NEW for 2023 – Applicant Diversity Census

The 101 and 105 applications for the 2023 cycle feature a series of questions about applicant diversity in the Personal Information section of the applications.

The purpose of the Applicant Diversity Census is to:

  • assist in the implementation of equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
  • ensure that the universities are recruiting and selecting classes representative of the Canadian population.
  • address barriers to a university education.

The Census gives applicants the opportunity to self-identify their ethnicity, religion and/or spirituality, sexual orientation and disability and/or impairment by responding to 4 questions. If an applicant chooses not to provide this information, they can select the “Prefer not to answer” response option available for each question.

The universities may use an applicant’s answers to:

  • identify any unconscious bias or systemic racism in the admission process and to monitor any programs implemented to address any bias.
  • inform the applicant of specific programs, services or supports available to equity-seeking groups, in an effort to improve the availability of a university education for equity-seeking communities.
  • support the admission process. Examples include, but are not limited to, making offers of admission and awarding scholarships.

Expanded Gender Options

As part of the Applicant Diversity Census, we have expanded the options for the Gender field in the Personal Information section of the 101 and 105 applications. While the Gender Identity question is a required question, applicants may select the “Prefer not to answer” response option if they choose not to provide their gender identity.

Due to the sensitive nature of this information, gender will no longer be provided within the Application Information section and the Board Applicant Status Report available in COLS.

You can view the Applicant Diversity Census questions and the expanded Gender Identity response options through your school’s 101 test application as of October 2022.