A couple of weeks ago they handed out engineering specialization placements… well it popped up on the SSC and I couple weeks later I got a letter from my new department.
In Engineering your specialization is a big deal, once you have your specialization, that’s it. You have to stick with it for the next 3 (or in my case 4) years. It is extremely difficult to transfer from program to program (unless you are changing between electrical and computer engineering) and most people have a pretty set idea of what type of engineering they want to go into.
In April we ranked our top 8 choices and were told that we would be notified of our placements by mid-june…. we didn’t hear anything.
Then we were notified that they were delaying the placements, but we would hear by June 25th at the latest…. we didn’t hear anything.
I didn’t get my placement until about June 30th, most likely because I was a transfer student. My nerves were tingling like crazy for the whole three days while placements were going out. They messed up the process this year and quite a few people got had their placements change around a bit (but for the most part they were just bumped up into their first choice).
I chose Engineering Physics as my first choice. Engineering Physics has the highest entrance average out of all of the different specializations. It is also considered either the coolest or the nerdiest specialization depending on who you talk to. I chose it because it has a bit of everything, especially the physics which I really like. I also really want to go into research (or you know test it out see how I like it) which makes it seem like a good fit. Also it is definitely going to be a challenge, and for some sick reason I always choose to do things that will challenge me… I can’t explain it.
Also for anyone who is thinking about going into Engineering Physics in future years: From what I have heard the entrance average for this year was just around the 80% mark, aim for at least 85% to play it safe new first years! This average includes courses that “don’t really count” such as English and your elective. Although at some point during the year you might stop caring about your courses make sure that you don’t slack off! I made that mistake for Chemistry 123 and ended up with a low B which really brought my average down and scared me when I was waiting to hear about specializations. =P
wow! you were able to transfer from arts to applied sciences? how did you do it? what courses did you take? Actually, im an incoming arts student this winter term, and i was planning to transfer to applied sciences next year. Any tips regarding which classes to take?
Hi there, if you go to Engineering student services they will tell you which courses you need to take to transfer. Last year it was English 112 or ASTU 150, Math 100, Math 101, Math 221 Physics 101,102 (or Physics 107,108,109 which I did and loved it), Chem 123 and 121, Physics 170, APSC 160 and 150 and an elective…I’m sure I am forgetting something. You might not be able to fit all these courses in with the arts credit limit, but if your marks are good the advisors will extend your credit limit. Hope this helps, make sure you go talk to Engineering Student services before the switch/drop deadline or before classes start so that you are on track to transfer. That said, transferring in one year is very hard and many people do a year in science or arts and then switch into first year applied science. Good luck!
why did you ever apply to arts faculty intially if you never intended to stay in the faculty, did you not get into engineering initially and then retry switching in, im just wondering because i got into arts but not engineering and i accepted arts glad to know its possible to switch in for kids like us who couldnt get in from hs. which advisors did you go to.
I didn’t get into Engineering originally because I did not take Physics 12 in highschool (was not offered in my program). I am creative which is why I applied to Arts but also good at Math and Physics. I originally thought I would do the dual degree program in Arts and Engineering, but after a first term of Psychology I disliked it and decided to transfer completly into engineering. I went to Mary Murphy of Engineering Student Services and also Chava from Arts advising (in arts you are assigned an advisor). You might have to do a bit (no a lot) of running around to get all the required credits e.t.c. but it is possible. Hope this answers your question!
Hi, im doing my first year of engineering at another university in BC and will be transferring into the second year of electrical engineering.You mentioned that it will take you 4 more years? why is that if you already did all first year courses? I couldnt do all courses in my first year because they arent offered here so ill miss out on apsc 151 and will need to take it later sometime. I might just barely get a transfer credit for APSC 160 so im not too sure on that one.
Engineering Physics is a five year program because it usually includes co-op. Electrical engineering can be done in four years, but if you do co-op it adds a year as well. Co-op terms are ones where you do not go to school but instead work in your field for 4-8 months. Hope this helps =)
Hey I’m currently a first year Engineering student at UBC!
Thank you for the post and I wonder how do you like EngPhys so far? I’m quite nervous about the compulsory interview they have, did you have that? Wonder what kind of questions they asked…
Hmm, thx 🙂
Hi Roxie,
I really like Engineering Physics so far. It is quite a demanding program but you also very interesting. If you are a strong student and are up for a challenge I’d say it’s the perfect program for you.
Last year they didn’t have compulsory interviews, so I don’t know what they will ask. But! I would prepare yourself for some typical interview questions, like why you want to be in the program, why you would be the ideal candidate, what sort of extracurricular activities you are involved in, and be prepared to talk about any projects or labs you enjoyed.
Hope that helps and I wish you the best of luck!
Thank you 🙂
Hello! I am a science student right now at the uofcalgary and i was looking into transferring into applied sciences at ubc. Did you take ALL of the required first year engineering courses?! What courses did you take to transfer RIGHT into second year? Im asking this because I have 2 semesters of organic chem, physics, general chem, biology, calculus, statistics, and english… and im i have a bunch of other courses that would be considered as electives. Would i be placed in 2nd yr or in first yr engineering? and i’m looking into specifically, chemical engineering or materials engineering if that helps!
Hi Carmen,
The best group to talk to would be Engineering Student Services:
http://engineering.ubc.ca/eng/students/undergraduates/prospective-undergraduates-contact
I hope it helps! I didn’t take all of the first year engineering courses, but I took a lot that were equivalent. You need a certain amount of transferable credits to be placed into second year engineering.
I’m just about to make my decision about which type of Engineering to go into 2nd year at UBC. I really like the idea and courses for Engineering Phys, but I’m concerned about the workload for Eng Phys. I’ve got an A average in first year Eng, so far, with most of my time spent studying currently. I’d like to have the time to play some sports and go out occasionally. Is this reasonable, or will I just be studying 24/7?
Also, do you know if the students in mechanical engineering find it easier than Eng phys?
thanks
Hi there,
Eng Phys does have a very heavy course load, but I wouldn’t let that discourage you from applying if the program appeals to you. Many students spread out their degree to 6 years, or even 7 to get by with a lighter load.
Personally I do spend a lot of time studying, but I also have time set aside for doing other things during the week. For example I have half of my Saturday blocked of for my student team work, Sunday evenings blocked off for dinner with my family back at home, Monday afternoon available for dance class etc. I have found that with a heavy course I have learnt to adjust how I study. I put less effort into homework problems if they aren’t worth much and spend much less time going at a problem alone before asking a class mate for help. Maybe with less time available you learn to study a little bit smarter.
I think that Mechanical Engineering students have a tougher 2nd year course load than Engineering Physics students, but then their course load lightens after Mech 2 whereas in Fizz the course load stays more or less constant. Both programs are tough, but if you are up to the challenge, as your grades suggest you are, I wouldn’t be afraid of taking it.
Good luck