Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make an appointment?
Kamloops Campus: Call (250) 828-5075 or drop into the Advising Centre and make an appointment with the Advising receptionist directly. Please do not email a request for an appointment unless you provide a telephone number for the Advising receptionist to contact you directly. If you are from out-of-town and unable to come to Kamloops, the Academic Advisors are more than willing to make telephone appointments. For more information go to Contact Us.
Do I need to check out the online Registration and Timetabling Tutorials?
Yes, if you are new to TRU and required to enrol into your own courses. Registration can be confusing and these online tutorials are designed to help you understand the steps you must follow to build a complete and conflict-free course schedule. The tutorials also answer questions about registration at TRU using myTRU.
Do I need a second language?
YES, if you want to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree at TRU. To satisfy the BA second language requirement, a student must have a second language to Grade 12 or six credits in a post-secondary language course. TRU offers second language courses in Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish.
How do I switch programs?
Depending on the program you are currently in, this is a relatively simple procedure. First, read the Admissions information and program descriptions found within the online TRU Calendar and second, pick up an Admissions Package from the Registrar's Office (OM 1155). You may go online to request a package. Follow the steps listed in the package. You must fill out the Application for Admission form, either in person at the Admissions Office or online at https://applybc.ca. If you already have a TRU student number, you are not required to pay the application fee of $25.50.
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What are prerequisites?
Prerequisites are courses that must be taken BEFORE another course is taken. For example, you cannot take second year English before you have taken first year English. In choosing courses, it is extremely important that you check the prerequisites listed in the course descriptions part of the TRU Calendar. Success in the course will be jeopardized if you do not possess the appropriate prerequisites. Furthermore, when you are planning your courses, it is important to look ahead to courses you wish to take in future years and ensure you take the required prerequisite courses beforehand.
What high school courses do I need to get accepted to TRU? Can I upgrade?
The answer to this question will differ depending on which program you are interested in taking. The TRU Calendar explains the educational and general requirements that must be satisfied for admission to each program. Programs that are science and technology based require very specific High School courses and grade requirements. Others simply require students to have graduated or have mature student status. You can check admissions requirements a number of ways:
If you need to upgrade, TRU offers University Preparation courses in biology, business, chemistry, computing science, English, general science, math, physics, psychology and social science.
When should I apply?
TRU starts accepting applications October 1st each year, and many programs fill very quickly, so it is important to apply early and complete all admission requirements as soon as possible. You can apply on line at https://applybc.ca
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What are the deadline dates for applying to TRU?
Students are always recommended to refer to their Admissions Package for the program they are interested in taking, as deadline dates at TRU can vary greatly.
Many programs at TRU do not have deadline dates. Many programs are filled on a 'first applied, first admitted' basis.
What's the difference between lower level and upper level courses? Graduate level?
Typically, lower level courses are courses numbered as 1000 or 2000; these are generally completed in the first and second years of degree programs. Upper level courses are courses numbered 3000 and 4000 and are usually completed in the third and fourth years of degree program. All students enrolled in Upper Level courses, must meet with a Program Advisor and have their coursework approved before registration.
Graduate level programs have courses numbered 5000 or above.
Some exceptions exist where upper level courses may be taken before entry to third year. Check the Calendar or with an Academic Advisor for more information.
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What is an Associate Degree or Diploma?
An Associate Degree or Diploma can be awarded after students have completed a specified program of study generally two years in length. TRU offers Associate Degrees in Arts and Science, and an Associate Diploma in Commerce and Business Administration. Students interested in these programs must carefully read the Calendar, as they may have different requirements than the full degree programs.
What if I didn't graduate from high school? What is a mature student?
A mature student is any applicant of at least 19 years of age with a minimum of two years out of school. Mature students are considered for admission to programs even if they lack the grade level requirement (Grade 10, Grade 12, etc.), but must still meet the individual program and course prerequisites (example: Math 11 with a C+).
What if I'm applying for a limited enrollment program and don't get in?
You can submit two applications at once. For example, if you are applying to the Bachelor of Natural Resource Science program (BNRS), you should also submit an application for Bachelor of Science. In the event you do not meet the prerequisites or g.p.a. requirements for the BNRS, you can still take science courses to help you become better qualified. You may then reapply to the BNRS program the following year.
Is there any on-line assistance available to help students create a personalized timetable? Or information about Registration?
Please refer to On-line Tutorials and the Web Registration tutorial for help.
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