60/40 Rule

[snflowerseeds]

I received 2 credits in the Winter 2020 term. Now, I have 10.5 credits in total. However, I took 2 200 level courses and 2 300 level courses during the Winter 2020 term. I also took a 100 level course during the Summer 2020. The regulation stated that "For students in programs with more than 10 credits, 60% of credits in each full-time semester must be taken at a 3000 level (third year level) or above once they have completed 10 credits. However, 40% of the credits in a full-time semester may be taken at the level of the applicant's choice." Did I break the 60/40 rule in the Winter 2020 semester, or does the 60/40 semester only apply to the semesters after the credits are obtained?

[AYellowTurtle]

Hi there!
It sounds like you only took 4 courses in W20, which I believe might mean the semester doesn't count anyways as it isn't a full 2.5 credits (unless one of the courses was double weight?)While 4 courses is considered full-time for undergrad purposes, OVC requires 2.5 credits for a semester to work (ie they won't consider the summer course you took either if it was taken alone)
In terms of the 60/40 rule, once you are in 3rd year at least 1.5 of the 2.5 credits must be 3000 or 4000-level in order for a semester to count. For your situation I believe they will only start looking for 60/40 after W20 as the 10 credits have to be all done first. (ie the rule wouldn't have applied to your W20 but from now on it will as you are now over 10)
But I would confirm all that by emailing admissions, and unless I'm missing something I do believe you still need a full 2.5 credits in each semester you want to use anyways.
Hope that helps and doesn't just make things more confusing!

[2ndtry]

Hi everyone,

Next year I will be applying for my second try. I want to confirm a few things about this rule.

My last 2 full time semesters will include one from second year and one from third year. My second year semester does not follow the 60/40 rule, however this year I got an interview so I know it only applies once you are in third year. Since I am now considered 3rd year, can I not use this semester? Or do I just have to ensure my third year semesters and up are following the 60/40 rule?

Thank you!

[Anonymous2025]

Jun 28, 2021 21:11:09 GMT -5 2ndtry said:

Hi everyone,

Next year I will be applying for my second try. I want to confirm a few things about this rule.

My last 2 full time semesters will include one from second year and one from third year. My second year semester does not follow the 60/40 rule, however this year I got an interview so I know it only applies once you are in third year. Since I am now considered 3rd year, can I not use this semester? Or do I just have to ensure my third year semesters and up are following the 60/40 rule?

Thank you!

You can use the semester. 2nd year the 60/40 rule doesn’t apply, it’s just so that people in 4th year can’t significantly improve their average by taking lower year course. So long as the semester is acceptable, it is useable for your application! Just for you third and fourth year semesters, ensure that 60% of your courses are 3/4000, and you will be good. I hope this helps! You can still double check with admissions for further confirmation - they are the experts! But I’m sure it is fine.

[Anonymous2025]

Jun 28, 2021 21:39:03 GMT -5 Anonymous2025 said:

Jun 28, 2021 21:11:09 GMT -5 2ndtry said:

Hi everyone,

Next year I will be applying for my second try. I want to confirm a few things about this rule.

My last 2 full time semesters will include one from second year and one from third year. My second year semester does not follow the 60/40 rule, however this year I got an interview so I know it only applies once you are in third year. Since I am now considered 3rd year, can I not use this semester? Or do I just have to ensure my third year semesters and up are following the 60/40 rule?

Thank you!

You can use the semester. 2nd year the 60/40 rule doesn’t apply, it’s just so that people in 4th year can’t significantly improve their average by taking lower year course. So long as the semester is acceptable, it is useable for your application! Just for you third and fourth year semesters, ensure that 60% of your courses are 3/4000, and you will be good. I hope this helps! You can still double check with admissions for further confirmation - they are the experts! But I’m sure it is fine.

Sorry, not that it doesn’t apply, but if applying in third year, a second year semester can still be used even if 60% of the courses aren’t 3000/4000 level, since it was the appropriate course level for that time - if that makes sense.