Grades Don’t Always Tell the Whole Story

We recognize that students’ grade 12 marks are not the only predictor of students’ ability to succeed or their promise for success in university. Unfortunately, low grades can be a barrier to university admission. The Enriched Support Program (ESP) and the Aboriginal ESP (AESP) at Carleton University were created for promising students who do not meet traditional entrance requirements.

The ESP & AESP offer students the chance to start first-year studies while benefiting from support designed to strengthen study skills and habits. If you think your high school record might prevent you from studying at university, you should consider our programs.

The Aboriginal Enriched Support Program (AESP) is a program within the ESP offering personalized support to Aboriginal students, including an Aboriginal Studies Seminar and Aboriginal peer mentors.

Students in ESP and AESP enrol in first-year University courses that are supported by course-specific workshops designed to strengthen academic skills and habits. Students who successfully complete our programs with the required grades can earn admission to a variety of degree programs including art and social science, business, engineering and science degrees.

Our students are very successful: 80 to 90% of students who fully participate in our program earn admission to a degree program.

Our former students say:
- “I thought ESP was perfect for me because I was given a second chance at University.”
- “As an Aboriginal person, I thought that door was closed to me and that I had no chance, but AESP opened that door.”
- “ESP really helped with my confidence in the transition into university.”

Our application is available at www.carleton.ca/esp. Consider attending one of our Information Nights to hear more about the program from our Coordinator and our former students on May 22 or June 11 at 7:00 pm. Call 613-520-2804 or email esp@carleton.ca to R.S.V.P.