University of Calgary Deferred Exam: How to Get a Sick Note Before the 2-Day Deadline
UCalgary gives you just 2 calendar days to apply for a deferred exam. Here's how to get your medical documentation before the deadline — even on weekends.
## The UCalgary 2-Day Deadline
If you missed an exam at the University of Calgary, you have **2 calendar days** from the date of the exam to submit your deferral application through your Student Centre. That includes weekends.
Miss your Friday exam? Your deadline is Sunday. Good luck finding a walk-in clinic open on Sunday that isn't packed with a 4-hour wait.
### What UCalgary Requires
The University of Calgary's deferral process requires:
1. **Submit a deferral application** through your Student Centre within 2 calendar days
2. **Upload supporting documentation** — a physician's note is the strongest option
3. **Wait for faculty approval** — not all deferrals are automatically granted
The documentation must:
- Come from a qualified medical practitioner
- Confirm you were medically unable to write the exam
- Cover the specific exam date
- Include the physician's credentials
### The Problem: Campus Health is Booked
UCalgary's Student Wellness Services is notoriously difficult to access during exam season. Here's the reality:
- **Appointment wait times:** 3-7 business days during finals
- **Walk-in availability:** Extremely limited, first-come-first-served
- **Hours:** Weekdays only, typically 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- **Location:** Only on main campus — not helpful if you're at Foothills or Downtown
If your exam was on Thursday and the health centre can't see you until next Tuesday, **you've already missed your 2-day deadline.**
### MedLetter: Same-Day Documentation
Here's how MedLetter works for UCalgary students:
1. **Submit your request online** — takes 5 minutes
2. **A CPSA-registered physician reviews your case** — same day
3. **Receive your signed note via email** — on official letterhead
4. **Upload to your Student Centre** — before your deadline
Available 24/7. Even on weekends. Even during reading week. Even at 11 PM the night before your deadline.
### Faculty-Specific Tips
**Schulich School of Engineering:**
- Engineering exams are heavily weighted (often 40-50% of your grade)
- Deferrals are managed through the Engineering Student Centre
- They're strict about documentation — a physician's note is strongly recommended
**Haskayne School of Business:**
- Haskayne has its own deferral process through the Undergraduate Programs Office
- They typically schedule deferred exams within 2-3 weeks
**Cumming School of Medicine:**
- Medical students have additional requirements for clinical assessments
- Contact the Undergraduate Medical Education office directly
**Faculty of Science:**
- Large first-year courses (CHEM 201, BIOL 241, PHYS 211) have hundreds of deferral requests each semester
- Documentation makes your application stand out
### What Happens After You Defer
Once your deferral is approved:
- You'll be scheduled for a deferred exam (typically within 2-3 weeks)
- The deferred exam may be in a different format than the original
- Check your Student Centre regularly for your deferred exam schedule
- Bring valid photo ID to the deferred exam
### Common UCalgary Student Questions
**"Can I defer if I was sick but went to the exam and did poorly?"**
Generally no. Once you attempt the exam, you've accepted the conditions. If you're feeling unwell, it's better to not write and defer.
**"What if my deferral is denied?"**
You can appeal through your faculty's appeals process. Having strong medical documentation significantly helps in appeals.
**"Can I defer multiple exams in the same semester?"**
Yes, but each requires separate documentation and a separate deferral application.
**"Is there a fee for deferred exams at UCalgary?"**
No. Unlike some universities, UCalgary does not charge a deferral fee.
### Don't Miss Your 2-Day Window
The clock starts ticking the moment your exam ends. Every hour you wait is an hour closer to your deadline. Get your documentation now.
**Get your UCalgary sick note today.** [Get Started — $49](/get-started/school_accommodation)
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*Medically reviewed by a Licensed Albert