We want to understand your personal situation and what has led you to our program. In this way, we can better determine whether this program is right for you. You must type or handwrite a statement to tell us about yourself. Personal statements are typically 1-2 pages in length. Include the following:

1. your current life situation;
2. why you want to study at university;
3. the educational, social, financial and/or personal difficulties that may have acted as barriers to your qualifying for entry to university in the usual way;
4. what has prompted you to consider university at this time;
5. the skills you bring; and
6. your career interests and how they will be enhanced by a university education.

Consider who knows you well and can best speak to your personality, skills, and preparedness for an academic program like TYP (preferably other than a relative). Examples of suitable referees might include a counsellor, teacher, member of a community organization, coach, or religious leader. Each letter should help us to understand what skills and qualities you have that will help you to succeed at university.

Cover pages for reference letters are included in the application form. Provide a cover page to each of your referees. Ask your referees to write a reference letter on your behalf.

Reference letters can be sent directly to the Office of Admissions by your referee or placed in a sealed envelope and submitted with your application.

Although your previous record in education is not a criterion for admission to this program, we require an official transcript from your high school (normally having completed some grade 11) and from any postsecondary educational institution that you have attended. If a transcript is unavailable, please include a note telling us why.

How to obtain your high-school transcript
There may be a small charge to order a copy of your high school or postsecondary transcript. For privacy reasons, the request for a transcript must come from you. Contact or visit the school directly for further information. The school is required by law to ask for proof of who you are (e.g. birth certificate, driver’s license) before providing a copy of your transcript. Ask them to place your transcript in a sealed envelope and then attach this envelope to your TYP application.

This form provides us with your personal information, educational background (in brief), employment history, the names of your references and contact information. You are encouraged to include any additional information that you believe will strengthen your application.

Proof of Status
Applicants who are non-citizen Permanent Residents of Canada or Convention Refugees will be required to submit proof of status from the Canadian government before being eligible to participate in this program.

Submit your application to:
Office of Admissions
(Transition Year Program)
Bennett Centre for Student Services (third floor)
York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, On M3J 1P3

The deadline to apply is May 1.