A return on the application process

For my second ever blog post, I'll go over briefly how the application process works for those who want to apply for an exchange at John Molson themselves.

STEP 1: The Info Session
Check out the I.S.E.P. (International Students Exchange Programme) website here:
http://johnmolson.concordia.ca/ugrad/exchange/index.html
On that site, you'll be able to find out much of what you need to know, as well as see a list of potential host countries and institutions for your sojourn abroad. You should sign up for an ISEP Information Session on that site as well. If you're considering going, but aren't quite certain you want to go through with it, going to one of these Sessions will make up your mind to go, without a doubt. Amazing pictures, reports, possibilities... Great insight on a great adventure.

STEP 2: The Application
The application form is hidden away in the depths of the I.S.E.P. website (ok, not really that hidden) and is available along with many other informative documents for download. The application is quite long, so don't expect to put it together at the very last minute. The informative documentation is even longer, but DO download ALL of it, and DO read through it. It's quite interesting and helpful. Some parts of the application include:
- University transcript (which you must pay to have an official copy sent to their office; you need a 3.00 or higher GPA).
- CEGEP transcript (only if you're in your first year, I believe).
- An update C.V./Resume.
- Some personal statements about how the sojourn will benefit you in your studies, how you will finance your trip, and the like.
- An affidavit of finances which must be stamped/signed by a commissioner of oaths (there are some at Concordia).

Keep in mind that applications are due in January for the following Fall semester, and in February for the following Winter semester.

STEP 3: The Interview
A little while after you submit your application, assuming your application was filled out correctly and in full, you will get a phone call to schedule an interview. Students are interviewed individually by a pannel of J.M.S.B. staff (there were 3 people for my interview, anyway) to ensure that they are suitable candidates to represent the John Molson School of Business abroad. The interview lasts about 25 minutes, and covers a variety of topics, but is relaxed and enjoyable. Some tougher questions to look out for:
- "Say it's 3 AM, and you're stuck at a train station in the Czech Republic, with no one around who speaks English. What do you do?"
- "You're in England, and one of your professors asks you to make a brief presentation about Concordia / Canada in general. Do it. Now."
- "What are some current news stories involving Canada? What would you say is one thing that most represents Canada?"
- Other various questions that lead to you referring to personal annecdotes to show qualities of adaptability and outgoingness.

STEP 4: The Waiting Game
After your interview, you should receive notice by mail within a week or two as to whether or not you have been accepted into the exchange programme. For first year students, you have yet to specify a definite host institution of choice, and it is just a preliminary conditional acceptance (conditional upon your completion of at least 24 credits, and maintenance of a 3.00 GPA). For students beyond their first year, I believe this is an acceptance to the programme, and notification that your application is now being forwarded to your host institution of choice.

First year students must send in another transcript following the completion of their present semester to show that they have maintained the required average. Once that is done, all first year students are put into a pool, and ranked based on their interview and application. The students are then contacted individually in order of rank, and given a choice out of any schools that have places still available for exchange students. They try to make it so that there are more schools available than students applying to ensure that even if you're ranked near the bottom, you will still get a choice.

And then?
Well this is as far as I've gotten on my journey thus far. I have received my conditional acceptance, and must send in my grades as soon as I receive them in May. The journey is still just beginning.