Columbia |
| 10 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 96 | University of Alberta |
| 11 | University of Pennsylvania | 115 | University of Waterloo |
| 12 | University of California, Berkeley | 120 | Western University |
| 16 | Cornell University | 159 | University of Montreal |
| 21 | University of Chicago | 176 | McMaster University |
| 22 | Princeton University | 189 | University of Ottawa |
| 23 | Yale University | 193 | Queen’s University at Kingston |
Scroll down in the table to see more
The Overall Application Process: US vs Canada
A key point of difference between the US and Canada lies in the application process. Here’s a quick overview of the differences in the process, which we’ll also explore in more detail!
Application Process Overview: US vs Canada
| US | Canada |
|---|---|
| Choose a university you’d like to attend. | Choose a major you’d like to study, and the university which would be the best place to do so. |
| Begin your application – while some universities do make use of the Common Application, others will require you to apply individually, so do make sure to always check the deadlines and requirements! Here are the documents you’ll want to have ready: -Personal and family information: basic details like name and address, as well as information about your parents’ educational and occupational backgrounds -Your official academic transcripts (IB, A-Level, or GPA) -English language qualifications: TOEFL, IELTS: may not always be necessary, be sure to check for exemptions on individual institution’s websites! -Standardised test scores: Typically either the SAT or ACT, if you’ve taken them! -An overview of your extracurricular activities/volunteering -Personal statement: a short essay on who you are, and why the particular university/program is of interest to you -Supplemental essays: Typically used by universities that rely on the -Common App to help assess your fit with their programs or culture. This will differ between institutions, so do make sure to review each university’s requirements! -Letters of recommendation | Begin your application – there is no centralised portal, so you’ll have to apply to each institution individually. You’ll want to make sure you check the deadlines, and have the following documents ready: -Your official academic transcripts (IB, A-Level, or GPA) including prerequisite subjects for specific courses -English language qualifications: TOEFL, IELTS: if necessary, check exemptions on individual institution’s website -Standardised test scores: unlike the US, these aren’t always necessary in Canada, but schools like the University of Toronto do require them. -An overview of your extracurriculars/volunteering: this depends on the nature of your program, and may not always be necessary! -Letters of recommendation from your teachers -A personal statement: again, may not always be necessary, so do check your course admission requirements! |
| Begin your application for an F-1 student visa. Try to start as early as possible, as processing times can vary depending on demand! | Begin your application for a study permit. Try to start as early as possible, to give yourself a wide berth of time and avoid last minute panic! |
Scroll down in the table to see more
Admissions Selectivity
As mentioned earlier, the US and Canada look out for different things when it comes to their admissions selectivity. The US tends to favour the holistic candidate, as you’ve seen in their university’s requirements for personal statements, letters of recommendation, and emphasis on extracurricular activities. On the other hand, Canada’s academic-focused admission system tends to resemble that of the UK and Singapore.
You might like to weigh these differences alongside your own background and disposition, to figure out which might be the best fit for you! For instance, if you thrive in a rigorous academic environment that prioritises grades, Canadian universities may appeal to you due to their merit-based approach. Conversely, if you’re passionate about extracurricular activities and leadership roles, the US system might be a better fit, as American universities can foster well-rounded applicants who demonstrate academic excellence alongside involvement in extracurricular pursuits.
Application Process: The Common Application vs Provincial Applications
As you might expect, the US and Canada also have very different approaches when it comes to their admissions systems!
For instance, about 900 colleges in the US tend to make use of the Common Application (commonly referred to as the Common App) to streamline their admissions process. As a result, you’ll be able to use it to apply to multiple institutions simultaneously, which might help you save some time! Given that it’s a standardised process, it’s also likely to be more accessible to international students, such as yourself. That being said, a portion of schools – such as MIT and the University of California System – do not use the Common App system, so it’s always best to double check the requirements of your chosen institution!
In brief, here are the components of the Common App:
- Test Scores: You’ll enter your test scores for the SAT, ACT, IB, or TOEFL/IELTS (for non-native English speakers here). Not all schools will require that you sit for the SAT or ACT, but there has been a trend towards it in recent years.
- Extracurricular activities: In this portion, you’re welcome to detail your experience and involvement in extracurricular activities, whether that be through clubs and societies, or even part-time work. This is a great opportunity to show off your leadership skills, and make yourself stand out from the crowd!
- Essay: The Common App issues a series of unique questions and prompts each year for the incoming batch of students to answer. This is your opportunity to craft a thoughtful and compelling narrative that demonstrates your growth and eagerness to learn.
- Supplemental essay: Many universities that use the Common App also put forth additional essay requirements, in order to assess your academic suitability for their institution. Given that this will happen on a case-by-case basis, be sure to review each university’s requirements carefully to determine whether you might need to do this!
Canada, however, adopts a fairly distinct, decentralised approach. The Canadian system makes use of provincial application portals – such as the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) or EducationPlannerBC – so you’d have to access them based on the location of your institution. Once you’ve chosen the corresponding portal, you simply have to make an account, and provide the school with your contact information and a copy of your academic transcripts. As highlighted in the table above, some universities may ask for additional information to get to know you a little better, so do keep an eye out for that.
Navigating university applications in the US and Canada can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone! Our Crimson advisors are here to guide you every step of the way, whether you need help with the Common Application or navigating Canadian portals. Contact us today to get started!
Extracurriculars and Personal Essays
While extracurricular activities can enhance your application for a Canadian university, they are considered more of a bonus rather than a central requirement. On the other hand, they are pivotal when it comes to crafting an application for schools in the US. This is mainly because universities in the US tend to prize individuals who are well-rounded and can prove their commitment to intellectual curiosity. Here, what makes you stand out is showing you’ve gone above and beyond merely participating in a project or organisation. Another way to approach this might be to write in-depth about your extracurricular experiences in your personal essays. In this way, the personal essay can be harnessed as a crucial opportunity for you to speak directly to your admissions officer about your experience, and its relevance. Ultimately, universities want to understand how you’ve contributed to the communities around you, as a means of assessing your potential value in their institution’s ecosystem!
Standardised Testing
As emphasised throughout this blog, Canada’s approach to the application is focused on your academic transcripts. Though some schools – such as the University of Toronto – do require proof of standardised testing in your application, the majority of them are happy to accept your A-Level, IB, or GPA scores as proof of your academic suitability.
Some US universities, on the other hand, require that you have taken either the SAT or ACT. As an international student, taking these tests might be helpful as they provide a familiar metric for your admissions officer to assess your readiness for the curriculum. However, not all schools mandate that you must take these tests, so be sure to determine whether this is necessary for you!
Cost and Financial Aid
Studying abroad as an international student is never a cheap endeavour, and institutions across the US and Canada recognise this. As a result, there are a number of financial aid and scholarship programs available for your consideration, should you feel they might be necessary or beneficial!
Comparison of Tuition Fees
| Course of Study | US | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelors of Engineering | At MIT, this will cost you $85,960 USD. | At McGill, this will cost you $66,424 CAD. |
| Bachelor of Arts | At Columbia, this will cost you about $92,742 USD. | At the University of Toronto, this will cost you about $80,000 CAD. |
| Bachelor of Law | At Yale, this will cost you about $103,579 USD. | (with Juris Doctor) At McGill, this will cost you $66,176 CAD. |
Unlike US universities, where each institution has its own financial aid office and dedicated schemes, Canada’s universities tend to offer financial aid through the government, or student loans. International students keen on earning their degrees in Canada can apply for the Canada International Scholarships, or the Canada Student Loan program. However, the eligibility laws for the latter may differ from province to province, so do make sure to check in on that, depending on your preference of institution!
As for the US, the extent of financial aid will differ on a case by case basis, but there are broadly 2 types of scholarships available:
- Need-based: In cases where a student’s family cannot provide the full fee contribution, the student can submit their supporting documents (e.g bank statements) to the financial aid office at their university of choice.
- Merit-based: An alternative to need-based scholarships, students who are high-achieving scholars, athletes, or community leaders may consider applying for merit-based scholarships instead. However, the process for this will vary depending on your school of choice, so do check your eligibility criteria on the specific financial aid website!
Beyond these 2 types, there are also issue-based scholarships available, which may pertain to you if your interests lie in matters such as sustainability or gender representation!
Finally, let’s look at some of the top reasons you might consider studying in either the US, or in Canada!
Reasons to study in the US
- Academic Excellence: The US is home to 10 of the top 30 universities in the QS World University Rankings. This holistic approach evaluates factors such as research reputation, graduate employability, and a burgeoning international community.
- Boundless Options: With over 4,000 universities, the US offers diverse choices—from the Ivy League to specialised liberal arts colleges like Amherst and Swarthmore. This variety allows students to find the perfect fit for their ambitions.
- Diverse Experience: US universities feature an exciting campus life, emphasising community and social engagement. Students can join clubs, societies, and live in university residences, enhancing both academic and social skills through diverse peer interactions.
- Flexible Curriculum: The US education system promotes a loosely structured, interdisciplinary curriculum. In the first two years, students can explore core courses across various subjects before choosing a major. They are encouraged to take electives to foster intellectual curiosity.
- Career Opportunities: Studying in the US opens doors to global networking. Business clubs and career fairs serve as gateways to roles in prestigious companies like Google and Apple, which often run exclusive recruitment programmes for graduates. A degree from a top US university also enhances prospects for academic or professional advancement.
Reasons to Study in Canada
- Cost Effective: A university education in Canada is generally more affordable than in the US, costing approximately $50,000 to $65,000 CAD depending on the course. Check individual institutions for specific fees.
- Academic Priority Admissions: Canada's merit-based admissions system is similar to those of UK and Singaporean universities, placing emphasis on academic performance. This approach advantages students from rigorous academic backgrounds, demonstrating their potential as strong candidates.
- A Melting Pot: Canada is an official bilingual country (English and French) and hosts diverse immigrant communities, including Mandarin and Punjabi speakers. It welcomes 120,000 international students annually, with top universities like the University of Toronto, McGill, and University of British Columbia located in major cities, offering a vibrant metropolitan experience.
- Viable Post-Graduate Options: International graduates from Canadian universities qualify for a Work Permit allowing them to stay and work for up to 3 years post-graduation. This can be a pathway to Permanent Residence.
- High Quality of Life: In 2024, Canada ranks 11th on the Global Peace Index, known for its welcoming attitude towards international students and immigrants. The International Education Strategy (IES) supports these students in their journey to Canada.
We hope you found this post helpful in comparing universities and application processes in the US and Canada! Ultimately, the decision depends on what aligns best with your ambitions, strengths, and interests. Remember, university is just the first step on your journey to success, and we're here to support you every step of the way!
Want to better understand the admissions landscape for Canadian and US universities? Our team at Crimson Education is here to provide you with the insights you need! Book a free consultation, and we'll discuss how to strengthen your applications and navigate the process with confidence.
