Question about university applications (averages)

[TheAbsoluTurk]

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?

 

[QuarkCharmer]

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.

 

[TheAbsoluTurk]

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.

 

[Dethrocutionx]

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.

 

[TheAbsoluTurk]

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.