Alternate Offers

An alternate offer gives you the option of being admitted to Trent into a different, but closely-related, program than the one you originally applied to. We believe this alternate program offer will set you on a desirable career path and may even be a closer fit for your skills and qualifications. Ultimately, it also means that we want you to pursue your academic journey here at Trent.

“I originally applied to nursing and got into honours science. With my alternate offer, Trent sent me an outline of the average that I needed to maintain, and the courses that I needed to take to get into my first choice program in my second year. It was really detailed and helped me a lot. I think it’s lucky that I had my first year to focus on what works for me, figure out my study habits, get to know the campus, explore my interests with elective courses, and get to know the faculty and staff. My first year here helped me understand that Nursing is definitely for me. I have no doubts and I’m really excited to start the program.”

– Alyssa Diatel, Nursing student

Want to know more about alternate offers and how they work? Look no further. The Q&As below will provide you with all of the information you need to know. And if you have more questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Give us a call at (705)748-1011 x1332 or email admissions@trentu.ca.

Why did I receive an alternate offer?

• Admission to programs with heightened admission requirements can be competitive, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
• You may have received an alternate offer of admission due to:
  • admission average that is below the competitive cut-off or you have been placed on a waitlist
  • missing a pre-requisite course
  • not submitting a required supplemental document (i.e. Applicant Essay, Mature Student Supplemental, Intention to Upgrade)
  • having too many transfer credits for your program of choice
  • not meeting the English proficiency requirements

What can I do with an alternate offer?

• For many of our competitive programs, there is an opportunity to apply to transfer-in after completing your first year in the alternate program. In this case, make sure to speak to your Academic Advisor to ensure that you are registering in the necessary courses in your first year.
• For first-year students, an alternate offer of admission is a chance to explore various disciplines and see which courses and majors pique your interest
• For upper-year students, an alternate offer is an opportunity to upgrade your cumulative average
• For students who did not meet the English proficiency requirements, can transition into degree studies after successful completion of Trent's ESL English for University program (see http://www.trentu.ca/esl) 

Who do I speak to about options and planning my degree?

• Your Academic Advisor is your main source of information when it comes to academic planning. Please visit www.trentu.ca/advising to set-up an appointment or to view convenient drop-in hours.

Can I still get into my first-choice program?

• For many of our competitive programs, there is an opportunity to apply to transfer-in after completing your first year in the alternate program. If this is your plan, speak to your academic advisor before you register for classes in your first year. For programs not listed on the chart, please use the "Change of Major" form on your myTrent portal after first-year at Trent.