Independent Studies | University of Waterloo

Admissions Requirements

To be admitted to Independent Studies, you must satisfy the general admission requirements for the University of Waterloo. You must also:

demonstrate the ability to do academic work at the university level
demonstrate the motivation to work on your own
have a study goal that can be carried out at the University of Waterloo

When to Apply

You may begin your studies in September, January, or May.

If you're a high school student, apply no later than mid-December if you want to start university the following September. However, applications submitted later may still be considered if space is available.
If you're a student at another university or a mature student, or if you're already enrolled at the University of Waterloo, ensure that we receive your application at least six to eight weeks before the term begins.

How to Apply

If you're applying from high school or another university, apply to the University of Waterloo through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

If you've been out of school for several years, you may meet the criteria for mature student admissions to the University of Waterloo. Contact the IS Program for more information and consult the Arts Mature Students Office.

If you want to transfer into Independent Studies from another program at the University of Waterloo, complete the PLAN MODIFICATION form found at the web site for the UW Registrar's Office.

http://www.registrar.uwaterloo.ca/forms/index.html

The ADMISSION contact for Independent Studies at the Registrar's Office is:

Julie Pocock, Admissions Officer

Registrar's Office, Needles Hall 2020
University of Waterloo

200 University Aveneue West

Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1

519.888.4567 Ext 36479

email: jpocock {at} uwaterloo {dot} ca

Send your IS application to Julie Pocock

Required Documents

You are also asked to send us the following documents:

An autobiographical letter describing your educational experience, your reasons for wanting to enter Independent Studies, and an outline of your study goals. You don't need to detail your study goals, but you should have some idea of what you intend to do.
Letters of reference from two or more people who know your work and can attest to your ability to study independently.
Academic transcripts from any school, college, or university you've attended. (Omit transcripts if you are currently enrolled at the University of Waterloo.)

Interviews

Once we receive your application form(s) and documents from the Registrar's Office, our IS Admission Committee members review your application. If you are invited for an interview, we notify you by email of the date and time of your interview with the Independent Studies Admissions Committee. The committee consists of several professors and a representative from the Registrar's Office. You can expect questions that focus on what you've said in your autobiographical letter.

The interview has two purposes:

to assess whether you're suited to Independent Studies and
to decide whether Independent Studies will help you achieve your academic goals

Whether you're accepted or not, the Committee members will advise you on your best course of action. If you wish, you may bring examples of your academic or artistic work to the interview.

The Committee members will tell you their decision on the day of the interview, unless you're applying as a high-school student. In that case you'll be informed of the Committee's decision when all other Ontario high school students are notified of their acceptance to university programs.

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