The number of non-high-school applicants to Laurier rose 9.6 per cent compared to an Ontario-wide increase of 1.7 per cent.

"These increases reflect Laurier's reputation for delivering one of Canada's best student experiences and a culture that supports high academic achievement," MacLatchy said. "A Laurier degree has always held great value for graduates seeking strong academic programs followed by meaningful careers, and we are delighted that students continue to be attracted by Laurier's exceptional student-centred environment and our reputation for relevant and engaged academic programming."

At UW, registrar Ray Darling said it's important to not read too much into small annual fluctuations.

"Total applications to the University of Waterloo in 2015 are more than 22 per cent higher than just five years ago and we continue to attract some of the highest quality students in the country," Darling said. "In fact, the entering class of 2014 had the highest ever average of 88.8 (per cent) and we have no reason to expect the 2015 class will change that trend."

Non-high-school applications are up 6.8 per cent and the number of non-high-school applicants who made UW their first choice rose 9.8 per cent.

The total number of UW applications is 39,553, almost double Laurier's number, UW spokesperson Nick Manning said.

UW remains a top destination for students across Canada and internationally, Darling said.

"Applications from students outside Ontario rose 6.8 per cent compared to (the provincial average) of just 1.7 per cent," he said.

"Demand for Waterloo's unique blend of academic and experiential learning remains strong. Total increases in Waterloo's co-op programs grew by more than one per cent and by almost eight per cent from students outside Ontario."

Colleges, including Conestoga, won't have their numbers until early February.

gpaul@therecord.com , Twitter: @GPaulRecord