Canadian University Application

The four well-known global university rankings are QS World University Rankings, US News World University Rankings, THE World University Rankings, and ARWU World University Rankings. Let’s take a look at the features of these rankings.

QS World University Rankings: Click here to view the rankings

The QS World University Rankings are published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based international education consultancy. One key feature of QS rankings is the “Employer Reputation” indicator, which is not present in other rankings. This metric is derived from a survey of employers worldwide, collecting data over five years to rank universities based on their reputation among local and international employers. This further evaluates the university’s impact and employability. Many HR professionals refer to QS rankings when making hiring decisions.

US News World University Rankings: Click here to view the rankings

The U.S. News World University Rankings were first published by U.S. News & World Report on October 28, 2014. This ranking is based on ten indicators, including academic quality and international reputation, to determine the best global universities. It serves as a scientific reference for students worldwide to choose their ideal university.

THE World University Rankings: Click here to view the rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings place a strong emphasis on teaching, research, and citations, with these factors accounting for 90% of the ranking. This ranking gives significant weight to a university’s teaching and research capabilities. Since THE originates in the UK, it offers a more detailed and specialized assessment of UK-based universities, making it particularly valuable for students interested in studying in the UK.

ARWU World University Rankings: Click here to view the rankings

The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Rankings, was first published in 2003 by the Center for World-Class Universities at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. ARWU is the first comprehensive global university ranking. Among these major rankings, ARWU focuses most on research output and academic papers. If you are at the doctoral application stage and plan to pursue an academic career, the ARWU rankings will be helpful no matter which country you aim to study in.

For Canadian undergraduate university rankings, we can also refer to Maclean’s Magazine, which publishes rankings specifically for Canadian universities and is one of the more recognized rankings within Canada.

As the saying goes, “What suits you is the best, and what you love is what suits you.”

Choosing a university major is very important, and the method for selecting a major varies from person to person. If you don’t yet have a strong preference for a particular major, you can try the following approaches to help make your decision.

1.First, understand your interests and strengths

As the saying goes, “Interest is the best teacher.” You need to carefully think about what interests you and where your strengths lie. Reflect on what major would allow you to tap into your passion and skills. If you study something you love and can utilize your strengths, the learning process will be more motivating and enjoyable.

2.Next, consider future employment prospects

Regardless of the major, everyone hopes that their degree will help them find a good job in the future. This is a practical consideration. Some less common majors may sound unique and cool, tempting you to try them, but they may have very limited job opportunities in the future. Of course, this isn’t to say you should only choose a major based on job prospects, but it’s important to make a well-rounded decision when selecting a major, one that will benefit you the most in the long run.

3.Consider the university and the major as a whole

Many students may have already shortlisted a few universities they are interested in when choosing their major. It’s important to note that every university has its flagship majors, but some majors may not be highly ranked within the same institution. For example, a student might be drawn to a university’s top psychology program, but they are not particularly interested in psychology, while they are more interested in biology, which is not highly ranked at that university. Should you choose the prestigious university or the well-ranked program? This is a decision that requires careful thought.

4.Personality tests for major selection

Not all majors are suitable for every personality. Some majors are ideal for outgoing and optimistic students, while others are better suited for meticulous and methodical students. Each student has a unique personality, and using scientific methods to measure it might give you new insights into which major fits you best.

5.Seek feedback from other teachers and students

Advisors are familiar with various universities and programs because they interact with students regularly. Asking for their advice will give you a clearer understanding of the major you’re considering. If you’re particularly interested in a specific major at a certain university, try reaching out to upperclassmen in that program to hear about their experiences. Listening to their feedback can give you more perspectives to help you make a better-informed decision.

Types of institutions

Teaching resources (including: faculty quality, student-to-teacher ratio, facilities)

Campus life

Alumni network

Geographical location

Major options

The paid internship program, also known as the Co-op Program, is very popular at some universities, such as the University of Waterloo. Most programs offering Co-op are practice-oriented, with very few theoretical programs offering this option. Therefore, we recommend that students who focus more on academics may choose not to opt for Co-op, while students in more practical fields may benefit from the Co-op option.