Question about university applications (averages)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around university applications, specifically focusing on admission averages and the implications of applying to the University of Alberta for engineering studies. Participants explore the perception of admission requirements and the uncertainty surrounding acceptance criteria.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the significance of achieving a minimum admission average of 85% for engineering at the University of Alberta, questioning whether an average of 84.6% would be sufficient for acceptance.
  • Another participant suggests that there may not be a strict cutoff for admission, indicating that acceptance can depend on the applicant pool and available seats.
  • A different participant, who attends the University of Alberta, claims that an 85% average guarantees acceptance and mentions the possibility of rounding averages.
  • Some participants recommend having a backup plan and applying to other institutions, with one mentioning the University of British Columbia as a more competitive option.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the admission criteria, as participants present differing views on the strictness of the 85% requirement and the implications of having an average slightly below that threshold.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of certainty regarding the admission process, with some relying on personal experiences and others suggesting direct communication with the university for clarification.

TheAbsoluTurk
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I applied to the University of Alberta in Canada for engineering studies in the fall of this year.

I always felt like a lot of people make university applications out to be a big deal in which you need crazy marks approaching 90% and further in order to get in. I always listened to what they have to say but I kept in my mind a feeling that people who get into major universities are probably spread out among the late 70%s up to 100%.

All of the times I had seen these numbers thrown around like 78% for arts and 80% for sciences and 85% for engineering I thought that these were the average marks for those who were accepted to these faculties. Looking closer though these are really the 'minimum admission averages.'

When the University of Alberta says the 'minimum admission average' is 85% for admission to engineering, does no one with a mark under 85% get in? I have an 84.6% average from the 5 courses they use to gague one's average.

Should I prepare for the worst and apply to other institutions and attempt to transfer?
 
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You are probably close enough to be considered for acceptance. There likely isn't a hard line as their requirements are based on those who apply in a given semester and how many seats are available for instance.

However, you should always have a backup plan. I would still apply to other schools and try not to get your hopes up on attending one in particular.
 
QuarkCharmer said:
You are probably close enough to be considered for acceptance. There likely isn't a hard line as their requirements are based on those who apply in a given semester and how many seats are available for instance.

However, you should always have a backup plan. I would still apply to other schools and try not to get your hopes up on attending one in particular.

I have a backup but that school (U British Columbia) is arguably harder to get into. I will apply to some transfer programs.
 
I go to the UofA, and I've done the open house events for students. As far as I'm told, an 85% is a guaranteed acceptance, without any quota. And they may even round. I would call and ask the department if I were you. You could also apply to UofC, as they have a very good program too.
 
Dethrocutionx said:
I go to the UofA, and I've done the open house events for students. As far as I'm told, an 85% is a guaranteed acceptance, without any quota. And they may even round. I would call and ask the department if I were you. You could also apply to UofC, as they have a very good program too.

I've applied to MacEwan. I'm not in the position to go and live in Calgary so that's out of the question but thanks for the suggestion.
 

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