The details

 

  • Freshman Academy – What’s it all about?

Freshman Academy allows students to take their first year of university even though they may have lower than expected grades in high school – or one or two missing academic courses


  • So Freshman Academy is for students who haven’t been satisfied with their High School studies?

    Yes, Freshman Academy gives students a chance to begin university studies, try to improve their grades and skills, and explore life options.

 

  • Doesn’t Trinity Western University have admission standards anymore?

TWU will not and cannot lower our standards for admission into undergraduate degree programs, and that’s where Freshman Academy comes in. Students are admitted into the university conditionally, the special condition being the successful completion of Freshman Academy. In other words, once students complete the program successfully, the condition is fulfilled. If students are not successful in the program, they have not met the condition and will not be permitted to continue in their degree path at TWU.


  • But what about their grades in Freshman Academy?

Students will need to achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher (that's a C) to be eligible to continue in their degree program at Trinity Western University. Students in the program need to work hard, take responsibility for their learning, and manage their time. Grades are not given; they are earned.


  • And you’ll help them improve their grades?

Yes, that’s the purpose of Freshman Academy. However, the program alone cannot guarantee success. Freshman Academy sets up a strong, supportive environment and provides tools for success, but ultimately, the students have to choose to use the tools. From past cohorts, those who have taken advantage of every opportunity to learn have achieved strong GPAs and skills that have enabled them to succeed in the rest of their university career. We have heard some very good reports from professors. Some students even get on the Dean's List.


  • What is a cohort?

The cohort – or group of students – is attractive because everyone sticks together. This increases familiarity and comfort as well as accountability. Each cohort learns together in all the same classes.


  • What is a learning coach?

Perhaps the greatest advantage of Freshman Academy is the availability of a learning coach. The coach is familiar with the specific courses and works together with the professors on ways to help students improve. The coach offers study sessions for groups and individuals, provides one-on-one help with all assignments, and meets with students personally to discuss progress and goals.


  • I have a job, so can I keep working while I take this program?

We understand the importance of getting work experience and earning money, so we take this into consideration when making the schedule. Although we cannot always avoid evening classes, we keep them to no more than one evening per week, leaving the others free to accommodate part-time work schedules. We also attempt to offer one weekday without classes. At the same time, students in Freshman Academy need to be committed to their studies as top priority. In other words, work schedules should be arranged around class times. Since Freshman Academy is a full-time program, students should expect to spend approximately 40 hours per week on their academics (classes, homework, and studying). We do not recommend trying to work a demanding job at the same time.


  • What about transferability?

Trinity Western University is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), the congress of Canadian degree-granting institutions. TWU courses are transferable to most universities in North America and around the world. Transcripts are issued by Trinity Western University, and the receiving institution decides on acceptance of transfers.


  • Can I get a student loan?

Yes, Freshman Academy students are full-time undergraduate students and therefore qualify for loans.


  • What kind of school is Trinity Western University?

    We are the largest Christian liberal arts and sciences university in Canada and one of the best known in North America. Trinity Western is a privately-owned, public university with a beautiful verdant campus, just 45 minutes east of Vancouver, BC in the heart of the lush Fraser Valley. The campus is conveniently located adjacent to Highway 1, the Trans Canada Highway. You can find out more by exploring the main website or by inquiring to TWU Admissions. Even better, come to a Preview Weekend or a View Day, opportunities to visit campus, meet other interested students, meet staff and professors, experience sample lectures, and enjoy campus life.

 

  • Who can I talk to about Freshman Academy? Are there deadlines for admission? How much does it cost?

Space is limited and enrollment is currently underway for September. Contact TWU Admissions for more information, and fill out an online application to TWU to begin the process.