The Results Are In! Now What?

How to make sense of the fine print on your admission offer.

It's decision season! That's right, after months of gathering application materials and tracking deadlines, the time has finally come for universities to let you know if you've been accepted for admission.

Sometimes it can feel like the process is never-ending, especially if you receive a conditional offer of acceptance. Here are some tips on understanding your offer letter, and for making sure you complete the final steps needed to secure your place as a university student.

What are your program details?

Depending on your academic background, you might be admitted into a 90-credit program or a 120-credit program. At Concordia University, the 90-credit program is for students who have completed CEGEP, the International Baccalaureate program, or the Baccalauréat français program. This program is referred to as the regular three year program. Students coming straight from Grade 12 are usually admitted into the "Extended Credit Program," which typically takes four years to complete and consists of 120 credits.

What does "conditional acceptance" mean?

If you're applying during your final year of high school, your offer of admission is likely to be conditional. This means that you've been offered admission on the condition that you complete your current course of study and maintain your GPA at the level required by your program.

It also means you'll have to remember to submit your final grades as soon as they're available. It's up to you to coordinate with your school to provide those official transcripts. You may be able to submit your documents electronically, through a third party like an Examining Board, Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse, or you can have your school send transcripts to the university directly, in a sealed envelope.

What about "prerequisites?"

Like many other universities, Concordia University offers students admission even if some of the prerequisite courses for their program are not completed. This gives you the opportunity to take these courses in your first terms of study, while starting your Bachelor's degree. Speak to your Academic Advisor early on to understand when you should complete these courses.

Being accepted with a few prerequisites required is still an acceptance, so it's time to celebrate! Just be sure to make a note of what courses you're required to take once you get started, to take care of your deficiencies.

Don't forget to confirm your offer of acceptance!

Once you've sorted out what final documents you'll need to submit, and what courses you'll need to register for once you've enrolled, it's time to confirm your acceptance! In some cases, programs maintain a waitlist, which means there's a strict deadline to confirm your acceptance. In general, it's best to confirm your offer to maintain your spot in the program. Remember that students must register for the term they've been admitted to. Once you're confirmed, you'll receive additional information about academic advising and registration. You'll have a chance to meet your advisor, or attend an advising session once you're on campus. Finally, it's time to register for courses — but that's another story.