Faculty of Arts

Opportunities for High School Students

TRU Start

A unique partnership between Thompson Rivers University and School District 73 allows high school students to earn university credits while still in high school.
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Taste of TRU smooths the transition

While in Valleyview Secondary School, Julie Moray saw TRU Start as a way to get a feel for university life before going into her first year.

The program allowed her to experience the structure of a university class, and to develop the study skills she needed to succeed. It smoothed the transition from secondary to post-secondary education.

“I took English as a TRU Start course, and decided to major in English.

“One TRU Start course, covered by the school district, allowed me to dabble in the Arts program to develop an interest for it. This is a very helpful course for anyone curious about which academic path to go on.”


Julie Moray
I took English as a TRU Start course, and decided to major in English. Julie Moray

Next stop — medical school

For Angela Ippolito, TRU Start was an amazing opportunity not to be missed.

“It is dual credit, so it's counted toward your high school and university credits. The school district also pays for it, so having free tuition for a class or two was a huge bonus.”

Of course, the program also gave her a chance to become familiar with what it’s like to study at a post-secondary school.

“You get the perfect little taste of what to expect in post-secondary — whether you attend TRU or move on to a different institution. It also looks amazing on a resumé, as well as being helpful when filling out scholarships.”

Angela took psychology in the first semester and English in the second, giving her a head start toward a Bachelor of Science degree and, eventually, medical school.

“Psychology sounded like an interesting subject, so I gave it a try. I really enjoyed that course, as it really opened up my perspective.”


Angela Ippolito
You get the perfect little taste of what to expect in post-secondary — whether you attend TRU or move on to a different institution. Angela Ippolito

Grateful for the opportunity

When her original choice didn't work, Angel Oliver decided to persist and went with TRU Start instead.

“What I found special about this program was the fact that it really helped to open my viewpoint of how university was going to be. It really immersed me in TRU student life.”

Angel learned time management skills and about what her teachers expected from her.

She would recommend TRU Start to anyone who has the chance to take it.

“I'm really grateful I was given the opportunity to take TRU Start and there is absolutely nothing that I could say that would speak poorly of the program.”


Angel Oliver
It really helped to open my viewpoint of how university was going to be. Angel Oliver