TMU Student Ambassadors Share Their Application Tips!

The end of the fall semester is coming soon, which means one of my favourite times of the year is approaching: the mid-year winter break! Before we get some well-deserved rest for a few weeks, my fellow student ambassadors and I took some time to celebrate the end of the semester and take part in some festive cookie decorating. We also chatted about what we remember about applying to university and would want to share with future Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) students. Keep reading to see what Anj, Eva, Sania and I had to say!

Anj: I chose to apply to Media Production at TMU because I knew that I wanted to do something on or behind the camera. TMU was also my top choice for anything in regards to the subject area, so it was an easy decision. Once I started my first year at the university, I discovered that I wanted to work in journalism more than doing things with cameras and technology, so I chose to pursue a minor in News Studies, which is related to Journalism. I found a love in being on camera. 

Eva: I knew what I wanted to do after school in terms of career choices, but I just didn't know what would get me there. I knew I really liked politics, I liked journalism and social media. That's when I came across Professional Communication (ProCom) at TMU. Completing a minor allowed me to explore all the areas that I liked, and I decided what I wanted to minor in before I even applied for the school. ProCom just opened up a million different opportunities as well. I decided on ProCom and then a double minor in Politics and News Studies as that was everything I liked. I specifically chose TMU because it's really well known within Canada, and our professors are people who work within the field, so that in itself is a huge opportunity and learning experience. The environment at the school is very welcoming and creative. 

Sania: I was really interested in journalism in high school, especially because I enjoy public speaking and writing. My parents really supported me, so I applied to TMU’s Journalism program, which is a really strong reputable program in Canada. When I started here, I found that I was really overwhelmed by all the opportunities that were open to students, and I decided to minor in Professional Communication. It's helped me a lot in ways that I didn't know I needed in terms of applying to jobs, corporate mannerisms and whatnot.  

Jenna: Creative Industries and Journalism were actually the two programs I was interested in when I was thinking about applying to university. I decided to choose Creative Industries because within the program I could complete a module in journalism. In Creative Industries, I get to do business, arts and journalism, which is what I really wanted. Then going into my third year, I also decided to minor in English because I really like reading and writing, and had already taken a number of English classes.

Anj: I kept the pamphlets from all the universities just so I could look at them, and ensure that I was making the correct decision. I also had different folders for each university because depending on what you're applying to, you might have to apply with a portfolio like I did for Media Production. Make sure that you're staying on top of each university’s deadlines and keep them in your calendar. Also check your email and junk mail every single day. I actually found one of my responses in my junk mail! I was searching for it every day, and didn’t realize it was there. 

Eva: I made sure that I had all my documents ready early so I didn't have to stress about that when it came time to apply — I just had everything in hand. As soon as you send your application in, you have to keep checking your email and make sure that you're checking the status of everything, because sometimes things get lost or go to spam. I would even go through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (external link, opens in new window)  (OUAC) and check the status of things to make sure that everything had been submitted and I had all the right documents. 

Sania: The biggest thing is research, then just prioritizing what's important to you. If being in residence is really important to you, you really have to be on top of that. You can also try to see what you can do to go above and beyond. Ask your teachers and managers for reference letters if they’re needed, and try to do things that would differentiate you from other candidates. I also went to the Ontario Universities’ Fair and I got every single pamphlet, even for places that I wasn't initially interested in, because you really never know what might come in handy later. Keep checking your email, your junk folder and the OUAC because sometimes it will update before you get an email.  

Jenna: I just made a list of all the programs that I wanted to apply to, and outlined if they needed any portfolios or other non-academic requirements. Make sure that if you do send in any non-academic requirements, that you make note of the deadlines and submit them on time. Also be on top of other things, like applying for residence and tuition deposit deadlines. In addition to checking my email, I also kept checking the online portals for all the different schools because sometimes you got messaging that wasn't about your application, but that was still important. 

Anj: Once I submitted my application I knew that this was the school for me. I was actually really anxious because it's one of the best programs, but it is also one of the only programs that was accommodating to what I wanted. I was checking my inbox probably every day. Mine also wasn't just a simple application because Media Production is a Grades-Plus program. I had to submit a portfolio and then I had to attend an interview. It was a long process, but honestly it really benefited us in the program because you know you're working with the right kind of like-minded individuals. Once I got my decision I was ecstatic and I screamed out loud. 

Eva: It was a relief. I just did this big thing, but then it was nerve-wracking because it wasn't in my hands anymore. I did everything I could on my end, and now it was just waiting for responses. You can't do anything because at that point the universe is going to decide. The worst was at school when everyone was talking about where they're going. You also want to plan and you want to envision yourself somewhere. So it's not super fun waiting, but it's exciting and you can start envisioning yourself wherever you want it to be. It happens sooner than you think. 

Sania: After I submitted my applications, I did feel very relieved because it's something you’ve likely never done before, and it feels like such a big moment. It's very daunting, but after you submit the application you feel a lot better about it — momentarily. Then while you're waiting to receive decisions you feel very anxious the entire time. I think the worst part is that you can't do anything about it except wait. I was in Grade 12 around COVID time, so I wish that I spent less time worrying and more time actually enjoying my senior year. When I got into TMU, it was a no-brainer and I got very, very excited.

Jenna: I was excited because it was the next chapter in my life and I was ready to go to university, but the waiting game was stressful. It’s exciting, but also nerve-wracking because everyone else at school is also getting accepted and you're just like, “Oh my gosh, when am I going to hear back!” Then, when you finally do hear back, it feels good. I was honestly also a bit scared waiting to hear back, because I wasn't ready to make the decision. So, I was actually still anxious when everybody got back to me. Looking back, I know I made the right decision.

I really enjoyed reminiscing and chatting with my fellow student ambassadors! The cookie decorating (and eating!) was fun too. Good luck with your applications, no matter what stage you’re at now! We hope these tips help you out as much as possible. 

Until next time, 

Jenna