Information for Guidance Counsellors

What is ESP?

The Enriched Support Program provides an opportunity for students to earn admission to a university degree.

The program offers:

  • Pathways to degrees in Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, and Science
  • An opportunity to take a reduced first-year course load of up to 3 courses per term, including a First Year Seminar, with structured academic support (2 workshops per term)
  • Support in developing strong academic skills and habits

See our success rates and student stories here.

How to Apply

  • Students do not apply to ESP through the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC).
  • The ESP admissions process is entirely separate from the degree program application.
    • Students who have not applied through OUAC may submit an application to ESP.
    • Students who have applied through OUAC will not be penalized for applying to ESP. One application will not affect the other. There is no financial penalty for refusing an offer from ESP before classes begin.
    • Students who have applied to Carleton through OUAC do not need to submit a new transcript, though it is helpful for our admissions committee to see a credit counselling summary.
    • Check out our “How to apply” video.

Application

Our application is available online at the link below. Note the Indigenous ESP has a new home, please find more information here.

Fall ESP Application

For the Winter application, please visit our January Admissions page.

How to Submit a Reference

Please click here to complete an online reference for an applicant.

If you would like to add any supplementary information, please feel free to email our program at esp@carleton.ca and we will be sure to add your comments to the student’s application.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall admission (September): June 15
    • In the Fall term we offer pathways to degrees in Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, and Science.
  • Winter admission (January): November 15. Please see this page for more about Winter term admission.
    • In the Winter term we offer pathways to degrees in Arts and Social Sciences only.
  • Please note: deadlines are extended if there is space in the program. See the application page for deadline updates.

Minimum Academic Requirements

Please note that the following indicate minimum criteria necessary for applications to advance for consideration. Meeting the criteria above does not, in itself, guarantee the application will be accepted. Decisions are made based on the application as a whole. The admissions committee may consider applicants who fall short of these educational requirements where the remainder of the application is exceptional.

  • Ontario High School Applicants
ESP Stream Minimum academic requirements and prerequisites (Ontario)
All streams Eligible for OSSD prior to beginning university studies
Three 4U or 4M courses (recommended). Students with fewer U/M level courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Most successful applicants have averages in the (mid) 60s (and up).
Arts & Social Sciences ENG4U is recommended, but not mandatory.
Business Required: MHF4U Advanced Functions (min. 60%).
Recommended: MCV4U Calculus & Vectors (min. 60%).
Computer Science Required: MHF4U Advanced Functions (min. 60%).
Recommended: MCV4U Calculus & Vectors (min. 60%).
Engineering Required: MHF4U Advanced Functions (min. 60%).
Required: SCH4U Chemistry (min. 60%).
Required: SPH4U Physics (min. 60%; may be taken concurrently, i.e. while enrolled in ESP).
Recommended: MCV4U Calculus & Vectors (min. 60%).
Note: Students with previous university studies cannot be considered for our Engineering Stream.
Science Required: MHF4U Advanced Functions (min. 60%).
Required: SCH4U Chemistry (min. 60%).
Recommended: MCV4U Calculus & Vectors (min. 60%).
  • Out-of-province high school applicants: high school diploma with approximately half their grade 12 credits in the academic/university stream. Must have completed any prerequisite courses (see table above) at the university stream/advanced level.
  • Mature applicants (the ESP office will consider Canadian citizens and landed immigrants who have been away from full-time studies for a two-year period and who have not undertaken other college or university study as “mature”): will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Must have completed any applicable prerequisite courses.
  • College/CEGEP applicants: may be considered after the completion of one year in an academic college program. Must have completed any applicable prerequisite courses.
  • International students: are encouraged to consult the degree admission requirements. We will consider students whose academic record is close to the posted degree admission requirements. Students are encouraged to consult our Admissions Coordinator for advice. Must have completed any applicable prerequisite courses.
  • University students: please consult with our Admissions Coordinator about whether our program can assist. Students with previous university studies cannot be considered for our Engineering stream.

Students whose first language is not English

Applicants whose first language is not English should consult Carleton University’s English as a Second Language requirements and ESL testing information. Applicants with an ESLR placement of ESLA 1500 or higher may be considered for admission to ESP.

Program of Study

Students in ESP take a reduced course load (three courses per term) with academic supports (two non-credit workshops) built into their schedules. Advising and academic coaching appointments are available by appointment. Learn more about the courses students take in ESP here.

Downloads

Information Nights

Please refer students and their families to one of our Information Nights to hear from one of our Admissions Committee members and former students about the program, application process and requirements.

Book an ESP Student Ambassador Visit

Book a visit from our Student Ambassador Team. Please note: in-person visits are available for Ottawa and outlying communities only. We are happy to book virtual visits for high schools outside the Ottawa region.

Our Ambassadors can:

  • Review the program and its requirements
  • Share their experience with ESP
  • Discuss the transition to university: its challenges and opportunities

They can meet with students in small groups, individually, or give a large or class presentation.

Book an Ambassador Visit to your School: esp@carleton.ca.

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