Considering your first- and second-choice programs

Students applying to UCalgary are able to indicate two program choices for admission consideration. 

Applying to more than one program

Applicants can select 2 program choices when applying to UCalgary.

Explore all our programs and select your top two program choices. Next, check our admission requirements and estimated admission averages.

Students can make changes to your program choices until March 1.

First-choice program

If you receive an offer of admission to your first-choice program, this is the only offer of admission you'll receive. We recommend you rank your application choices with your most desired program as your first choice.

Second-choice program

If you receive an offer of admission to your second-choice program, you will still be considered for your first-choice program provided there is still space available in the program at the time you meet the requirements.  Choose a program with a lower estimated competitive admission average. We recommend that you provide a decision to this offer (accept or decline) in your Student Centre.

FAQs

1. Do I have to accept my second choice program offer to keep my first choice application active?

No. Your first choice application remains active whether you accept your second choice offer or not.

2. What should I do if I don’t want to accept my second choice program offer?

If you don’t want to consider your second choice program offer, decline the offer through your Student Centre. If you don’t accept the offer at all, it’ll be cancelled after the response deadline. You will continue to be considered for your first choice program.

3. If I’ve been admitted to my second choice program, am I still considered for my first choice program?

Yes. If you receive an offer of admission to your second choice program, you’ll still be considered for your first choice program.

4. If I accept my second choice offer, will I still be considered for my first choice application?

Yes. If you accept the second choice offer, you’ll still be considered for your first choice. If you receive an offer to your first choice and accept it, it’ll automatically cancel your acceptance to your second choice program.

5. If I accept the second choice offer and then get an offer to my first choice, what happens to my admission deposit payment?

Once you pay the admission deposit, you don’t have to pay it again. Once you accept your first choice offer, the admission deposit is automatically applied to the first choice acceptance.

6. What should I do if I’m accepted into my first choice program after I’ve already registered in courses for my second choice program?

If you accept your first choice program offer after you’ve registered in courses for your second choice program, review and revise your course selections to ensure the courses you’ve registered in are required for your first choice program.

Alternate Offers

7. I received an offer to a program I didn’t apply too (alternate offer). What does this mean?

Due to the high demand for some programs, we may consider you for a program that is related to one of the programs you applied to; this is referred to as an alternative admission offer. Typically, alternative offers are made when we receive initial grade and course information and we are not able to consider you for admission to your first or second choice program at that time.

Common programs for alternative offers include:

  • Faculty of Arts - Undeclared: Undeclared gives you the flexibility to explore different courses - you do not have a specific major. You can take a full course load and register in any Faculty of Arts course that does not indicate a specific major as a prerequisite. From October 1 to February 1 of your first year, you can request a change of program (COP) through your Student Centre. Your first-year grades will be considered for the COP if you have completed a minimum of 12 units. We encourage you to speak with your Faculty advisor in your first year to help with course planning.
  • Natural Sciences: The Natural Sciences degree option is an innovative, multidisciplinary program that enables you to explore a variety of areas offered by the Faculty of Science. These include Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Energy Science, Geoscience, Mathematics, and/or Physics. If you wish to focus on a specific area, you can request a COP From October 1 to February 1 of your first year of study. Your first-year grades will be considered for the COP if you have completed a minimum of 12 units. We encourage you to speak with your Faculty advisor in the first year to help with course planning.
  • Open Studies: Admission into Open Studies allows you to complete university credit courses; however, you are not part of a degree program. As an Open Studies student, you can take up to 12 units per term in your first year. While in your first year, you can re-apply to a degree program. If you completed a minimum of 12 units, you would be considered a transfer student. Please note that transfer requirements are different for every program and it is strongly recommended that you connect with the Open Studies Advisor in the Student Success Centre to ensure you are completing the correct courses and will meet the grade requirements. You can book an appointment with the Student Success Centre by visiting http://www.ucalgary.ca/ssc/

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