First-year applications to Queen’s from Ontario high school students for this fall are up 14 per cent from this time last year, compared to a 2.3 per cent province-wide increase.

Applications from self-identified Indigenous students have increased by 26 per cent, applications from self-identified first-generation students are up 19 per cent, and applications from international students are up 11 per cent.

As of Jan. 15, Queen’s has already received more than 45,000 applications for just over 4,700 spaces in direct-entry, first-year undergraduate programs across all faculties and schools. Among all applicants, more than 4,000 have completed the new equity self-identification form. Applications remain open through Feb. 1.

“The application increases reflect the continuing strength of our programs, as well as the amazing work of our recruitment team, who have transformed all outreach and recruitment activities due to the ongoing pandemic,” says Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney. “It is encouraging to see how many prospective students are keen to move forward with their academic and career goals in the uncertain global environment we are all navigating. While we have seen application increases across many programs, one program seeing significantly increased interest across the province and at Queen’s is Nursing. The inspiring work of our front-line health care workers in confronting COVID-19 may be having an effect on program interest among the Class of 2025.”

Building on successful virtual outreach programs from last spring, Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment (UAR) revamped its fall recruitment programming, which traditionally focuses on in-person events and tours, to reach university-bound prospective students. Virtual outreach has broadened the university’s reach - parents, families, counselors, and education agents can easily attend online events from anywhere in the world.

“This has been a great learning experience for us,” says Christopher Coupland, Executive Director, UAR. “The virtual aspect has allowed us to expand our recruitment efforts to parts of the world where we are not able to travel in person. While we do miss meeting prospective students in person, we have been very excited by the high level of participation in our online events.”

Recruiters are working across global time zones. They have held over 500 real-time online events to date, ranging from virtual visits, webinars, and online domestic and international fairs. This outreach also includes specific events aimed at first-generation and Indigenous students and their families and supporters.

Recruiters and student ambassadors have brought parts of campus to life through social media outreach on Instagram and Facebook, by connecting with students online, showing photos and videos that detail the campus and Queen’s services. UAR has produced new self-guided and student tour guide-led tour videos; a new 360 virtual tour of the campus will launch soon.

“The innovation, collaboration, and participation of units, faculties and schools and current students across campus in support of our fall recruitment efforts have been one of the largest benefits to our programming,” says Allison Yokom, Director of Undergraduate Enrolment, UAR. “To students, families/guardians and counsellors, we are the face of Queen’s, generating excitement and building connection to the community that we are passionate about.”

Answers to common questions that have arisen as a result of the pandemic are covered on an applicant FAQ webpage, and a new guidance counsellor resource page.

For more information about Queen’s admissions, including the new Commitment Scholars and Commitment Bursaries, visit the Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment website.