Lakehead has 12.6% jump in student applications

Lakehead University is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of applications from Ontario high school students received to date compared with the number of applications received at this time last year.

While the province as a whole is showing an increase of 2.4% in applications this year, Lakehead University has increased by an impressive 12.6% — making it the university with the highest increase in the province of Ontario.

Lakehead has experienced a 41% increase in applicants from Barrie, a 39.5% increase from Newmarket, and a 12.9% increase from Orillia,” says Dr. Kim Fedderson, Orillia Campus Dean. “A significant portion of the increase can be attributed to the creation of two new majors – Criminology and Media Studies – within the Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science program at the Orillia campus.”

“We are also getting a great deal of interest in our Bachelor of Administration program and our Honours Bachelor of Commerce program,” he adds.

As well, changes within the Faculty of Natural Resources Management – particularly the creation of the Honours Bachelor of Environmental Management program – have started to build momentum.

The figures were released Jan. 16, 2012, by the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).

“These preliminary figures are exciting and confirm that the strategies and policies we have been pursuing over the past year are working,” says Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson.  “More students are considering Lakehead University because of its comprehensive array of programs in Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences and Humanities.”

Factors that likely account  for this year’s rise in applications include: new academic programs; new marketing initiatives targeted to Northwestern Ontario, Simcoe County and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA); modifications to Lakehead University’s recruitment efforts; and increased profile due to Lakehead University’s new Faculty of Law.

Andrea Huillery, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, attributes the rise in applications to many factors including Lakehead’s increasing focus on the reputation of its academic programs and the success of its students and alumni. Both the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, she says, received significant increases in applications, including first choice applications.

These figures represent application numbers based on the Jan. 11, 2012, OUAC deadline for Ontario high school students to apply to an Ontario university. As such they represent the bulk of student applications.

Lakehead University is continuing to accept applications.  For more information visit www.mylakehead.ca/ or call 1-800-465-3959.