Low requirement program an easy way into university?

[DWW]

Has anyone ever applied to a course that they had no interest in or anything just to get into the university and then transfer to the program they wanted for second year? The first year courses would contribute to general education and optional credits or a minor I figure.

My situation: I dropped out of grade 13 in Ontario (we had that up until recently) but got a grade 12 diploma and went to college. I finished my college diploma with a perfect 4.0 GPA but no university will let me in for Computer Science because I don't have the two high school math credits which are no longer offered (nor would I go back to high school for them). So I want to apply for an easy course with lots of spaces and no math requirement then get in, take the math courses first year or at night school to prove I can do university level calculus and algebra (which I feel confident in) and then transfer after first year.

Has anyone done this or know someone that has? Good/bad idea?

Edit: changed the title "Applying to a basket weaving course to get into a university? Anyone done it?" as to not offend anyone

 

[kermalou]

GREAT IDEA

 

[PanzerIV]

If that's your only option I feel sorry for you in that you have to go to such lengths to get a proper education. Seems like they would offer you a better solution. Good luck!

 

[ElFenix]

better do well with the grades, transferring is usually hard as hell. and good luck with the night school grades counting for anything.

 

[EngenZerO]

i heard their is good money in becoming a professional basket weaver... you may just want to stick it out there.

 

[edro]

So you get a 12th grade diploma AND a 13th grade diploma from your local school?

 

[WhiteKnight]

Well, not that exactly, but there are a lot of girls that apply to engineering to have a better chance of getting in but then just switch right away to IR or English or whatever it is they really want to do.

 

[MacBaine]

Uhh... I don't think you can major in basket weaving...

 

[DWW]

Originally posted by: edro13
So you get a 12th grade diploma AND a 13th grade diploma from your local school?

Well if you stay on and finish grade 13 you just get the grade 13 diploma but that covers the grade 12 diploma too.
It is a little confusing. Only Ontario province offerered grade 13, no other province had it. Now they combined the courseload back into 4 years so the "new" grade 12 diplomas are like the old grade 13.

In the past the idea was that if you're going to college you did grade 12 and for university you required grade 13.

Yes there is a difference between college and university in Canada. College is a hands-on practical school that gives diplomas and programs range 2-3 years. University is for (most often) the more intelligent or those who want more theory, and they give degrees (general, honours, masters, phd)

 

[DWW]

Originally posted by: MacBaine
Uhh... I don't think you can major in basket weaving...

It is just a phrase

 

[yllus]

It varies depending on which university you're in and what their admission criteria is. The main issue is going to be how they accept new entrants to each program - and unfortunately, most universities prefer giving entrance spots to new arrivals to the university, not people who are in another program and wish to transfer. Check with the registrars at each university you're interested in to see how it works there.

Overall, your best bet is to take those high school classes either in person (adult classes?) or by correspondence, then apply regularly. Keep us updated.

 

[DWW]

Originally posted by: yllus
It varies depending on which university you're in and what their admission criteria is. The main issue is going to be how they accept new entrants to each program - and unfortunately, most universities prefer giving entrance spots to new arrivals to the university, not people who are in another program and wish to transfer. Check with the registrars at each university you're interested in to see how it works there.

Overall, your best bet is to take those high school classes either in person (adult classes?) or by correspondence, then apply regularly. Keep us updated.

You're at Ryerson wasn't it? I want in Waterloo :/

Yeah I can still get the credits over correspondence which wouldn't be hard (I enjoy math) but then I'd be set back a year because I've contacted Waterloo CS (Math) department before and they -must- have supporting documentation and transcripts like late April :/

 

[DWW]

Just applied online at OUAC (www.ouac.on.ca) so I should hear back within a couple months

Applied for three (3) programs at Waterloo:
Independent Studies (this is an actual 3 year degree where you can take -any- classes offered at the university)
Honours Arts (History major)
Computer Science