The Beauty Of A Back-up Plan

You’ve still got options for getting where you want to go!

You have your heart set on your dream program – but you’re worried you may not get in. Don’t despair – there’s more than one way to get where you want to go. Concordia University offers built-in flexibility, so you’ve got options.

When you apply to Concordia, you’re allowed three program choices. Admission to some programs is very competitive, either because the GPA requirements are high, or because of additional requirements like an audition or a portfolio of your work. Recruiter Emily Fjeldsted advises future students to make sure at least one of your choices is less competitive, to maximize your chances of being admitted.

“There is nothing wrong with starting in an alternative program with the idea of transferring into your ideal program later,” says Fjeldsted. “You might by default fix some things that you were lacking when you first applied to your ideal program, like your GPA, or your pre-requisites. Or, you might find out that you have multiple interests, which I think is very cool.” In any case, says Fjeldsted, the credits you complete for one program will likely count as elective credits towards any program that you eventually transfer into.

Another good option to consider: a certificate in arts and science or science foundations. “Those programs have our most basic admission requirements, and they allow students to be full time, accumulate credits, yet still have the chance of applying to a degree program, and transferring over their credits,” says Fjeldsted.

Independent studies is another way of working towards your goals. By registering for individual courses on a part-time basis, you can explore different fields of study while working on raising your GPA or completing the courses you need to be admitted into a degree program.