Upgrading may increase chances of acceptance into SAIT programs

SAIT Press Release
By Leah Pugh

As prospective students browse through SAIT’s Academic Calendar, one important thing they need to consider is the admission requirements for their program of choice.

If you don’t meet those requirements, however, have no fear. There are upgrading options at SAIT.

“Each program at SAIT has admission requirements, so be sure to review this information,” said Shauna Lowry, Team Leader of the Recruitment, Communications, and Employment team in Customer Services. “If necessary, you can upgrade those specific requirements.”

The upgrading offered at SAIT is specifically geared towards SAIT programs. It is not the standard high school curriculum that is accepted across all Canadian colleges, institutes and universities. Therefore, post-secondary institutes will determine on an individual basis whether or not SAIT upgrading qualifies for acceptance into their programs.

“If a student is positive that SAIT is where they would like to attain their post-secondary education, then we encourage them to come here,” said Lowry. “However, if they have plans to possibly attend another post-secondary school, to upgrade they may want to consider alternative schools.”

Meeting the admission requirements may not be enough to land a spot in some programs. Many SAIT programs have high industry demands and only a limited number of seats offered, therefore, those with the highest marks will be given the most consideration.

“Some SAIT programs have over three hundred applicants and only fifteen to twenty seats that will actually be filled,” said Lowry. “These programs are highly competitive and prospective students with the best grades are the most likely candidates.”

Applicants with mature student status should consider upgrading if they have been out of school for a number of years and need to refresh their memory.

“Some mature students have been out of high school for ten or more years,” said Lowry. “If they have not applied the knowledge they obtained from high school in every day life, then they may need a refresher.”

Upgrading may seem like a huge endeavor for those that found high school curriculum challenging. Some prospective students may question whether or not taking high school courses a second time around will produce better results. To alleviate doubt, SAIT offers learning assistance through the Learning Skills and Tutoring centre to help students improve their academic skills through tutoring and study skill strategies.

“The Learning Skills and Tutoring centre is an excellent resource for students that need extra help learning their materials,” said Lowry.

For more information on admission requirements for SAIT programs, please visit our website at www.sait.ca, contact Customer Services at 1-877-284-7248 or email: [email protected]. To find out more details on upgrading at SAIT, please contact the Pre-Careers and Transitions centre at (403) 284-8915. To obtain more information on learning assistance through SAIT, please contact the Learning Skills and Tutoring centre at (403) 284-7050.