Planning For Admission To University of Waterloo: WISS Grade 12 UEP
WISS Helps Students Get Accepted To Their University
Of Choice
In 2013, Waterloo Independent Secondary School (WISS) was founded and registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education. WISS is a private, Canadian university preparatory school for students in grades 7 - 12. WISS strives to prepare students for the universities they want to attend, including the University of Waterloo.
At WISS, our specially designed programs and curriculum provide students with an enriching educational environment and boast a very high rate of admission to a number of distinguished universities, including the University of Waterloo.
For the WISS Class of 2021, 40% were accepted into the University of Waterloo, 30% were accepted into the University of Toronto, and 25% were accepted into other universities such as McMaster, Western, and more.
The Grade 12 University Express Program (UEP)
Preparing Students For Admission To The University of Waterloo
Most grade 12 students already know, or at least have a good idea about the university schools and programs they would like to attend. Grade 12 students are just one year away from attending university and will need to be prepared for admission tests, exams, and additional requirements that universities expect.
At WISS, our University Express Program (UEP) ensures that grade 12 students meet all of the necessary admission requirements in order to be accepted into top universities, such as the University of Waterloo. Our specially designed University Express Program prepares students for university right from the start of their experience through an excellent curriculum, extra-curricular activities, contests, and English language development.
Why choose the University of Waterloo?
The University of Waterloo is an excellent Canadian university that consistently ranks #1 in a variety of areas. In 2022, McLean’s ranked U Waterloo:
#1 most innovative university
#1 for experiential learning
#1 for computer science
The University of Waterloo also has a large community of international students, with 22% of undergrads and 40% of graduate students being international. Many of our WISS graduates feel that the programs and atmosphere at the University of Waterloo are an excellent fit for them.
Your grade 12 student may also be wondering what happens after graduation. The University of Waterloo has an excellent success rate for graduates who complete their undergrad degrees. For example, looking at the Applied Health Sciences graduates of 2020:
51% were attending post-graduate school
44% were starting their career
The University of Waterloo is the #1 school that WISS students were accepted into in 2021. As WISS is located in Waterloo, attending this university means that students will be able to stay close to their established communities in the area. As your grade 12 student would have only recently moved to Waterloo, attending the University of Waterloo means they can stay in their newly established community. Not only that, but the University of Waterloo is a world-class university that offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees including engineering, mathematics, science, health, and arts.
Questions & Answers For Parents
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No! Students who are entering grade 12 can still have a fulfilling time at WISS. WISS provides all of our students the opportunity to learn English, gain a better understanding of Canadian culture, and generally be prepared for life at a Canadian university.
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Applying to WISS is easy - we understand that parents are busy, and want to ensure the application process is as smooth and simple as possible. Before applying, you will need:
Official school transcript(s)
Application and registration fees
Language assessment
Online interview completed
If you are interested in applying and would like to learn more, you can read more about International Student applications or applying as a Canadian student here.
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Although grade 12 students are among the older students attending our school, it can still be a challenge adjusting to life away from home, especially in a new country!
For some students, attending WISS may be the very first time they are away from home for a long period of time. WISS ensures that students have safe and comfortable housing through residence housing and homestay options.
Option #1: Residence
WISS offers residence housing, which is a safe and secure way for students to enjoy their stay while they are away from home. The student residence is located in a wonderful and safe community just minutes away from the school campus.
Option #2: Homestay
WISS also offers students a homestay option, where WISS arranges for students to live with a local family. Every family is carefully screened and approved by WISS before they are paired with a student. The homestay program allows for a warm and friendly “home away from home” experience.
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Students are provided with an excellent curriculum that meets all of the admission requirements of top universities. While attending the UEP, students will be prepared for a number of exams, including:
SAT exams
IELTS exams
TOEFL exams
AP exams
It is extra important for grade 12 students to be prepared for these exams, as they may be required to take them before or during the application process to their chosen universities.
Preparation for these exams may be crucial for university admission depending on the programs your child is applying to.
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From 2018 - 2020:
40% of WISS graduates were accepted to the University of Waterloo
35% were accepted to the University of Toronto
10% were accepted to McMaster University
10% were accepted to Wilfrid Laurier University
5% were accepted to other universities including Queen’s University, Western University, Ryerson University, and more.
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Our school facility in Waterloo, where your grade 12 UEP student will study, offers a wide range of benefits.
Our modern school building is filled with natural light and provides students with a great range of different spaces to study, create friendships, and simply enjoy their time in our child-friendly school environment.
As our campus is located in Waterloo, it provides students with an opportunity to get connected deeper into the community here, which is a great benefit if they are planning to attend the University of Waterloo upon graduation.
On-campus, we also offer:
A library
Safe and fun play spaces
On-campus garden
Trails and parks within close walking distance from the campus
Students will enjoy a wide range of spaces to quietly study, connect with their peers, and enjoy having fun.
Preparing For The University of Waterloo?
Learn How WISS Can Help.
It is never too late to apply to WISS. We are excited to see your grade 12 child thrive in our University Express Program. WISS is committed to helping all of our students thrive and attain their educational goals. We understand that as parents, you may have questions about what sending your child to an international school may look like - and the staff at WISS are happy to chat with you and answer any questions you may have.
