Western's Initiative for Scholarly Excellence (WISE)
Tuition Free University Course!

WISE Application form now available for 2009. Click Here

"The WISE program has been terrific. It has allowed me to explore a subject that I was not able to learn about in high school. I learned the differences between studying and learning styles of high and school and university, and I think it will better prepare me for university. It's helped me learn how to organize my time better as well as the methods in getting good marks in courses which emphasize more high percentage exams rather than a combination of mini-assignments and projects. In this way, it's helped me to deal with highly stressful exams and learn how to do well in them. Since in the psychology course, there are only four examinations and one single big project that constitute my whole mark for the course, I have learned how to distribute my time to focus on specific sections and to retain the knowledge in my brain for the large exams. I think it helped me both to explore a new subject, as well as a different learning environment. Thank you for this opportunity!"
Cathy Yuan, A.B. Lucas Secondary School
WISE Student 2008-2009

"The WISE program provided me with an enriching and positive experience at The University of Western Ontario. I established a productive work ethic, became an enthusiastic participant in class discussions, and was encouraged to further my academic skills. My first day was challenging and intimidating, but the professor and students were very welcoming. Soon I discovered that I thrived in the university; my passions for learning and writing translated extremely well to my class. Through WISE, I gained a half credit and an experience that I will never forget. My professor was more like a coach than an instructor and I continued to develop confidence week after week. After completing my course, I am proud to say that I am attending Huron University College at The University of Western Ontario in September 2009. Thank you, Western, for this amazing opportunity that has enhanced my organizational skills and propelled my zeal for academics!"
Emily Fister, St. Anne's Catholic Secondary School
WISE Student 2008-2009

“First, thank you for coordinating so many events that have opened my eyes to the environment at Western. I never realized that there were so many opportunities available. WISE has been a great educational experience because I definitely feel more prepared for university now. As well, I learned a lot of interesting information that I never knew before, so I feel fortunate to have participated in WISE.”
Grace Zhang, A.B. Lucas Secondary School
WISE student 2008-2009

Attention Grade 11 and 12 students. High achieving students may be eligible to take one course tuition free at The University of Western Ontario concurrently with your secondary school studies.

What do I need to qualify?
In order to qualify, you will have:

• full time student status with a high school diploma in progress
• completed a minimum of 22 credits
• completed one or more Grade 12 U or M level credits and have a minimum overall 80% in grades 10, 11 and 12 OR have not completed any Grade 12 U or M level credits, but have a minimum overall 85% average in Grades 10 & 11.
• registered in sufficient courses to fulfill admission requirements of the University
• met Western's requirements for English proficiency
• been nominated by the Principal, Guidance Counsellor or Teacher of the secondary school

What type of students apply to the WISE program?
Students who ...

• are seriously considering attending university
• want to investigate areas of interest to better plan future university studies
• are able to take a course on campus (day or evening) or by distance studies; exams to be written at one of six centres
• reside in Ontario at the time of their application

What type of courses can I take?

• Click here to see Undergraduate Program descriptions.
• The range of subject areas is wide - Astronomy, English, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Math, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Biology, Philosophy and more!
• Click here to see course descriptions for the available courses

Additional Points

• eligible students may take a maximum of 1.0 full or 2 half courses tuition free
• Prerequisites (if applicable) for the university course must be satisfied prior to September 2009.
• A course may be taken at Western's main campus, at one of the Affiliated Colleges (Brescia University, Huron University and King's University College) or by distance studies
• Credit for the course studied in this program may be applied towards a degree at Western if passing grade was obtained in the university course and you satisfiy Western's admission requirements
• This is a competitive program with a limited enrolment of 100 students. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee acceptance to the program
• Although the application deadline is June 1, 2009 we encourage applicants to apply well before the deadline due to the demand for the program.

Contact Information

Main Campus: Rebecca Smith (wise@uwo.ca) , Centre for New Students, Stevenson-Lawson Building; 661-3898

Office of the Registrar, Brescia University College, 1285 Western Road, London N6G 1H2; 432-8353; www.uwo.ca/brescia

Office of the Registrar, Huron University College, 1349 Western Road, London N6G 1H3; 438-7224; www.uwo.ca/huron

Office of the Registrar, King's College, 266 Epworth Avenue, London N6A 2M3; 433-3491; www.uwo.ca/kings

Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions of WISE Applicants!

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