
So, you’ve submitted your application to the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ and you’re wondering what to do next.
The simplest answer is to wait! But there are things you can do — and need to do — for some programs.
Our online student information system (called Quest) plays a crucial role during the application process, and you’ll continue to use it as a À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ student. In fact, once you’ve sent your application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), Quest will become the number one way you can monitor and complete your application to À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ.
Setting up your Quest account
Once you’ve applied to À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ, you’ll receive an email from À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ within 10 business days that'll include your eight-digit À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ number. You’re going to use this number toÌýcreate your Quest accountÌýso that you can complete the next steps in the admissions process. And don’t worry if you’re confused — the email will have detailed information on how to set up your account.
Navigating Quest
When you log in to Quest, you'll notice how there are a variety of tabs, such as academics, finances, personal information, and admissions. The following is a quick rundown of what some of the features on Quest can do for you.
- Admissions — This portion is highlighted in the red box and is probably the section that you — as a prospective student — will be checking the most. In this section, you’ll be able to see the status of your application(s),Ìýwhat documents have been received, andÌýwhat's still outstanding. Here, you'll also complete your Admission Information Form (AIF).
- Academics — Current students use this to view transcripts, select courses for the upcoming term, search for classes being taught next term, and add or drop classes. Ìý
- Finances — This is your main hub for paying tuition. You can also access tax receipts, which provide proof of payment during the tax filing season.
- Personal Information — This portion allows you to customize your information, such as your address, phone number, and email address. Some of the information you can only change by updating your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre.
The Admission Information Form (AIF)
Although grades do affect how competitive you are as an applicant, they definitely aren't everything. À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ is full of students with diverse talents, passions, and interests. TheÌýAdmissions Information FormÌý(AIF) can be found in the admissions portion on Quest.
Completing the AIF is required for students applying to
- the Faculty of Engineering,
- the Faculty of Mathematics,
- Computing and Financial Management, and
- Pharmacy (conditional admission).
I suggest taking your time with the AIF to explain yourself in depth; however, keep in mind that there areÌýdeadlines to complete the AIF.

Checking on your application status
As mentioned earlier, you canÌýcheck the status of your applicationÌýand see if you need to submit any documents in the admissions section of your Quest account.
À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµâ€™s Offers of AdmissionÌýare sent between January and May, with the majority sent in early May. They're sent by email, but your status on Quest will be updated as soon as you are admitted.
In conclusion, remember that there are two ways À¶Ý®ÊÓÆµ can communicate with you about an update to your application status: by email and Quest — so be sure to check both!
Still have questions?
Applying to university can be really exciting, but sometimes it’s overwhelming (we remember!). If you ever have any questions about admissions, refer to ourÌýfrequently asked admission questionsÌýor emailÌýmyapplication@uwaterloo.caÌýto get in touch with our Registrar’s Office.
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