Open admissions means seats available at Thompson Rivers University

May 15, 2008 - Think it’s too late to apply to university? Think again. At TRU, students can continue to apply for the Bachelor of Arts, Science, or Business programs until September 1st, thanks to the university’s Open Admission policy for these three programs.

To apply to TRU in any of these programs, visit www.tru.ca and click on Apply to TRU.

The unique Open Admission concept demonstrates TRU’s commitment to flexibility. It revolves around the belief that high school GPA is not a direct indicator of university success. The result at TRU is greater university access to a range of high school students.

Open Admission means entry is not GPA-based and students aren’t competing to get in. As long as they meet the program’s admission requirements, they’re in. For more on these requirements, visit the TRU Calendar at www.tru.ca/calendar.

Even if students don’t meet all of the admission requirements for Bachelor of Arts, Science, or Business, Open Admission allows students to start in these programs while simultaneously upgrading any required high school courses they lack.

For example, Math 12 is required for the Bachelor of Business, but a student lacking Math 12 can still be accepted. In their first semester while starting their first year courses, they would also enrol in a university preparation (U-Prep) course equivalent to Math 12. Visit www.tru.ca/dsd/prep.html for U-prep info.

Upgrading is also available in summer session, or at anytime through TRU-Open Learning (distance/online courses). Visit www.tru.ca/summer or www.truopen.ca.

The flexibility of Open Admission also benefits students applying to limited enrolment programs. Students applying to programs like Natural Resource Science, Animal Health Technology, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Tourism, or Fine Arts, don’t have to look far for a plan B if they don’t get in. They can do a year in Arts, Science, or Business then re-apply, getting a year’s worth of university experience and credit in the meantime.

And while some Grade 12 students are still on the fence, some Grade 11 students want to plan early. For a head start, TRU has a Grade 11 Early Application for 2009/2010. Students can apply to one of six programs a full year before they graduate. Applications at www.tru.ca/counsellors (deadline is June 15th).

Whatever your plans, it is smart to have a plan B, both in terms of school and program choice. At TRU, students are welcome at any point.