Athabasca University

[qpalzm]

Hey,

I have applied to Athabasca.

They are accredited and quiet well known... in fact famous people like Ralph Klein went to the University. They have many students from the US as well because its cheaper compared to many Uni's there.

They have great undergrad programs...the only difference is if you want to go to graduate school, you'll have to transfer, slim pickings there.

I contacted Ottawa University and asked if they accept a degree from Athabasca for the graduate programs and I was told that they absolutely do.(obviously based on marks)

And AU is an "open" university, these are popular around the world. It functions more like a private school or business, even though its public. Basically, they will not look at your past record and you can get in with minimal requirements. However, you still have to get good marks once you start or you'll be kicked out, funding of your loans will stop, etc In every other way, its the same.

When you think about it, why would they care if you want to lose your money but your an idiot that can't do the course work? Don't for one second think that any other University cares for your success.

At the end of the day, AU is a Uni for the new century. With people staying in school longer, being busy with parenting and work, many will turn to Universities like this.

[qpalzm]

And furthermore, I'm sure you guys are aware that every Uni has courses ava. on an individual basis(like "special" student status) where if you do between 4-8 courses, you can apply to a degree program based on those courses..totally forgetting about your high-school marks. So you could be the worst student out there in high-school, do some Uni courses on a part-time basis, taking 2 courses at a time if you want, and get into a great program.

So this idea that Athabasca's policy is stupid in regards to admission policy is a bit over-stated. Only difference is that Athabasca is run like a business through and through. If you want to fail doing Biology, its up to you. It's really an Alberta thing and Conservative thing the way this Uni's policy works. It gives power to people who want an education, removing barriers, and giving everyone a chance if they have the money to pay and want to invest(through loans)

[genkav]

I've just transferred here from York to finish my creative writing and pro writing degree (which is basically English at Athabasca).

How quickly have some of you finished your courses? I understand that regardless how long a course is on paper, you can speed through it if you have the discipline etc.

[deity307]

They have great undergrad programs...the only difference is if you want to go to graduate school, you'll have to transfer, slim pickings there.

I'm curious to know, how is it like if you're taking an undergrad program at Athabasca University, and you plan to take grad school afterward?

I'm fairly sure that a grad school will accept the bachelor's degree you'd get at AU. But when you apply to grad school, don't you have to get 2-3 cover letters from past professors? I can see that being difficult if you never meet your professors at AU face-to-face.

I'm at Centennial College right now, in my 2nd year. I have 1 more year left to finish my diploma then I'm planning to transfer to a university. AU seems like a good choice to me, since I would get 2 years of advanced standing (i.e. start in 3rd year university) and I could work at the same time.

In any case, it seems like Athabasca University is a reputable school. I think the fact that it's online and has minimal admission requirements is why we're skeptical.

[shabbir9]

Does anyone here know how the taxx 301 midterm/final exam is structured? Are we expected to remember all the rates or can we take a cheatsheet? Or do we have to flip through the Income Tax Act during the exam? Thanks

[anon_s]

Has anyone inquired about the Master of Science in Information Systems at Athabasca?

I'm looking at the admissions page and it makes no mention of GPA requirements. I graduated from Waterloo 5 years ago and have been working in IT ever since. Online is really the only way I could do my masters as I need to work.

Does anyone know what the GPA requirements are?

I'm interested in this as well, anyone care to share some advice?

[anon_s]

[dignity08]

Hey , yeah i can't wait to get started!!!! It looks legit, its on the osap site, you can get funded for scholarships and burseries so i can't see why not... can anyone help me, has anyone taken the courses? whats it like... do they send you material through the mail? I heard that you get your own tutor, and they guide you through out, and you can extend the semester if you want... if anyone could share their experiences that would be great...I'm just a little confused on how this works...i know its online but is it easy to follow...

[iliveinmycantina]

I just recently enrolled in the B.Comm post-diploma. You need to really be motivated. I'm enrolled in Cost Analysis now and am finding it difficult to stick to the plan. I just recently started buckling down and studying. What do you plan on taking?

[malfion]

I'm considering getting into the Bcomm as well but other options like archaeology look cool as well.

Edit: I applied. The process was quick easy. Now to get that transcript request sent.

[kassymoon]

Has anyone taken ACCT460, 451 and CMIS351 midterm examination at athabasca university in 2011 and 2012?

[rapashoo]

Guys I need answers urgently!!

I am trying to enrol in AU, individualized study online. On the time table, the start date is every 1st of the month and duration is 6 months.

6 months duration seems to be pretty long comparing to other universities. Can this be shortened if I finish module in quick pace?

Please let me know!!

[malfion]

Guys I need answers urgently!!

I am trying to enrol in AU, individualized study online. On the time table, the start date is every 1st of the month and duration is 6 months.

6 months duration seems to be pretty long comparing to other universities. Can this be shortened if I finish module in quick pace?

Please let me know!!

Its 6 months total. As in, you can take up to 6 months to finish a course if you want. If you can study/set your pace normally, you can finish as early as you want. Even 1 month or less. It's to fit your style of studying.

[misyan]

I took a summer course with AU for transfer credit couple years back, wish I just did it with a traditional university (would be cheaper). The worst thing is that you have to pay a fee for writing exams at whatever places you picked out of their lists. And for the course I took had 4 exams, ended up paying another $200 in additions to the expensive course fees. I also wrote like 5 assignments but the course that was equivalent to my school only had 1 midterm and 1 finals, so I also wasted more efforts and $$ to get the same credit everybody got at the end.

[rapashoo]

I took a summer course with AU for transfer credit couple years back, wish I just did it with a traditional university (would be cheaper). The worst thing is that you have to pay a fee for writing exams at whatever places you picked out of their lists. And for the course I took had 4 exams, ended up paying another $200 in additions to the expensive course fees. I also wrote like 5 assignments but the course that was equivalent to my school only had 1 midterm and 1 finals, so I also wasted more efforts and $$ to get the same credit everybody got at the end.

I find that AU is expensive for out of province students but it DOES offer flexibility. I guess that's what we pay for....