Application season is upon us! If you're looking to live the Prairie Life and attend college or university in Alberta, you'll need to go through ApplyAlberta, the province's application system. Here's a quick primer to help get you applying for your undergraduate program in no time.

(Interested in graduate school in Alberta? Apply directly to your school(s) of choice. See ApplyAlberta for more info.)

Researching your options for programs and schools

Before you start, though, be sure to do your research. Sites like SchoolFinder.com, for Canadian students, and StudyinCanada.com, for international students coming to Canada, are great resources to compare program offerings and plan a path for your career. Only start the application process when you have a firm idea of where you want to be.

(Not sure what you want to study? Try the program quiz: answer a few quick questons to get matched to programs in Alberta.

Once you have a list of schools and programs that interest you, check out each school's official website, which you'll find linked through SchoolFinder or StudyinCanada. You can also try these links through ApplyAlberta:

• Application resources for Canadian students
• Appplication resources for international students

Getting ready to use ApplyAlberta

First off, you'll need a basic Alberta.ca Account. This is a handy online account that can be used to access many provincial services, including ApplyAlberta. You can set up your basic account directly, or as part of your ApplyAlberta application.

(Don't use your high school email address! You may lose access to it after you graduate. You'll want an email address you know you can hang onto.)

You'll also need your Alberta Student Number (ASN). If you've previously attended school in Alberta, you've already got one, and you can look it up through the Learner Registry. Otherwise, ApplyAlberta will create an ASN for you. If you have previously attended school in Alberta, don't create a new ASN! Look up your existing number so your identity and academic records can be matched correctly.

You should also have a list of all the high schools and post-secondary schools you have attended (or currently attend), and a credit card to cover any application fees charged by the school(s) you're applying to.

So, before starting your applications, gather:

• Your Alberta Student Number, if you already have one
• The names of each high school / post-secondary institution you've attended
• Your high school courses and corresponding grades if you're currently studying in Canada
• If you're studying outside Alberta, your completed Grade 10 through Grade 12 courses, final grades and any current Grade 12 courses
• A credit card for applicable institutional application fees

Creating your application through ApplyAlberta

When you've got your Alberta.ca Account set up, visit the ApplyAlberta Apply Now page and use the green Apply Now button. Canadian and international students can apply to undergraduate programs at participating Alberta institutions, but the exact starting point may depend on the institution and your status as an applicant. Follow the current instructions on your chosen school's official admissions page.

Select "Start a New Application" and choose your institution. ApplyAlberta will direct you to that school's application portal, where you will answer any additional questions, submit the application, and pay the required fee.

The schools you apply to will probably want to see your high school transcripts so they can judge your eligibility. At the start of your application, you'll need to authorize their transmission, so read the terms and conditions. If you agree, continue with your application. If you don't agree, though, you won't be able to proceed!

Next up you'll need to fill in your profile. This consists of personal info, contact details, and your academic history. Tell the system about any high schools or post-secondary institutions you've attended, along with the dates you started and completed your studies. If you're currently in high school, you'll also have to include the grades you've earned in your courses.

Submitting your application through ApplyAlberta

Now it's time to apply. Choose the school you're interested in and be sure to double check the admission requirements. They vary by institution, so now's your chance to be sure you're eligible! Different schools will have different requirements, even for similar programs.

For the best experience, complete your application on a computer rather than a phone with a smaller screen.

When you're satisfied, just fill out the prompts! The school will let you know which transcripts they'll receive directly, and which you'll need to track down yourself. The institution will tell you which transcripts it can obtain through ApplyAlberta and which documents you must arrange yourself. In your ApplyAlberta account, you can view transcript requests and check whether they are in progress, completed, cancelled, or unsuccessful.

If your transcripts or supporting documents are not in English, check your school's official requirements for translations, certified copies, and acceptable supporting documentation.

During the application process, you might find yourself moving between a given school's website, and the ApplyAlberta page. This is normal: the application process is integrated for every school, so "you will find at different points in the application process that you are on an institution's site, a Government of Alberta site, and the ApplyAlberta web application. The transfer of information from one part of the application to the next is seamless." So, no worries!

Confirming your details and paying the application fee

When you're done, you'll be asked to take a moment to review your application. Read it carefully to ensure all your info is correct. Then it's fee time: get your credit card ready. Fees vary by institution — the University of Alberta, for example, charges $150 CAD for new students, and $100 for current or former U of A students. You'll have to pay an application fee for each institution you apply to.

And that's it! You've applied — congratulations! Keep an eye on your inbox, and your spam filter, for word from the schools you've applied to. They'll reach out directly with more info and details.

Next steps after your application is complete

You can always return to ApplyAlberta to apply to other schools. The process is the same; your personal and academic info will be saved, so your next application will be that much easier. Your ApplyAlberta dashboard lets you easily review your applications, track their status, and monitor transcript requests, too.

You can use your account to apply to 26 publicly-funded colleges and universities in Alberta! If you're not 100% sure you'll be accepted to your first-choice program, having a couple of backup options available is a good idea, even if you have to pay a small application fee for your peace of mind.

Otherwise, you're all set! Check back in with SchoolFinder and StudyinCanada now and then to find articles, advice, and support for every step of your educational journey, from your first semester to your first career.

Enjoy your studies!