Growth of first choice applicants twice that of market
First-time January science applications encouraging

TORONTO, February 4, 2005 --  For the third consecutive year York University has had an increase in the number of secondary school applicants for September who designated York as their first choice says Sheila Embleton, Vice-President Academic. Most significantly, she added, York’s increase in share of first choice applicants was twice that of the market -- increasing 5.2 per cent versus a 2.5 per cent increase for the rest of the market. The figures were released by the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC).

Embleton also noted this growth in applications builds upon a substantial  increase over last year’s applications for admission to the January 2005 term. Enrolment in the Faculty of Science’s first January admissions was especially encouraging.

“York now has an 11.2 per cent market share of the total number of first choice Ontario high school applicants (8,189 out of a total of 72,968),” says Embleton, adding, “We are very pleased that more high school students are making York their number one choice for university. It is also extremely positive that the increased preference for York is shared across all of our undergraduate faculties.”

This year’s increase builds on the significant increase in market share experienced last year.  Over the past two years York has seen its market share move from 9.1 per cent in 2003 to 11.2 per cent in 2005.

Embleton noted that many other universities also experienced growth in applications – but not necessarily market share.  Specific information on applications to each university may be found at www.ouac.on.ca . 

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city.  The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 180,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 faculties and 21 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries.  This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges.

 

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For more information, the media should contact:

George McNeillie, York U Media Relations, 416-736-2100 x22091 / gmcneil@yorku.ca