Full Course Load for Canadian Graduate Schools?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the importance of taking a full-course load in Canadian undergraduate programs when applying to graduate schools, specifically for master's degrees. Participants explore whether having a full-course load, defined as taking the maximum number of courses, is a significant factor in admissions decisions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if Canadian graduate schools value a full-course load, noting that some medical schools require it for the best two years, but is uncertain about its relevance for master's degrees.
  • Another participant shares their experience of completing 9 courses in their final undergraduate year and successfully gaining admission to several physics master's programs, suggesting that individual school policies may vary.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that the overall impression created by an applicant's academic choices matters, indicating that taking lighter course loads might be acceptable if it does not suggest a lack of rigor in their undergraduate experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the significance of a full-course load for graduate school applications, with differing opinions on its impact and relevance.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the admissions criteria of various graduate programs remain unverified, and the discussion does not clarify specific requirements across different institutions.

doublemint
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Hello everyone,

I was wondering if Canadian graduate schools care about whether you have taken a year or two with a full-course load. By full-course load, I mean the maximum 10 courses per year compared to just doing 8 or 9 courses. I know that some Canadian medical schools require you to have a full-course load for the best 2 years, but was not sure if it also applies to a Masters Degree.

Thanks
 
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I did 9 courses in my last year of undergrad (in Canada), and got accepted to several physics master's programs (also in Canada).

You should check with the schools you'll be applying to.
 
doublemint said:
Hello everyone,

I was wondering if Canadian graduate schools care about whether you have taken a year or two with a full-course load. By full-course load, I mean the maximum 10 courses per year compared to just doing 8 or 9 courses. I know that some Canadian medical schools require you to have a full-course load for the best 2 years, but was not sure if it also applies to a Masters Degree.

Thanks

It all depends on the picture you can paint of yourself. Taking a few light terms is fine as long as it doesn't create the impression that you took the path of least resistance through your whole undergrad career. That wouldn't look good to grad schools.
 
Thanks for the insight!
 

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