Upgrading

Many applicants inquire about their prospects of admission to graduate programs if they do not have the requisite academic standing of a mid-B. The following statement does not cover every possible case but should serve as a general guide.

The School of Graduate Studies expects applicants who are in this situation to upgrade their standing by completing a further year of study and obtaining at least a B+ average. Such additional work:

• need not be taken on a full-time basis but will be equivalent to a year of full-time study (say 4-1/2 to 5 full courses);
• will comprise courses at senior undergraduate level (third or fourth year).
• may be taken in any disciplinary area where the applicant has access to senior level courses (but will carry more weight with the admitting department if they are relevant to the proposed graduate degree program).

Successful completion of such an upgrading program cannot guarantee admission, because applicants must always compete with the others who happen to apply in a particular year for admission to programs with limited total enrolment. Persons who are interested in the possibility of upgrading would, therefore, be well-advised to discuss their situation with the Department before committing themselves to what can be an arduous and expensive undertaking.