Option 1: Simple ER Diagram
This model focuses on the core entities and relationships.
* Entities:
* `Applicant`: Applicant ID (PK), Name, Address, Contact Information, etc.
* `Program`: Program ID (PK), Program Name, Department, etc.
* `Admission`: Admission ID (PK), Applicant ID (FK), Program ID (FK), Admission Date, Status (e.g., Accepted, Rejected, Waitlisted), etc.
* Relationships:
* `Applicant` 1:N `Admission` (One applicant can have multiple admissions to different programs)
* `Program` 1:N `Admission` (One program can have multiple applicants)
Option 2: More Detailed ER Diagram
This model adds more detail and entities.
* Entities:
* `Applicant`: Applicant ID (PK), Name, Address, Contact Information, Date of Birth, Citizenship, etc.
* `Program`: Program ID (PK), Program Name, Department ID (FK), Description, etc.
* `Department`: Department ID (PK), Department Name, etc.
* `Admission`: Admission ID (PK), Applicant ID (FK), Program ID (FK), Application Date, Decision Date, Status (e.g., Accepted, Rejected, Waitlisted), Admission Offer Date, etc.
* `Transcript`: Transcript ID (PK), Applicant ID (FK), Institution Name, Degree, GPA, etc. (Could be multiple transcripts per applicant)
* `Recommendation`: Recommendation ID (PK), Applicant ID (FK), Recommender Name, Recommendation Letter, etc. (Could be multiple recommendations per applicant)
* Relationships:
* `Applicant` 1:N `Admission`
* `Program` 1:N `Admission`
* `Department` 1:N `Program`
* `Applicant` 1:N `Transcript`
* `Applicant` 1:N `Recommendation`
Option 3: Even More Detailed ER Diagram (with Attributes)
This model adds attributes to relationships and considers more complex scenarios.
* Entities (same as Option 2)
* Relationships: (with added attributes)
* `Applicant` 1:N `Admission` (Application Date, Application Fee Paid (boolean))
* `Program` 1:N `Admission` (Program Capacity)
* `Department` 1:N `Program`
* `Applicant` 1:N `Transcript` (Date Submitted)
* `Applicant` 1:N `Recommendation` (Date Received)
Diagram Representation:
You would represent these models graphically using standard ER diagram notation:
* Entities: Rectangles
* Attributes: Ovals connected to entities
* Relationships: Diamonds connecting entities, with cardinality (1:1, 1:N, M:N) indicated. Primary keys are usually underlined. Foreign keys can be indicated as well.
Choosing the Right Model:
The best ER diagram depends on the specific requirements of your university admission system. Start with a simpler model (like Option 1) and add complexity (like Options 2 and 3) as needed. Remember to consider factors like:
* Data Integrity: Ensure the data is consistent and accurate.
* Scalability: Design a model that can handle future growth.
* Maintainability: Make it easy to understand and modify the model.
Remember to choose a suitable diagramming tool to create your ER diagram visually. Many free and paid options are available online.