Step 2: Application Review
This is the second step in a three-step application process. Make sure you complete Step 1: Applying on Navigator before you continue.
The application review process consists of a review of your grades, your resume and an admission interview.
Once we receive your application and determine if you have met the minimum GPA requirement, you may be granted an admission interview.
In this step, you will find information about:
Admission Interview Status
In August, we will begin offering admission interviews to applicants seeking admission to Arts Co-op, Business and Economics Co-op, and Science Co-op in 2021.
Admission Interviews
To qualify for an admission interview in the fall of your second year, your first-year marks must meet the minimum GPA, depending on your program.
Until further notice, all admission interviews take place online, using video conferencing software, as a physical distancing measure in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please arrange to have access to the Internet and to a device with a webcam for your admissions interview. You will find a link here to instructions on using MS Teams for your admission interview.
Selection of candidates is based on four categories (weighted equally):
- work experience in the last three years*
- volunteer service and extracurricular activities in the last three years
- academic record in your first year at Laurier (GPA)
- performance during the interview
Note: We recognize that all recent candidates for admission have been affected by the global pandemic. We compare candidates with each other, not with candidates in previous years.
*We will give consideration to students who were able to secure paid employment, in a safe environment, during the summers of 2020 and 2021. If you were not able to find employment at some point, please be prepared to tell us how you spent your time. We want to hear about courses and volunteer work, and about any skills or knowledge you gained and that you could apply to co-op jobs.
How to Apply or Prepare for Admission Interviews
Attend an Information Session
If you are a first-year student at Laurier, you may be wondering whether co-op is right for you. Find out by attending an online information session about the co-op admission process. You will learn whether you are eligible to apply, when and how to apply, where to find information about the minimum grade point average, and what you can do to prepare for the admission interview.
Visit the Career Centre's events calendar for Waterloo to register for the session for students in your program.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Arts and Science
If you are a first-year student in Honours Arts or Honours Science, attend an online information session about co-op at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021.
Business and Economincs
If you are a first-year student in the BBA or Honours Economics program at Laurier, attend an online session about co-op at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021.
If you are unable to attend, please view this recording of the webinar about Business and Economics co-op. Access Passcode: y6I1v17^
Computer Science, Data Science, Applied Water Science, and PEP
If you are a first-year student in Computer Science, Data Science, or Applied Water Science, attend an online information session about co-op at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021. (If you are a second-year student in Computer Science, you may also attend to learn about admission to the Professional Experience Program.)
We will post new slide shows and recordings of the webinars online after the sessions.
Additional Resources
You are welcome to search online for other resources that can help you prepare for interviews.
We are not able to conduct mock interviews with students preparing for admission interviews, and neither are staff members in Laurier's Career Centre.
Schedule an Admission Interview
If you are granted an interview in 2021, we will send a message to your Laurier email with instructions for you to schedule a timeslot for your interview. You will then receive a confirmation of your appointment time.
Make sure you schedule your timeslot within three days of receiving your email message or you will not be guaranteed an interview timeslot. We thank you for your patience, as staff members review hundreds of applications.
Complete the Sequence Form (BBA Students)
If you are in the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, you must indicate which sequence of work and study terms you prefer.
Review the BBA Work Sequences Options before you complete the introductory statement so you are prepared to select the best choice for you. You will not be allowed to change your sequence preference choice after we have offered you admission to co-op, so please consider your options carefully.
Complete an Introductory Statement
You will receive a link to the introductory statement and a request to upload your resume to Navigator.
Upload your resume, and review and complete the introductory statement at least three business days before your admission interview.
Check for Admission Decisions
We announce admission decisions in late September for students in arts, science and user design and in early October for students in business and economics. We announce decisions in early January for students in computer science, data science, and applied water science.
Resume Submission
Make sure the Co-op Office receives your resume at least three business days before your admission interview is scheduled to take place. For example, if your interview is on a Monday, you must complete the introductory statement and upload your resume by the previous Wednesday.
Guidelines
- Your resume must be in PDF format and follow the sample resume format for your program.
- Provide as much detail as possible in two pages, along with an additional third page that includes your photograph.
- Include the following because we will not interview candidates who do not provide this information on their resume:
- the name and contact information for each employer listed on your resume
- a statement verifying that the information is accurate
- a photo of yourself on a third, separate page for our files
How to Submit Your Resume
To submit your resume, you must complete the introductory statement that will be emailed to you when you schedule your admission interview. You will be asked to upload your resume after you agree to the introductory statement.
Changes or Resubmissions
If you need to resubmit/change your resume, email it to coopadmissions@wlu.ca and indicate it is an updated resume submission, your interview date, and full name.
Resume Examples
In 2020, students prepared resumes based on the following formats. In 2021, these formats may change. Make sure you check for the updated formats on this page.
If you are admitted to co-op, we will have you follow a different format when applying to co-op positions.
Sample Resume: Arts and Science
Hanna Volga
Local:
401-22 Bricker Street
Waterloo, Ontario
N2L 3T4
(519) 887-1234
volg1234@mylaurier.ca
Permanent:
72 Borden Road
Aberfoyle, Ontario
N1H 2L0
(519) 624-5678
Employment Skills
- Fluent in French and know basic Spanish
- Demonstrated leadership ability while teaching canoeing at a camp
- Proficient in Word, PowerPoint and Photoshop
Education
Wilfrid Laurier University, Honours Bachelor of Arts Program, Waterloo, Ontario
2019 - present
Major: Communication Studies
Centennial Collegiate, Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Guelph, Ontario
2015 - 2019
French Immersion Certificate
Experience
The Bay, Sales Associate, Waterloo, Ontario
January 2020 - present; 10 to 15 hours/week during the school year
Contact: Ms. Parvati Sharma, Manager, 519.555.9870, parvati.sharma@hudsonbayco.ca
- Assist customers with purchases of women's clothing
- Operate computerized cash register
- Arrange attractive merchandising displays
Camp Tawingo, Camp Counsellor, Huntsville, Ontario
July - August 2019 and 2020; on duty 24 hours/day
Contact: Mr. Jeff Swift, Recreation Director, 705.222.0101, jswift@tawingo.ca
- Provided instruction in tennis to children aged 7 to 15
- Planned and coordinated weekly games nights for entire camp
- Supervised a group of eight girls on site and during canoe trips
Tim Horton's, Server, Guelph, Ontario,
September 2018 - June 2019 and September 2017 - June 2018, 15 to 20 hours/week
Contact: Mr. Robert Starkey, Franchise Owner, 519.123.4567, rstarkey@timhortons.com
- Provided courteous service to customers
- Prepared sandwiches, wraps and beverages
- Operated a cash register
Volunteer Experience
Wilfrid Laurier Students' Union, Foot Patroller, Waterloo, Ontario
September 2019- present, 4 hours/week
- Promote safety by escorting students, staff and faculty to their destinations
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Guelph and Wellington, Fundraiser, Guelph, Ontario
2018 - 2019; 3 to 6 hours/week
- Participated in sales, auctions and bingo games to raise funds for the agency
Scholarships and Awards
- Dean's Honour Roll, 2020
- Ontario Scholarship for achieving an average of 86% in six Ontario Academic Courses, 2019
- Rotary Award for athletics, leadership and academic achievement, 2019
- Principal's Honour Roll for achieving an average of at least 80% throughout high school
Activities
University
- Member, Communications Students' Association, Sept. 2019 to present
- Group Leader, Laurier French Club; organize weekly sessions for members to converse in French; January 2020 to present
- Staff writer, Cord Weekly student newspaper, 2019-2020
- Play intramural soccer and basketball
High School
- Vice-President of Students' Council, grade 12
- Advertising representative, school yearbook, grades 11 and 12
- Member of drama club, grades 11 and 12
- Class Representative, grades 11 and 12
- Trumpet player in jazz and marching bands, four years
- Captain and member, basketball team, four years
By submitting this resume, I verify that the information in this resume is accurate and factual.
Sample Resume: Business and Economics
Jose Venza
Local:
401-22 Bricker Street
Waterloo, Ontario
N2L 3T4
(519) 887-1234
volg1234@mylaurier.ca
Permanent:
72 Borden Road
Aberfoyle, Ontario
N1H 2L0
(519) 624-5678
Employment Skills
- Fluent in French and Spanish
- Displayed attention to detail while preparing invoices at Smith Co.
- Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Related Experience
Smith Company, Purchasing Clerk, Guelph, Ontario
January - April 2019, high school co-op, 15 hours/week
Contact: Ms. Jana Cremasco, Accounting Manager, 519.444.7890, jcremasco@smithco.ca
- Ordered and received parts and supplies
- Prepared invoices and recorded payments using computerized system
- Completed bank reconciliations and made deposits
- Wrote correspondence, answered telephones and filed documents
Other Experience
Camp Tawingo, Camp Counsellor, Huntsville, Ontario
July - August 2019 and 2020; on duty 24 hours/day
Contact: Mr. Jeff Swift, Recreation Director, 705.222.0101, jswift@tawingo.ca
- Provided instruction in tennis to children aged 7 to 15
- Planned and coordinated weekly games nights for entire camp
- Supervised a group of eight girls on site and during canoe trips
Cole's Gardens, Landscaper, Stoney Creek, Ontario
June - August, 2018; 8 hours/week in June; 37.5 hours/week July and August
Contact: Mr. Craig Cole, Owner, 905.111.8899, colesgardens@gmail.com
- Planted and pruned trees and shrubs
- Operated a tractor mower
Volunteer Experience
Wilfrid Laurier Students' Union, Foot Patroller, Waterloo, Ontario
September 2019- present, 4 hours/week
- Promote safety by escorting students, staff and faculty to their destinations
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Guelph and Wellington, Fundraiser, Guelph, Ontario
2018 - 2019; 3 to 6 hours/week
- Participated in sales, auctions and bingo games to raise funds for the agency
Education
Wilfrid Laurier University, Honours Bachelor of Business Administration Program, Waterloo, Ontario
2019 - present
Centennial Collegiate, Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Guelph, Ontario
2015 - 2019
French Immersion Certificate
Scholarships and Awards
- Dean's Honour Roll, 2020
- Ontario Scholarship for achieving an average of 86% in six Ontario Academic Courses, 2019
- Rotary Award for athletics, leadership and academic achievement, 2019
- Principal's Honour Roll for achieving an average of at least 80% throughout high school
Activities
University
- Member, Accounting Association; coordinate and promote tours of accounting firms, January 2020 to present
- Finance Representative, House Council, September 2019 to present
- Play intramural soccer and basketball
High School
- Vice-President of Students' Council, grade 12
- Advertising representative, school yearbook, grades 11 and 12
- Member of drama club, grades 11 and 12
- Class Representative, grades 11 and 12
- Captain and member, basketball team, four years
By submitting this resume, I verify that the information in this resume is accurate and factual.
Sample Resume: User Experience Design
Emily Rodriguez
555 Hesperler Road
Cambridge, Ontario
rodr4531@mylaurier.ca
226.879.6542
Portfolio: emrodwebsite.ca
Skills and Tools
- Excellent customer service skills from experience as a Sales Associate with H&M
- Proven ability to collaborate and work well in a team in winning first place at the NXNE Hackathon
- Demonstrated aptitude for creative design from work as a freelance graphic and website designer
- Sketch • InVision • Photoshop • Illustrator • Axure • CSS
Projects and Achievements
UX Researcher, IT Services, City of Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, 2019 (Course Project)
- Worked with a team of UX researchers to assess the services provided by the City of Hamilton through their website
- Collaborated with the City the Hamilton to understand the stakeholder requirements
- Conducted on-site as well as industry research
- Developed and presented recommendations for website and service improvements
First Place Winner, NXNE Hackathon, Toronto, ON, 2020
- Achieved first place with a team of three students in the UX category at a full day hackathon
Work Experience
Freelance Graphic and Website Designer, Cambridge, Ontario, January 2017 – August 2020
Contact: Mr. Craig Cole, Owner of Start-Up Inc., 905-111-8899, ccole@startup.ca
- Created graphics for websites for multiple companies
- Acted as the web content specialist for Start-Up Inc. as well as creating graphics for a social media campaign
Camp Counsellor, Camp Tawingo, Huntsville, Ontario, June – August 2019; on duty 24 hours/day
Contact: Mr. Jeff Swift, Recreation Director, 705-222-0101, jswift@tawingo.ca
- Planned and coordinated weekly games nights for entire camp
- Supervised a group of ten girls in the cabin and during canoe trips
- Provided instruction in swimming and boat safety for children aged 7 to 15
Contact: Ms. Parvati Sharma, Manager, 519-555-9870, parvati.sharma@h&m.ca
- Assisted customers with purchases of clothing
- Operated computerized cash register
- Arranged attractive merchandising displays
Volunteer Experience
Foot Patroller, Laurier Brantford Students' Union, Brantford, Ontario, September 2019 – April 2020, 3 to 6 hours/week
- Promoted campus safety by escorting students, staff and faculty to their destinations
Event Coordinator, Canadian Cancer Society, Cambridge, Ontario, 2017 – 2018, 6 hours/week
- Participated in planning, organizing and running a Relay for Life event at Galt Collegiate
Education
Wilfrid Laurier University, Bachelor of User Experience Design Program, Brantford, ON, 2018 - Present
- Dean’s Honour Roll, 2019
Galt Collegiate Institute, Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Cambridge, ON, 2014 – 2018
- Principal’s Honour Roll for achieving an average of 80% or higher throughout high school
Activities
University
- Executive Member, User Experience Students Association; organized events and guest speakers, September 2019 to present
- Program Representative, Laurier Open House; provided information to perspective students at the UXD booth during the information fair, November 2019 and March 2020
- Played intramural soccer and basketball, September 2018 to present
High School
- MVP, Senior Girls Soccer team, grade 12
- Vice President of Students’ Council, grade 12
- Advertising representative, school yearbook, grade 12
Extenuating Circumstances
Follow the link below to see the extenuating circumstances we will accept.
We will consider extenuating circumstances that may have an impact on one of the following:
- your performance during the interview
- your marks in first year
- your ability to work
- your ability to participate in volunteer service and extracurricular activities
Note:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global effect on the economy and the labour market, and has therefore had an impact on all candidates. For this reason, we will not consider the pandemic as an extenuating circumstance for any individual student.
- If you became seriously ill with COVID-19, or if you were the primary caregiver for a member of your immediate family (parent, sibling or child) who was ill with COVID-19, you may ask us to consider as an extenuating circumstance the effects of this situation on your marks, work experience, or volunteer or extracurricular activities.
If you would like us to consider your extenuating circumstances during the interview process, send a request to coopadmissions@wlu.ca at least 48 hour before your interview. You must include:
- a written explanation, in no more than 500 words, or one page, of your extenuating circumstances and the impact they had on either your interview performance, your marks in first year, your ability to work, or your ability to participate in volunteer service and extracurricular activities.
- supporting documentation*
- included your name and Laurier student number in the subject line of your email.
*See accepted extenuating circumstances, below, for details on supporting documentation.
Accepted Extenuating Circumstances
Learning Disabilities
A learning disability that your educational institution was unable to accommodate, or that will have an impact on your performance in an interview.
Provide documentation from the Accessible Learning Centre (or from another university, if applicable).
Death in Immediate Family
A death in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, sibling or child) during your first year at university. We will not consider deaths of friends or other relatives, including grandparents, unless they were your legal guardians.
Provide documentation of a death in your immediate family (parent, legal guardian, sibling or child).
Ongoing Chronic, Debilitating, and Serious Health Problem
Please provide supporting documentation such as medical notes and approval of petitions.
Show that you had a chronic health problem in first year that had a serious and ongoing impact on your life or that you had an acute and serious illness that required significant intervention in order for you to complete your first year of university.
We will not consider common illnesses such at mononucleosis, influenza, strep throat or medical conditions related to wisdom teeth or fractured limbs.
Serious and Prolonged Illness that Occured During Your First Year of University
A serious and prolonged illness that occurred during your first year at university. We will not consider common illnesses such at mononucleosis, influenza, strep throat or medical conditions related to wisdom teeth or fractured limbs.
Provide documentation that you received ongoing medical treatment, missed considerable time from classes, and that your ability to submit assignments and write exams was impacted (If at Laurier, include verification such as messages from faculty members and approval of petitions.)Admission Decisions, Feedback and Appeals
If you did not receive an offer of admission and wish to receive feedback from interviewers or appeal the decision, please review Notice of Admission Decisions, Feedback and Appeals (updated Oct. 28, 2020) for next steps.
New: You will find a link to a webinar with information about this year's admission process.