Dear Aska
I am currently a first year student planning to get into the architecture program, but the entrance requirements are really high… I don’t have a problem with the 3.2 gpa cut off that they have, but what if I don’t get a minimum of 70 in my arc132 course? My english is not good enough to get high marks in that course (you know, arc132 is all about writing papers). Is it possible to retake this course next year in case I didn’t get the minimum mark required, or should i drop it (it’s actually gonna be a late withdrawal now) and take it next year?
thnx sooo much for any information you can give 🙂
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It is possible to retake the course next year if you don?t reach the minimum mark. However, it you would have to take it as an extra course. So it would not count toward the 20-credit requirement you need to graduate from UofT.
I think the answer to your question really depends on the mark you are getting in the course, and what percentage of the course has already been completed. For instance, if you?re currently getting (say) an F in the course after having completed coursework that is going to count for 80% of your total grade, I would advise you to withdraw from the class so that you can focus more on your other courses. If you?re getting a C+ right now, and have only completed coursework for 50% of your final grade, I would suggest that you stick with it ? you still have time to try to pull your mark up, up, up. And if that fails, you can always retake the course next year.
I?m not trying to intimidate you, but architecture at UofT is extremely competitive. Keep in mind that architecture is a humanities program ? so there will likely be more papers and essays for you to write in higher-level courses. You should really take some time to reflect: if you do end up getting into Architecture, would you enjoy writing all those papers for the theory and history courses?
If you?re determined to get into architecture, you should seriously consider taking the needed steps to improve your writing skills. Take advantage of your resources! If you want to improve your writing, why not make an appointment at your college writing centre? Or how about checking out the services at the Academic Success Centre? And, if English is not your first language, what about checking out the English Language Learning course offered by New College in the summer?
I would also really, really recommend that you talk to your college registrar about this in order to clear up any queries, concerns, or reservations you have about your decisions.