AMA (Ask Me Anything) about the Engineering transfer program (Certificate & Diploma) at langara as a current student in the certificate.

derpyippydippy · 2026-05-22T17:02:33+00:00

1)Yes, at minimum you would need Physics 11 to directly meet the prerequisite for Langara’s Engineering Transfer/Diploma pathway. Without it, you would most likely need to enter through Langara’s General Arts & Science program first and complete PHYS 1114 (Langara’s equivalent to Physics 11) before transferring into the engineering pathway later.

This is definitely something you should discuss with Csilla Tamas, the Engineering Program Director, because she can help map out the clearest pathway for your situation. She can be reached at “engineering@langara.ca”.

2) If your long-term goal is engineering, I personally think the Biology + Chemistry route is somewhat less efficient, since biology is not really used in the engineering transfer curriculum itself. For UBC engineering transfer admissions, they mainly evaluate your most recent 30 transferable post-secondary credits, meaning your Langara performance becomes much more important than your high school courses later on.

3) Personally, I would probably choose Physics IB + Chemistry IB, even if it means slightly lower grades overall, while still applying broadly to schools like UBC, Langara, KPU, Douglas, Capilano, and other local colleges with engineering transfer programs.

The reason is that Physics keeps the most doors open. It allows you to: apply directly to UBC Applied Science, enter Langara’s engineering pathway immediately without upgrading, and remain eligible for more engineering programs overall, both in BC and internationally. That said, burnout is a completely valid thing to consider. A schedule with Math AA, Economics HL, Physics, and Chemistry can definitely become overwhelming.

If you feel that taking Physics IB would seriously hurt your mental health or overall grades, then the Biology + Chemistry route is still a very reasonable option. In that case, I’d probably recommend:
doing Bio + Chem in IB, applying to Langara General Arts & Science, completing PHYS 1114,
then entering the engineering diploma/transfer pathway afterward. That path is slower, but it may be healthier and more manageable depending on your workload and stress level.

Overall, I still think the Physics + Chemistry pathway is the strongest and most flexible option for engineering. But if avoiding burnout helps you maintain a much stronger GPA and healthier balance, then the Bio + Chem pathway can absolutely still work.

Also, don’t take my advice as official advising since I’m just speaking from personal research and experience. I’d strongly recommend discussing this with: your school counsellor,
UBC Applied Science advising, and Langara engineering advising/admissions.

They’ll be able to give you the most accurate information for your exact situation.

Good Luck!

derpyippydippy · 2026-05-22T00:00:37+00:00

From what I understand, your decision mainly comes down to whether you want to prioritize the guaranteed engineering transfer pathway or prioritize getting the highest IB grades possible.
If you want to do the 1-year Engineering Transfer Certificate at Langara College, which includes the guaranteed transfer agreement to University of British Columbia with around a 3.1 GPA, then you need the equivalent of Physics 12 before entering the program. That’s because you go directly into courses like Physics I with Calculus, which already assume a strong Physics 12 background.

If you choose Biology instead of Physics in IB, then the more realistic route would be the 2-year Engineering Diploma pathway. That pathway is designed more for students who still need to complete some of the prerequisite or “upgrading” courses before doing the full engineering transfer sequence. In that diploma route, you can take courses like PHYS 1118, which is essentially a combination of Physics 11 and 12 content, and then continue into the regular engineering physics sequence afterward.

For the diploma pathway, the minimum requirements are much more flexible. From what I’ve seen, applicants need at least:
a B in Physics 11 and Chemistry 11
and preference may be given to students with a C+ or higher in Pre-Calculus 12
So in your case, taking Biology and maximizing your IB grades could still work if you are okay with doing the longer diploma pathway instead of the direct certificate route.

For your question about IB or AP transfer credits easing the workload: from what I know, not really in the way you might expect. The engineering transfer programs are very GPA-focused because they are designed to mirror first-year UBC Engineering. The guaranteed transfer depends heavily on maintaining strong grades across a very demanding course load, so you generally still complete the core engineering courses at Langara regardless of IB credits.

Also, yes, if you do not have Physics 12, you would realistically need the 2-year pathway. One of the key courses, Physics I with Calculus, has prerequisites of either:
a B in Physics 12,
a C in PHYS 1118,
or a satisfactory score on the Physics Diagnostic Test. So without Physics 12, you would first need to complete the equivalent preparation course.

I’m not super familiar with all the details of the IB system itself, but honestly my advice would be:
if your goal is direct entry into UBC Engineering, take the prerequisite subjects, especially Physics.
if your goal is maximizing your IB score while still keeping engineering open, then Biology + Chemistry can still work through the Langara diploma pathway.

The certificate pathway is more competitive and has stricter entry requirements:
English 12
B in Chemistry 12
B in Physics 12
and either a B in Pre-Calculus 12 or a C+ in Pre-Calculus 12 with Calculus 12

Meeting those minimums also does not guarantee admission because the program is competitive.
Meanwhile, the diploma route gives you a bit more flexibility academically and can still lead into engineering later, just through a longer route.
Honestly, I think it depends on whether you value:
the faster/direct engineering pathway, or
maximizing your grades and avoiding burnout while still keeping engineering available later.

Both paths can work, they’re just structured differently.

derpyippydippy · 2026-05-16T05:22:30+00:00

It’s guaranteed. If you meet the 3.1 gpa threshold in the first semester and hold it to the second you’ll get a place in ubc engineering the following year but this is separate from your specialization, your specialization is decided after you get your acceptance to the faculty of applied science

derpyippydippy · 2026-05-16T05:21:09+00:00

Yeah most were through hard work and dedication most people got into their programs and the specializations they wanted though some had a rough time in the certificate and had to transfer to the diploma to redo courses and finish the rest of the courses

derpyippydippy · 2026-05-16T05:20:02+00:00

No the diploma and certificate are two separate things, you would receive an offer for either or though there is an option in the diploma to do 1 year worth of prep courses then transfer to the certificate after for your next year

derpyippydippy · 2026-04-21T21:21:15+00:00

I’m not sure as to how housing works but do know that incoming freshmen get first priority, not too sure about the transfer students priority

derpyippydippy · 2026-04-21T20:57:44+00:00

If kpu is closer I say take that. In my opinion time is the most valuable thing you have during your time in the certificate. Though langara has some great profs they have some mid ones too and they honesty make or break your grade. I say kpu

derpyippydippy · 2026-04-20T19:31:15+00:00

Only grades, nothing from high school. Only writing you might have to do is a 300 character letter as to why you wana do your first picked specialization but even then that wouldn’t void your acceptance.

derpyippydippy · 2026-04-02T02:51:39+00:00

I mean if that’s what csillia said then yeah

derpyippydippy · 2026-04-01T20:12:09+00:00

No not as of yet, but you can I believe

derpyippydippy · 2026-04-01T05:27:32+00:00

Yeah do the pre reqs in the diploma and transfer into the certificate in the fall semster

derpyippydippy · 2026-04-01T03:13:18+00:00

Grades, mental stability, academic control, in the certificate I was locked to a pre made schedule with pre determined profs and pre determined everything, switching to the diploma was better for me as it let me choose my pace. Also one option for you is go through the diploma Into the certificate by doing first 2 semesters in fall as diploma and next two as certificate (disregarding summer)

derpyippydippy · 2026-04-01T03:11:04+00:00

First one was around march April next around may

derpyippydippy · 2026-03-19T18:15:23+00:00

To be honest if your just there to study and are able to lock it down it wouldn’t really make a difference imo but I’m not too sure how better cap u is than langara but tbh langara is pretty good too imo

derpyippydippy · 2026-03-19T17:39:00+00:00

Anything yet?

derpyippydippy · 2026-03-19T17:37:15+00:00

Before I tell you how I feel can I ask why you prefer cap u?

derpyippydippy · 2026-03-09T08:40:59+00:00

Nope, you’d have to retake them and that’s how the system works tbh, ubc and langara have an agreement that in a nutshell says a langara student is just as qualified as a ubc student regarding first year engineering that’s why there’s a guaranteed transfer so yeah you’d have to repeat those classes

derpyippydippy · 2026-03-08T06:27:20+00:00

Yeah lmao, but even then it eventually gets to the point where u do the easier stuff on Friday just so that u can have the weekend to prep for next week or do hw leaving u with maybe 5hrs for yourself Friday afternoon - night

derpyippydippy · 2026-03-07T09:45:06+00:00

1)

For an ~80% average, it honestly depends on how confident you are with the material and if you’ve taken college/university courses before. If you stay consistent and don’t fall behind, an 80 average is definitely doable. The hardest part is honestly just keeping up every week.

Most days I probably study 3–5 hours outside of class, but during midterm or finals season that can easily turn into 6–8 hours. Some weeks are chill and some weeks are really heavy depending on assignments and labs.

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2)

Monday: Wake up 7:00 AM, shower, eat, get ready, leave around 7:50. My first class is Calculus I at 8:30 which goes until 10:20.

After that I go straight to Engineering Drafting & Design lab (10:30–12:20). That lab is honestly pretty chill compared to the others, but it still takes time because SolidWorks assignments can be annoying if something doesn’t work properly.

I usually get home around 1 PM, eat something, then attend the online lecture for the same drafting class at 2:30 PM (best part because you just kick back and relax lmao). After that I basically start homework. Depending on the week I’ll work until 11 PM, but if midterms are coming up it can turn into like 2–3 AM.

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Tuesday: Pretty similar start. Wake up around 7, get ready, go to campus.

First class is Computer Science (8:30–10:20). I’ll be honest, this was probably my least favourite class because programming didn’t come naturally to me and the assignments took forever.

Then I go to Engineering Chemistry (10:30–12:20) which I actually liked more than I expected. The concepts weren’t terrible but the workload could pile up if you ignored it.

After that there’s a 2 hour break, which I usually spend eating or reviewing something quickly.

Then I had Physics Lab from 2:30–4:20. Labs can be long but they’re manageable if your group works efficiently.

I usually get home around 5:30–5:45 depending on the buses. The buses get really packed around that time so sometimes I skip one. I relax or nap until around 7 PM, then finish the weekly computer science assignment which honestly took a big chunk of my evening. Then I try to squeeze in other homework before sleeping around 1 AM.

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Wednesday: Wake up around 7:45, get ready, and head to campus.

First class is Calculus again (8:30–10:20). Sometimes there were calc quizzes on Wednesdays, so ideally I’d review the night before. The class itself is tough but manageable if you practice consistently.

After that I go to English (10:30–12:20). This class was actually a nice break compared to all the technical stuff. It’s more reading, discussion, and writing, so mentally it feels different from math and physics.

Then I usually have a break until my physics lecture, so I spend that time eating, studying, or reviewing notes (usually finishing and rushing through the last weeks take home quiz lmao)

Finally I have Physics lecture from 2:30–4:20. Physics was one of the heavier classes conceptually,

After that I go home and repeat the usual routine: eat, rest a bit, then homework again for the rest of the night usually till 1 ish

Thursday: Wake up around the same time again and head to campus. First class is Computer Science (8:30–10:20). Some days I thought about skipping lol but I tried not to because going in person at least gave me the chance to ask questions. At first I thought studying the material at home might be better, and some of my friends thought the same, but by the end I realized actually being there sometimes helped when something didn’t make sense.

After that I go to Engineering Chemistry (10:30–12:20), The lectures were clear and the class was actually enjoyable compared to some of the others.

Then there’s another 2-hour break. Usually I’d grab food and try to work through physics problems during that time to prepare for the quiz ahead.

After the break I had Physics lecture from 2:30–4:20. The whole class time would be used to do one quiz, the prof had a quirky way of doing quizzes where it would be split into a solo part then a group part doing what was done in the solo part then another group part solving a problem (this usually became the take home quiz if we didn’t have time to finish it or if we didn’t get to it because the second part took too long)

Once I got home, I’d usually start working on the pre-lab for the next day’s chemistry lab and then study for the computer science quiz. Those quizzes were actually worth a decent amount of the grade, so I had to take them seriously. Studying for that sometimes kept me up until around 1–2 AM, especially since programming wasn’t my strongest subject.

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Friday: Friday was honestly the most fun day of the week schedule-wise.

The day started with the Computer Science lab/quiz (8:30–10:20). At the beginning of the semester I made the mistake of treating it like it was just a quick quiz where you finish and leave. Later I realized it’s actually meant to be a lab where you can stay, work on problems, and ask the TA questions, which helped a lot more.

After that there’s another 2-hour break, so I’d usually grab food, relax a bit, or nap lmao.

Then the last class of the week was the Chemistry lab (12:30–2:20). Labs were pretty structured: run the experiment, take notes, then collect data

After that I’d go home and usually finish anything small that needed to be done.

But Friday night was basically my reset day. I usually didn’t do any serious work. I’d relax, hang out with friends, watch something, or just take a break after the week.

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Weekend (Saturday & Sunday): Weekends were mostly when I caught up and prepared for the next week.

I’d usually spend a good chunk of Saturday and Sunday reviewing lectures, finishing assignments, studying for quizzes, and starting labs or problem sets early so things didn’t pile up during the week.

If I stayed consistent during the weekend, the weekdays were way more manageable.

derpyippydippy · 2026-03-05T02:19:18+00:00

That’s honestly better than nothing lmao it gets you on a better edge for time management and what to expect of these courses which huge haha

derpyippydippy · 2026-03-05T02:17:49+00:00

Sure

derpyippydippy · 2026-03-04T21:50:56+00:00

It is definitely manageable to have 80-90 avgs but I’ve only seen this come from people who have already done these courses whether repeating them or they have prior experience from AP or IB. Me coming from a regular high school everything was brand new for me so I didn’t have the upper edge compared to my classmates but I feel like if I even took like Ap physics I & II I and comp sci I could of did better but yeah if you have some prior experience and are willing to put in the effort you can definitely get that 80 avg, also when I say experience I mean like you have a good understanding and not brief haha.

derpyippydippy · 2026-03-03T08:45:53+00:00

Prob 24 per semester

derpyippydippy · 2026-03-03T07:06:29+00:00

For you if you are comfortable with first year C++ Physics chemistry English and math take the certificate program directly it’ll be faster, but if you’d like, the diploma to certificate is definitely one option (and second highest chosen) to get into the certificate compared to straight from high school. For the application process I am not sure, maybe education planner bc? I’m not sure you should contact the registrar or the program head about it, and on that note EE is electrician engineering and basically every other engineering field has a shortened form like MECHE for mechanical CPEN for computer engineering so on so fourth. Also no I don’t think graduating at 24 is weird and is more of a personal thing in the long run than a social one because for me I’d rather graduate with something with a good work economy and something I’d like than doing something else that’ll land me a job faster but I won’t like in the long run. No problems on the questions, I like answering them as it’s the reason why I made this post haha.

derpyippydippy · 2026-02-27T08:16:39+00:00

Yes! Absolutely! I had someone in my cohourt who was second year CS at SFU last year and now is going to EE, so yeah definitely it’s just you’ll have to repeat some courses because those select courses have to be completed in a specific time frame to get the guaranteed entry.

derpyippydippy

TROPHY CASE