Bachelor of Science degree
Early application option
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED (SPRING 2010)
Why apply early?
You can't wait to get on with your life! You know you want to study science at university and you want to get a head-start.
Applying early guarantees you a seat in the BSc program at UFV once you graduate (provided you meet the prerequisites) and sets you up for priority registration in the classes you'll want when you get here.
You'll
gain entry into the university community and be invited to
participate in activities and events put on specifically for you: things like distinguished speakers panels, summer science retreats, sample classes, seminars, socials, and science career nights etc.
You'll have
direct access to science professors and advisors at UFV, who can mentor you and help you make the right choices early in your studies so that you are primed for success in your undergraduate degree and then for anything you choose to pursue after that (e.g. graduate school or a career in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine).
You'll also
meet a lot of other Grade 11s with similar interests to yours...a ready-made group of friends for when you arrive here after you graduate from Grade 12. Not only that, if you're looking to
complete your volunteer-hour requirements for high school graduation, you can earn them up by getting involved in the Fraser Valley Regional Science Fair, some of the on-campus science-related events we host, or even our summer science camps for kids.
Is this for me?You might be thinking that this is only something for the top performers in Grade 11 science
or that you have to like all of the sciences, or even that you have to know
exactly what you want to do with your life for the next 50 years...not so.
If you're in Grade 11, enjoy any kind of science, and plan to pursue a science degree, this is for you! We only accept 60 students into this group each year, though, so if you're keen, let us know as soon as you can.
What kinds of science can I study at UFV, anyway?
At UFV, you can take a Bachelor of Science degree and major in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, or physical geography. You can also earn the degree by doing minors in two of those subjects, with the added options of computing science and mathematics/statistics. You also have the option of earning an honours degree in physics or geography, which is excellent preparation for graduate school.
Pssst...what the heck is a major, a minor, or honours, you ask?
A major is a collection of 12-18 courses in a single subject area. A minor is a collection of 7-12 courses in a single subject area. An honours program gives you more intense study opportunities and is great preparation for graduate school later on.
How do I apply?
It's pretty straight-forward but we'll walk you through it. Call our science advice centre at 1-888-504-7441 local 4079 (leave a vmail if we're not available and we'll get right back to you) or email scienceadvice@ufv.ca (anytime).
Do I have to have high grades to get in?
No, just a strong interest in science. We will ask you to report your Grade 11 grades as you get them, but only for advising purposes. If you are serious about pursuing science at university, we recommend that you prepare by taking at least two Grade 11 sciences as well as Principles of Math 11. Once you hit Grade 12, you will have to meet UFV's standard Bachelor of Science entrance requirements in order to finalize your admission, get your priority course-registration timeslot, and start your university classes.
Is there a cost?
Most of the events will be free to you, but things like a retreat weekend may have some associated costs. No events will ever be mandatory. When you begin attending university though, all the standard costs will apply, for things like tuition and books. There is a $45 application fee to the university, which every new applicant to UFV has to pay. The bonus is, you don't have to pay this fee again in Grade 12 because you've already applied early.
When should I apply?
You can apply beginning October 1 of your Grade 11 year. We only accept max. 60 students admitted to this group, so don't wait too long! We suggest you apply before January 31, 2010 this school year.
So what happens after I apply?
We'll send you a letter guaranteeing you a seat in the Bachelor of Science following high school graduation, provided you meet our standard entrance requirements. In that letter, we'll give you your very own UFV ID number, which gives you access to our for-students-only portal, and a UFV student email address.
Our science advisors will connect with you live and invite you to campus to get to know you and your interests better. Then they'll stay in touch with you and keep you posted about upcoming events and activities. They'll also send you an invitation to join the private Facebook group we've set up for you and your new friends.
What happens when I get to Grade 12?
You continue to take your math and science courses and then self-report your grades in the spring of your Grade 12 year. If you meet the BSc entrance requirements, you will automatically receive a formal acceptance letter to the Bachelor of Science degree program. If not, we have other options for you to continue to study science and earn credit that you can apply to a degree latter.
What are the BSc entrance requirements?
Directly from high school, you need your BC Secondary school graduation or equivalent; a minimum of two (three preferred) Grade 12 sciences (Biology 12, Chemistry 12, Physics 12, Geography 12) with a grade of C+ or better; and completion of the prerequisite for Math 111 (Principles of Math 12 with a grade of B or equivalent). It's best to check the fine print by visting our academic calendar online.
What if I don't want to apply yet? Can I apply later?
Of course. You can apply directly to the Bachelor of Science degree program from Grade 12, if you prefer, or even after a year or two away from school if you plan to take a break.
What if I don't end up meeting all of the BSc entry requirements as I finish Grade 12?
You will most likely be aware of how you're doing before you get to the end of Grade 12 and, because you'll be part of this program, it will be easy at any point to sit down with an advisor and take a look at your options. You'll be much better positioned to understand your choices and so you'll feel much more comfortable making a decision.
What if I change my mind in Grade 12? Can I apply to another program or university?
Of course. If you like, you can cancel your BSc application and apply to another program at UFV in October of your Grade 12 year. If you do this, you will need to submit a new application form and a $20 administration fee. If you choose to attend another university, we will miss you but we'll also wish you luck! You might want to try us for at least a year and see how it goes; you can always transfer your credits should you decide to move on later.
Can I apply for any other UFV programs while I'm in Grade 11?
No.Only the Bachelor of Science degree currently offers early application at this time. Note that this offer does not include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at UFV -- that's a different program altogether!
Can I start my classes at university before I graduate from Grade 12?
If you plan carefully, you can get a head-start on some courses through UFV's concurrent studies offering, where high school students can get dual-credit for courses they take at UFV: credit at university and credit towards high school graduation. Check out the details online.
What if I have questions, or my parents want to talk to someone about this?
We're real people just like you. Give us a call and come see us, on your own or with a trusted family member or friend. Our science advisors are happy to discuss your situation and help you figure out how to achieve your goals.
How will you communicate with me if I apply? Directly or through my parents/guardians/school?
We will communicate directly with you.
I'd like to speak with someone about this now.
Call our science advice centre at 1-888-504-7441 local 4079 (leave a vmail if we're not available and we'll get right back to you) or email scienceadvice@ufv.ca (anytime) . When you call, you can ask to speak with Karen.
