BSc Specialization Application Tips
May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025
As UBC Science's BSc Specialization Application approaches, many students come to Science Advising asking questions. We're here to demystify the application process, highlight common misconceptions, and help you make strategic choices that are right for you.
If you apply to a specialization that you don’t meet the requirements for (see #3 above), you will not be admitted to that option.
Being in UBC Science for one year doesn't mean you are automatically progressed to second year class standing. You must meet sufficient progress requirements for second year class standing by the end of the current winter session. See #2 above.
Several of our specializations (e.g., Cellular, Anatomical and Physiological Sciences, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Computer Science) have a very limited number of seats and can’t meet the high levels of student demand. Take this into consideration and be strategic when selecting your 3 ranked choices.
There are nine specializations that draw on the available Computer Science seats:
You are permitted to apply for up to two specializations within the computer science umbrella. This is because if your application isn't competitive for your first two CPSC choices, it will not be competitive for a third.
Some students guess that specializations with higher admission averages are academically more challenging. However, this isn't necessarily the case. Admission averages reflect both the number of applicants and available spots, rather than the difficulty of the specialization, and these numbers can vary each year as the number of seats changes.
Understanding this can help you decide which specializations to rank for your three choices, allowing you to focus on your interests and strengths.
If you are not successful with your three choices, you'll be notified and entered into a second round of the specialization process. However, this round includes only specializations that still have spots remaining and operates on a first-come first-serve basis.
To complete this application, you select your top three choices and submit – there’s nothing more you need to do.
The average used for the BSc Specialization Application is your most recent overall Winter Session average only (or admission average, for transfer students).
No. Students are placed into their first-choice specialization (so long as they meet eligibility requirements) ordered by average, as long as there's still room in the specialization. The cutoff average is the average of the student who gets the last spot in a specialization, and this varies from year to year. There are some variations in the placement process, and these are indicated on the BSc Specialization application pages.
Try not to fixate on averages. As mentioned above, the admission averages for entry fluctuate from year to year, and exceeding historical averages doesn’t guarantee admission in the current cycle. For a comprehensive view of these trends, you can view the historical admission averages.
Don’t focus too much on historical data about averages. If you don’t apply, there’s a 100% chance you won’t be considered!
Pick a specialization where some requirements overlap with your most desired specializations. This overlap may let you work towards meeting requirements for multiple specializations next year. That may enable you to switch into a different specialization for third year if it’s still of interest.
After you’ve read through the specialization info on this website, connect with Science Advising if you still have questions.
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