Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get an application?

There is no paper form of the application.

Students apply to Vanier College on-line through SRAM at http://sram.omnivox.ca.

Application admissions guides are available through high school guidance counsellors or on-line at SRAM.

How does the SRAM application process work?

SRAM acts as a clearinghouse for applications to Vanier College. Processed applications are forwarded to the college for evaluation.

Vanier College conducts 3 evaluation periods or “rounds” for the Autumn semester and 2 for Winter admission.

Decisions for 1st round applicants to the Autumn semester are mailed late March or early April, and in late November for Winter admission.

For more information, check the SRAM website at www.sram.qc.ca.

Can I check the status of my application?

You may check the status of your application by going to http://sram.omnivox.ca and following the prompts.

What if I miss the March 1st deadline?

You can still apply but you will be considered for the next round. Round 2 is the third week of April and the third round is the end of May. The vast majority of spaces are filled on the first round.

If I have new or corrected marks or want to submit an additional document after the deadline, where do I send it?

If it’s one or two days after the deadline, send it to SRAM by fax. If it’s later, send it to the Admissions Office by fax 514 744-7113.

Are the Sec. 4 marks important?

Yes! They are part of the overall/prerequisite average, diploma requirements and contain essential information about your academic performance in courses such as English, Math and Science.

For the current Sec. 5 year, do you consider each term’s results?

When your profile is sent by SRAM to the College, it has only the summary marks, not the individual terms. This is true for all three rounds so if you have improved in the third term we will see the new summary.

What are the CFS and MGS?

The Cote finale du Secondaire is a ponderated (weighted) average based on your marks but in relation to your program choice. The Moyenne générale au Secondaire is your straight overall average of Sec. 4 and 5. We consider both in the admissions decision with usually greater emphasis on the CFS.

Will I need testing in English if I go to a French school?

If the Sec 4 and 5 Anglais marks are between 75% and 84% and the overall    academic record is competitive, then we will ask you to be tested in English proficiency at the College in early March (Round 1) or late April (Round 2). A positive test will allow us to then evaluate you for admission. A negative test or lower Anglais marks will result in a refusal for that Round. Some accepted students will take remedial English. If your Anglais marks are strong and you are accepted, you will take only an English placement test along with the other accepted students from the English sector.

When will I get a decision on my application?

Fall Admission Deadline: All decisions for Round 1 have to be made in March. If you are accepted you will receive your letter from the College no later than mid-April. If you are refused, your file is returned to SRAM (although we keep your profile) which will then send you a letter with information about Round 2. Decisions for Round 2 are in early May and for Round 3 in mid-June. Spaces are very limited in the 2nd and 3rd Rounds.

Please keep in mind that we are unable to give decisions over the phone.

Why would I be refused?

There may be one or more reasons for refusing you (SRAM will not be specific). For example:
Your CFS and/or your overall average is too low; your prerequisites are weak or missing ; your English or Anglais marks are too low; you did not do well enough on the English admissions test; you are failing French or Français; you failed or are failing other essential courses i.e. you are at risk in achieving your Diploma; depending on your program choice, you did not compete well in the audition or interview; the number of spaces in your program choice did not allow us to accept all qualified applicants; your program choice is inappropriate (eg you have already attempted the prerequisites and so do not qualify for Explorations). There is a period after each Round when you can call the Admissions Office to discuss your application. We are also available before you apply!

If I’m accepted and have to confirm by the deadline but I’m still waiting for a decision from another college, what do I do?

Pay by the deadline!  We have to cancel those who don’t. If you choose not to register at Vanier, you will get a partial refund. However, since it is not fair to others, we urge you not to hold two places.

Once I have submitted my application, can I change my program choice?

If you decide that you would like to change your program choice prior to the deadline date, you simply log on to the SRAM electronic application and click on “Modify My Choice”. If you decide after the deadline, you may submit a request to us at admissions@vaniercollege.qc.ca.

Can I change my program after I’m accepted?

Yes, you can ask for a program change and be evaluated immediately if the program is still open. The sooner you ask the better (ie between the first two Rounds) since 2nd Round applicants will fill up most remaining spaces. Sometimes a decision will not be made until after the final results in July.

What are the different Explorations programs? If I’m weak in one or more prerequisites, am I eligible for Explorations?

Explorations 2 (081.B1 PR1) is a probationary one semester program for about 60 students who have an overall average slightly weaker than  expected for a DEC program and would benefit from additional help at the College. It does not permit taking prerequisites such as Math. If successful, this student can transfer to Transition in the second semester to take prerequisites.
Explorations 5 (081.B1 PR2) is for students needing (and never having taken) Sec. 4 Math and Science prerequisites for a Science or technology program. These students must have good marks in the Math and Science they do have and be otherwise competitive for the intended program. If successful, a request to remain in Explorations (ie transfer to Transition 081.B3) to take further prerequisites may be made. Note: students needing only Math should apply for Social Science.

If I fail a prerequisite, can I transfer to Explorations in August or January?

No!  You can ask for Math in Social Science, a science “hors programme” at late registration, or take the course(s) through adult education.

Can I be accepted to a program if I’m missing a prerequisite?

Sometimes a competitive (strong) student can be accepted on condition that the missing course is successfully completed  in the summer. This is particularly true for some technologies. You need to indicate to us in your application or by e-mail that you definitely intend to take the course either at the College or through a high school.

If my Math or science marks are weak, can I still be considered for Science?

 If one of your Math, Physics or Chemistry marks is no less than 67% and your Sec. 4     marks in Math and Science are stronger, you may apply but with the understanding that final placement is done in July.  If two or all three of the prerequisites are weak, it is a good idea to choose another program and ask for a transfer in August if the final marks are much better.

What is Science Access?

Science Access is for a small group selected by Admissions and the Science department who were accepted (usually) in the Spring to regular science but whose marks dropped and now need HSG level in all three courses and must achieve at least 70% to progress in Science in the Winter.

If my Math 506 is less than 65%, can I apply for Commerce?

It is recommended that you apply for Social Science with Math. You can ask for a program change before Registration if your mark improves. If you are accepted to Commerce but your Math in July is lower than expected, you may be transferred to Social Science with Math or, if you fail Math 506, to Social Science.

Can I transfer my program in January?

You can ask for a program change by November 1st. The form will be online and the decision is usually made in January once the Fall results are evaluated. The Sec. 5 results are also considered for the new program. Explorations and Science Access students must submit a transfer request. Most technology programs are not open in the Winter.

If I’m refused on Round 1 but my April report (showing improvement!) will not be available in time for Round 2, should I apply anyway or should I wait for Round 3?

If you are refused because of weak prerequisites, it is better to apply in Round 2  for a program without such prerequisites. If you are refused  for overall academic weakness or a negative English test result , it may be better to skip Round 2 and wait until Round Three  or apply to a different college for Round 2. You may call the Admissions Office before the Round 2 deadline to ask what is best for you.

What happens if my Sec. 5 Relevé marks are lower than in the Spring?   What if I fail a prerequisite?

When we review your final Sec. 5 Relevé, we will make program changes or revoke admission if necessary. For programs where there are no prerequisites, we will not usually alter the program even if some marks are lower than when you were accepted. See # 12,15,16. Technology students failing a prerequisite would be offered Social Science or another Arts program. If you are revoked but then succeed  through supplemental exams or a summer course in time to register (mid-August), you may be reinstated in your program or offered another if space permits.         

What if I’m not in town for Registration?

Registration (course selection) is online and can be done anywhere. However, there is a mandatory College Information Session in August and English/French placement tests may be done at that time. Since school starts the third week of August, it is always recommended that students be in town by the second week of August.

Is it possible to apply to a technology program in the Winter semester?

Vanier’s 3-year technology programs in Building Systems Engineering Technology (BSET) 221.C0, Computer Science Technology 420.A0 & Industrial Electronics 243.CO are available in the Winter semester.