Limited programs have additional requirements, found in the Academic Calendar, and can have more student application requests than the program can accommodate. As a result, you may have been refused admission into one or more program(s) of interest.
It can be disappointing to receive a refusal, but you have a few options to move forward. One of the benefits of an Arts & Science degree is that it provides you with the flexibility to change your academic plans throughout your student journey. Fortunately, you do have the opportunity to modify your plan, like many students before you who changed programs, and still achieved their aspirations.
If you were not accepted into your desired program, you may have questions about what to do next, who to reach out to for support, or whether to re-apply during the second request period.
What you need to do now:
If you are completing 4.0 credits, in order to enrol in courses for September, you are required to enrol in one of the following minimum combinations of programs:
- 1 specialist
- 2 majors
- 1 major + 2 minors
Enrol in Open Programs
If you are not currently enrolled in one of the program combinations listed above, you will need to enrol in open programs to get the right combination before course enrolment begins. Open programs do not require an application, and they do not have competitive entrance requirements. You can add open programs on ACORN and you will be immediately enrolled in them. Check the list of programs to find open programs.
If you have not enrolled in the minimum program combination, you will be blocked from course enrolment in July.
Enrolling in an open program does not limit you from other programs. Some students will continue to explore programs during the second request period and change their program after course enrolment.
Re-apply to a Limited Program (if applicable)
If you have completed the necessary program requirements, you can re-apply to the same program in the second enrolment period starting in July or in a future program enrolment period. You can also apply to a different limited program. Check the list of programs to find if your program of interest accepts enrolment requests during the second request period, and if it doesn’t, you will need to wait until the next enrolment period to apply again.
How we can help:
If you were refused from your program, you still have multiple program options and resources that you can use to meet your academic goals:
Attend the “Navigating Competitive Programs: Planning Your Next Steps” workshop
This online workshop is for students who have been refused from a program. A Student Services Advisor will use an individualized planning guide and peer leader perspectives to help students process their results and create a plan for moving forward. In this session, students will:
- Discover diverse pathways to success
- Identify alternative program combinations
- Explore the practical logistics of reapplying to desired programs while ensuring access to course enrolment
- Create a concrete plan for progressing through your degree
Upcoming Sessions
- Technology & Data: June 2 & 18 , 12 pm – 1:30 pm
For students refused from Computer Science, Data Science, Economics, Statistical Science, Statistics, or other related Technology & Data programs. Register here. - Life Sciences: June 4 &17, 12 pm – 1:30 pm
For students refused from Pathobiology, Biomedical Toxicology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Psychology or other related Life Science programs. Register here. - Law & Social Sciences : June 5 & 16, 12 pm – 1:30 pm
For students refused from Criminology & Sociolegal Studies, Ethics, Society & Law, International Relations, Public Health, Sociology, or other related Law & Social Science programs. Register here.
Speak with an academic advisor at your college registrar’s office
Your college registrar’s office has academic advisors who can discuss strategies to help you decide your next steps. You can also speak career advisor at your college registrar’s office or the Career Exploration and Education office to discuss career pathways and program combinations.
Reach out to the department
You can talk to the academic unit offering the program to see why your request was refused. They may be able to provide you with information that can help you if you decide whether to re-apply to the same limited program at a future program enrolment period.
Career Exploration & Education Centre
The Career Exploration advisors can help you map out potential pathways to a career or graduate education and help you find the flexible options that would suit your needs.
Preparing for Graduate School?
If you are applying for a limited program because you are considering medical school, law school or another professional graduate degree, make sure you review their entrance requirements. For many programs, your grade point average (GPA) may be of more significance than taking a related undergraduate program. If you enrol in a program that you are passionate about, it may be easier for you to achieve a high GPA in preparation for graduate school. Speaking to your college academic advisor can help you identify which programs would be best suited for you to achieve your academic goals in the future.
