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University prep is such a journey!

My high school years revolved around finding a school and a program that fit both my lifestyle and personality. Thinking back to grade 12, sitting in front of my computer, reaching out to other students, and having meetings with my guidance counsellor feels like it was just yesterday. I was excited yet nervous about my decision, thrilled about studying abroad but also questioning if I could really adapt to such a different life.

Now, I鈥檓 in my 4th year of Marketing Management at TMU, loving my final year of university life, and working my way toward a corporate job in another country for my fun 20s!

There are so many things I wish I knew before applying to university that would鈥檝e made my transition smoother.

I鈥檝e always wanted to create social media content and thought everything related to social media fell under the umbrella of Marketing. That鈥檚 what sparked my interest in this field. Along the way, I learned more about the specifics of the Marketing Management program through chats with current students and my guidance counsellors. Marketing Management helped me dive into customer psychology and trend analysis, while the Media Production focus on social media leaned more toward content creation. Over time, I realized I enjoyed the analytical side of Marketing more, which is why Marketing Management felt like the best fit for me.

Helpful tip: on every TMU undergraduate program page, there鈥檚 a section that lists possible career paths. I really recommend checking that out when you鈥檙e exploring what鈥檚 right for you.

When I first applied, my mindset was simple: I want to be a millionaire. I leaned toward programs that I thought would lead to high-paying jobs. Before settling on Marketing and social media, I actually considered Accounting and Finance. But honestly, it overwhelmed me. So, I took time to reflect. 鈥淐ould I really spend the next 40鈥�50 years dealing with numbers and financial reports?鈥� The answer was a big no.    

I鈥檓 the type of person who would spend all my savings traveling and getting involved in creative and fun projects. I鈥檇 rather study something that keeps me passionate and excited to go to work every morning.

The key is to find something that fuels your motivation, something that makes you want to wake up at 7 a.m. and work until 5 p.m. because you enjoy it.

If you鈥檙e unsure which program piques your interest, you can attend webinars hosted by the International Events team that covers specific program features by connecting you with students and professors.

It鈥檚 never too early to start preparing your application. If you have to submit answers to essay questions or a portfolio, get started now. Talk to advisors and students from the schools you鈥檙e interested in as they can give you valuable insight.

Early application is strongly encouraged. The application deadlines for each program may differ depending on what time of the year you鈥檙e applying. Being well-prepared ahead of time gives you a strong advantage over other applicants.

Scholarships vary by program in terms of amount, duration, eligibility and selection criteria. Give yourself time to reflect on your applications and keep up with the scholarship application deadlines. Even small financial awards can make a huge difference in the long run, so if you鈥檙e eligible, go for it! For TMU scholarships including entrance awards, make sure to check out the list of scholarships and awards open to international students.

If English isn鈥檛 your first language, the language barrier can show up not just in academics but also in everyday life. If you鈥檙e not exempt from submitting English language test results, choose the proficiency test that suits you best. It helps you meet the requirements and gives you a chance to practice your English before starting university.

Mastering the language will take you far. Of course, TMU has great resources to help with the transition, but nothing compares to entering this new chapter feeling confident 鈥� both mentally and physically. You also have the option of studying with the English Language Institute where you can take a pathway program so you can meet the language requirements to directly enter an undergraduate program at TMU. 

As my university journey nears its end, I still vividly remember the excitement, nerves and worries from those days of preparing applications. If there鈥檚 one thing I鈥檝e learned and one thing I hope you remember when applying to TMU, it鈥檚 that you鈥檝e got this.

Make your TMU application your own by focusing on what truly matters to you and don鈥檛 worry about making it perfect. That will really help you stand out. Everyone鈥檚 path looks a little different, but what matters most is showing that you鈥檙e ready to grow, learn and contribute to the TMU community.