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University Applications!

Blogs > nAi.PrOtOsS
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nAi.PrOtOsS
Profile Blog Joined August 2007
Canada784 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-09 00:54:36
January 08 2010 23:26 GMT
#1
(I live in Ontario Canada)
I need to send my university applications in by the end of this weekend and I still have some tough decisions to make and I hope that TL can help me make them!

I am planning on applying to 5 universities but I have only narrowed my choices down to 6 :s. The 6 choices are Honours chemistry at Laurier, Waterloo, Carleton, Ottawa, Trent, and chemistry at McMaster. Although I consider Trent an epic fail fall back, and I only am considering Trent because I have an(irrational?) fear of being denied from everywhere else.

My average and school admission averages
Carleton: 73-75% My: 83%
Laurier: Mid to high 70's
Waterloo: High 70's
Ottawa: 72-75%
Trent: Minimum 70%
McMaster: 77-80% My: 81% (only school that requires physics out of the 6)

My questions are...

1) Are my fears of not getting in anywhere irrational? I have 1-10% over the grade range mentioned on each site for the program.
2) If you attend any of these schools, what is the student life like? How would you rate your overall school experience? How are the residences? Is there lots to do in your spare time? How are the proff's? Class sizes?
3) Is there a point in applying to honours courses over non-honours courses? Are they MUCH harder to get into? I know they have less enrolment numbers and a higher needed grade average, but will that make a large difference when I am over the admission average by 5-10%?

Hope you guys can help me make a more informed decision!

P.S I have checked the internet for a site rating universities on student experience it would make sense that there would be one, but I couldn't find any if anyone knows of one please post it!

*editted in average*
Great site:
http://www.utours.ca

Kennigit *
Profile Blog Joined October 2006
Canada19447 Posts
January 08 2010 23:32 GMT
#2
1) what is your actual average?
2) I go to Carleton. I love it. It's cold as fuck during the winter in Ottawa but theres a great social environment and my profs are 100% better than at RMC. There is tons to do if you get involved - frosh week is pretty good but some stuff you need to be proactive about searching out for yourself. Theres a club for everything though. Classes vary in size - i have a system's programming course with 250 kids and a math class with 40. You don't have to worry so much about that because you will have a tutorial session for classes that is like 20-30 ppl tops.
3) You can always transfer into an honors program once you are here based on your marks but i think it's probably easier doing it from high school (your marks will drop in first year).
Chill
Profile Blog Joined January 2005
Calgary25998 Posts
January 08 2010 23:37 GMT
#3
Cut Laurier or Carleton. Done.
Moderator
lIlIlIlIlIlI
Profile Blog Joined October 2004
Korea (South)3851 Posts
January 08 2010 23:45 GMT
#4
--- Nuked ---
meeple
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
Canada10211 Posts
January 08 2010 23:55 GMT
#5
No Queens??

1) Are my fears of not getting in anywhere irrational? I have 1-10% over the grade range mentioned on each site for the program.

Well... in general I think most of those universities will accept you with that average. I wouldn't worry at all about getting in. No sense in it. Having said that always have a backup school that you know you'll get in.

2) If you attend any of these schools, what is the student life like? How would you rate your overall school experience? How are the residences? Is there lots to do in your spare time? How are the proff's? Class sizes?

I attend queens, but have travelled to carleton and university of ottawa... Both are cool schools with a nice student life (Don't know much about profs/courses though). Queens probably trumps them in both areas.

3) Is there a point in applying to honours courses over non-honours courses? Are they MUCH harder to get into? I know they have less enrolment numbers and a higher needed grade average, but will that make a large difference when I am over the admission average by 5-10%?

Honours looks better on your transcript? I don't think its a huge difference unless you're trying for a masters/phd, but if you've got the smarts then why not?
blue_arrow
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
1971 Posts
January 08 2010 23:55 GMT
#6
your fears are sounding pretty irrational from the limited info you provide

i can only tell you a bit about waterloo
-waterloo is obviously the most reputable of the lot (in fact i think it's the most reputable amongst executives/organization leaders type ppl)
-lots of asians, with an ever-increasing number of 'fobby' asians (basically if you don't wanna look like a nerd start working on your hair and shit)
-things can get boring if you don't hang with the right ppl
-don't stay there over winter breaks because it will get extremely dull
-science-related programs, -especially- engineering programs, have some pretty awful girl to guy ratios, chemistry might be one of the better one's to be in though, i'm not entirely sure

that's all i can say about waterloo, and all this comes from talking with friends
not many good things i can say, but being such a reputable and strong school is definately the biggest plus
| MLIA | the weather sucks dick here
HeavOnEarth
Profile Blog Joined March 2008
United States7087 Posts
January 08 2010 23:57 GMT
#7
on an irrelevant note , The OPs quote is funny because your is misspelled :O
"come korea next time... FXO house... 10 korean, 10 korean"
Jyvblamo
Profile Blog Joined June 2006
Canada13788 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-09 00:09:35
January 09 2010 00:01 GMT
#8
1.
Don't worry you'll get in.
Doesn't sound like those programs are particularly competitive.

2.
I go to Waterloo and the student life differs drastically based on what residence you get into for first year. My res (REV) was pretty social since everyone on one floor got to know each other very well, so I made a lot of friends and there were tonnes of parties. But from what I've heard, the other residences are generally quieter and less social.
Class sizes are pretty big for most required courses in first year, with 250~ people in my first year chem lecture.
And there's definitely lots to do in your spare time :3 A lot of people play SC, and there's a TL LAN party roughly once a term.
blue_arrow
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
1971 Posts
January 09 2010 00:02 GMT
#9
also i want to add that OP is probably not applying to queens because the admission requirements are too high?
iirc queens requires a minimum of 80 in english, math, and calculus for many of their science programs
not to be racist or anything, but the 80 in english really screws a lot of asians out of queens rofl; several of my asian friends with 85-90+ averages all have lower than 80 in english
| MLIA | the weather sucks dick here
HeavOnEarth
Profile Blog Joined March 2008
United States7087 Posts
January 09 2010 00:05 GMT
#10
Also Op has info. from previous blogs to those asking. Also, are you sure chemistry is hard, or is it just you not applying yourself enough?
(from this blog) http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?topic_id=84266&currentpage=2

Because I'll say from experience i scored poorly in my Chem II AP at my high school, but did well at my uni, because i was more motivated / university had better resources i could use to study.
"come korea next time... FXO house... 10 korean, 10 korean"
nAi.PrOtOsS
Profile Blog Joined August 2007
Canada784 Posts
January 09 2010 00:30 GMT
#11
On January 09 2010 09:05 HeavOnEarth wrote:
Also Op has info. from previous blogs to those asking. Also, are you sure chemistry is hard, or is it just you not applying yourself enough?
(from this blog) http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?topic_id=84266&currentpage=2

Because I'll say from experience i scored poorly in my Chem II AP at my high school, but did well at my uni, because i was more motivated / university had better resources i could use to study.


Well since im doing a victory lap in highschool I have learned A LOT better study habbits and techniques. I am also retaking chemistry an I am getting way better mark (obviously it's my second time rofl).
peidongyang
Profile Joined January 2009
Canada2084 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-09 00:43:51
January 09 2010 00:38 GMT
#12

the throws never bothered me anyway
DragoonPK
Profile Blog Joined July 2007
3259 Posts
January 09 2010 00:38 GMT
#13
Western ;_;?!
peidongyang
Profile Joined January 2009
Canada2084 Posts
January 09 2010 00:39 GMT
#14
On January 09 2010 09:38 peidongyang wrote:
Apply to Carleton. They usually accept you 3-4 days after you apply. Almost as easy as Trent lulz.

Waterloo is a bit more interesting. Depending on what program, your average requirement would be from high 70s, to mid/high 80s for eng, all the way to 90s (accounting math cutoff in 09 was 96 avg lulz). Either way, you'll need decent marks and a good AIF to get into Waterloo.

That being said, you can always apply to UoT or Queens. Calculus and Vectors is one of those very easy classes to get good marks in. Since you're applying for Chem, if your Chem and English marks are good, you could probably make it into UoT or Queens.


the throws never bothered me anyway
Salv
Profile Blog Joined December 2007
Canada3083 Posts
January 09 2010 00:43 GMT
#15
I had a similar fear of not getting in, and from my own personal experience, it's completely unwarranted. Even if your average doesn't meet their requirements, if the course isn't full, they will let you in, they won't turn down a tuition like that. You should look at their requirements more as: "What you need to safely get in to this program." Even if you were 1-5% below the requirement, I would still expect you to get in, so don't sweat it.

You didn't list Brock as a school you are considering (that's where I go - I'm a Brock Badger (lol)), I am studying to get my BA Honours in Psychology. The first introductory Psych. course I had was huge, over 300 students, but now that I am in my second year (I'm 20), the courses have become much smaller.

As far as I know, if you want to go on to graduate school, you need to be in a honours program. Honours programs just require that you maintain a higher grade average, so I would definitely recommend entering into one. The requirements are possibly a bit higher, but nothing drastic, an 80% average will pretty much guarantee admittance. PM me if you got any other general Q's.

P.S. University is far, far better than High School
nAi.PrOtOsS
Profile Blog Joined August 2007
Canada784 Posts
January 09 2010 00:54 GMT
#16
I got a PM from a person by the name of "samachking" and he told me of this site http://www.utours.ca which will be useful for me and anyone else looking for university advice.
Chromyne
Profile Joined January 2008
Canada561 Posts
January 09 2010 01:03 GMT
#17
On January 09 2010 08:26 nAi.PrOtOsS wrote:
1) Are my fears of not getting in anywhere irrational? I have 1-10% over the grade range mentioned on each site for the program.
2) If you attend any of these schools, what is the student life like? How would you rate your overall school experience? How are the residences? Is there lots to do in your spare time? How are the proff's? Class sizes?


1) As long as yours changes don't look crazy horrible, apply anyway. You don't want to regret not applying to a certain university or program.

2) Waterloo - What blue_arrow said. Waterloo isn't the most exciting place in the world, but if you have the right group of friends, it can be a lot of fun. I'm not big on parties or pubs, so most of my time is spent either by myself or at a friend's house chilling.

1st year residences like REV are a lot more sociable, with Village1 being a little less so. UWPlace is much more quiet, and don't know much about the colleges or MKV... so in the end it's more about what you enjoy more, though you may not have a choice in the matter (priority is given to seniority).

Classes are usually larger (100+) and I'm guessing the the quality of profs is average like most universities.

I like Waterloo mainly for the co-op program and the friends. I think as long as you like your program and have good friends to hang out with, it'll be fine.
Soli Deo gloria.
akevin
Profile Blog Joined September 2009
Canada120 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-09 01:28:41
January 09 2010 01:14 GMT
#18
1) Based on the numbers you provided, I would say it seems extremely likely that you will get accepted somewhere (I highly doubt that this year it is significantly more competitive than previous years). That being said, its always good to have a back up, since you definitely don't want to have another year off.
2) I've heard good things about Waterloo/McMaster, can't say much about the rest.
3) Can't comment on how much harder it is to get in. But I would recommend doing an honours degree as it keeps your options open for the future. You can probably transfer to/from honours once in the program as well, but its easier just to start in it.

Is there a reason why you are applying to only 5? I realize that it costs more to apply to more universities, but I would also recommend considering chemistry programs at Queens/UofT/Western/York assuming their cutoffs are not too high. Have you considered co-op at Waterloo as well? I believe that they offer chemistry co-op. Any interest in chemical engineering?

Macleans magazine always runs a large ranking of Canadian Universities in November which includes information on student experiences etc. Unfortunately I just threw out my copy yesterday, and it appears you can't fully access it online.

Note: I majored in chemistry/biology from York, feel free to PM me as well.
shurgen
Profile Joined October 2009
350 Posts
January 09 2010 01:23 GMT
#19
Hey, OP.


1) Are my fears of not getting in anywhere irrational? I have 1-10% over the grade range mentioned on each site for the program.

TOTALLY IRRATIONAL! I have the same feelings last year during University Application time. If you have 10% over the recommended avgs, I honestly don't believe you can get rejected. For the program that I applied to where I had like a 10% avg over, I got in pretty much instantly.

However, if your mark is only marginally over the recommended, I'm not quite sure, as I'm not aware of what kinds of supplementary applications you have to fill out for these universities.
2) If you attend any of these schools, what is the student life like? How would you rate your overall school experience? How are the residences? Is there lots to do in your spare time? How are the proff's? Class sizes?

Can't help you here, as I am currently studying York University.

3) Is there a point in applying to honours courses over non-honours courses? Are they MUCH harder to get into? I know they have less enrolment numbers and a higher needed grade average, but will that make a large difference when I am over the admission average by 5-10%?

Can't help you here... but I do think that it would be a good thing being in an 'honours' program.

Cambium
Profile Blog Joined June 2004
United States16368 Posts
January 09 2010 01:39 GMT
#20
I am current in Waterloo engineering.

Waterloo is not a great school for sciences; unless you want to do co-op, I would avoid this school.

Out of all the schools you mentioned, I think McMaster has the best science program (I'm not 100% sure, I'd read Maclean's or talk to an adviser. Also, McMaster has the best reputation in sciences; I am surprised that you do not have UT on your list.

As for your concern, every university will say they admit students based on a variety of factors, but that's really for those who are on the line. A thing to note is that the admission average is only an estimate (either based on last year, or calculated based on past trends), it will vary from year to year. However, if your average is 10% higher than the minimum requirement, I would not worry at all.

UW is not as lively as Laurier; but I think it may be better for students in Arts and Sciences (versus those in engineering and math). All in all, Waterloo is not that great...
When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.
Hithran
Profile Joined March 2009
Canada57 Posts
January 09 2010 02:20 GMT
#21
May I suggest Lakehead University as back up school. If you like <10 size class sizes and the beautiful northern Ontario outdoors it may be right for you! and they will take anybody!
s_86
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
United States191 Posts
January 09 2010 02:28 GMT
#22
University of Ottawa just introduced a fall reading week in late October.
illu
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
Canada2531 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-09 02:38:54
January 09 2010 02:30 GMT
#23
Here's my suggestion. Apply for the best university for a program that has the lowest requirements. Once you get in, make the switch into your desired program.

Also, since I am from UofT, I will tell you to apply for UofT. Afterall, it is the best university in Canada (McMaster doesn't even come close to 'good') in terms of overall strength and finance. It also has a good chemistry program with tons of research opportunities with professors because of superior research fundings.

That being said, class sizes does not matter; student life does not matter; since you are going into science, it's important to have research experience during your undergraduate education, regardless if you want to find a job after your Bachelor degree or persueing graduate studies. However, if you just want to 'have fun' in universities, I'd say just toss a coin or spin a wheel - you probably don't give a shit about your education anyways.
:]
AssuredVacancy
Profile Blog Joined September 2008
United States1167 Posts
January 09 2010 02:37 GMT
#24
On January 09 2010 11:30 illu wrote:
Here's my suggestion. Apply for the best university for a program that has the lowest requirements. Once you get in, make ths switch.

Also, since I am from UofT, I will tell you to apply for UofT. Afterall, it is the best university in Canada (McMaster doesn't even come close to 'good') in terms of overall strength and finance. It also has a good chemistry program with tons of research opportunities with professors because of superior research fundings.

That being said, class sizes does not matter; student life does not matter; since you are going into science, it's important to have research experience during your undergraduate education, regardless if you want to find a job after your Bachelor degree or persueing graduate studies. However, if you just want to 'have fun' in universities, I'd say just toss a coin or spin a wheel - you probably don't give a shit about your education anyways.


Psh McGill>UofT any day.

I don't think you have high enough average for McGill, so I can't give you any advice about it. But you can get into some programs that have the cut off average above what you have right now if you do well on their applications.

AFAIK, waterloo places a lot of emphasis on the entrance application, perhaps as much as the gr 12 average, where as laurier/UofT care much less about the application.

If you're into starcraft and stuff like that, waterloo has a really community and you'll make friends easily.
We spend our youth attaining wealth, and our wealth attaining youth.
illu
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
Canada2531 Posts
January 09 2010 02:40 GMT
#25
On January 09 2010 11:37 AssuredVacancy wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 09 2010 11:30 illu wrote:
Here's my suggestion. Apply for the best university for a program that has the lowest requirements. Once you get in, make ths switch.

Also, since I am from UofT, I will tell you to apply for UofT. Afterall, it is the best university in Canada (McMaster doesn't even come close to 'good') in terms of overall strength and finance. It also has a good chemistry program with tons of research opportunities with professors because of superior research fundings.

That being said, class sizes does not matter; student life does not matter; since you are going into science, it's important to have research experience during your undergraduate education, regardless if you want to find a job after your Bachelor degree or persueing graduate studies. However, if you just want to 'have fun' in universities, I'd say just toss a coin or spin a wheel - you probably don't give a shit about your education anyways.


Psh McGill>UofT any day.

I don't think you have high enough average for McGill, so I can't give you any advice about it. But you can get into some programs that have the cut off average above what you have right now if you do well on their applications.

AFAIK, waterloo places a lot of emphasis on the entrance application, perhaps as much as the gr 12 average, where as laurier/UofT care much less about the application.

If you're into starcraft and stuff like that, waterloo has a really community and you'll make friends easily.


You got to be kidding me. UofT gets almost twice as much money as McGill each year.
:]
BloodyC0bbler
Profile Blog Joined September 2004
Canada7876 Posts
January 09 2010 02:47 GMT
#26
Cut trent from your list. Cut laurier from your list.

I have not been to either one of them as a school but lets go with what I know.

Your applying for chemistry, a fairly heavy program in terms of work. Waterloo/Carleton/ottawa/mcmaster .should have fairly decent programs in the field. Waterloo is known to be a fairly good school for the sciences, It may not be the best school for chem, but it would be a decent one, it would also have a benefit of tons of TL members.

Carleton I sadly don't know too much about aside from its supposed to be a decent university.

McMaster and Ottawa will both have strong programs, Mcmaster I believe may have the stronger chem program of the two and is a fairly good school overall, except for the fact its in hamilton.

Those 4 schools should be the only ones you look at, you should spend time researched the 4 of them, and figuring out exactly what you want out of school.

Do not apply to laurier as its science programs are not going to be as good as waterloos. You would be better off waiting a year and reapplying than getting a degree from trent.
#3 Member of the Chill Fanclub / Rhaegar fought nobly. Rhaegar fought valiantly. Rhaegar fought honorably. And Rhaeger died. --Ser Jorah Mormont TL MAFIA FORUM http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/index.php?show_part=31 go go !
AssuredVacancy
Profile Blog Joined September 2008
United States1167 Posts
January 09 2010 02:49 GMT
#27
On January 09 2010 11:40 illu wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 09 2010 11:37 AssuredVacancy wrote:
On January 09 2010 11:30 illu wrote:
Here's my suggestion. Apply for the best university for a program that has the lowest requirements. Once you get in, make ths switch.

Also, since I am from UofT, I will tell you to apply for UofT. Afterall, it is the best university in Canada (McMaster doesn't even come close to 'good') in terms of overall strength and finance. It also has a good chemistry program with tons of research opportunities with professors because of superior research fundings.

That being said, class sizes does not matter; student life does not matter; since you are going into science, it's important to have research experience during your undergraduate education, regardless if you want to find a job after your Bachelor degree or persueing graduate studies. However, if you just want to 'have fun' in universities, I'd say just toss a coin or spin a wheel - you probably don't give a shit about your education anyways.


Psh McGill>UofT any day.

I don't think you have high enough average for McGill, so I can't give you any advice about it. But you can get into some programs that have the cut off average above what you have right now if you do well on their applications.

AFAIK, waterloo places a lot of emphasis on the entrance application, perhaps as much as the gr 12 average, where as laurier/UofT care much less about the application.

If you're into starcraft and stuff like that, waterloo has a really community and you'll make friends easily.


You got to be kidding me. UofT gets almost twice as much money as McGill each year.


Research funds are not the end all to the quality of education or the studying environment. One factor that UofT receives so much funding is because of how much more kids they have in comparison to everyone else in canada.
I considered accepting UofT, but taking premed in UofT seemed like it would kill my GPA, and from what I hear the interpersonal competition was really intense in UofT.
We spend our youth attaining wealth, and our wealth attaining youth.
obesechicken13
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
United States10467 Posts
January 09 2010 02:51 GMT
#28
1) Are my fears of not getting in anywhere irrational? I have 1-10% over the grade range mentioned on each site for the program.

Well the beauty of Canadian schools is that they are based far more heavily on grades and test scores than american schools. If you make the requirements you have a good shot of getting in.

2) If you attend any of these schools, what is the student life like? How would you rate your overall school experience? How are the residences? Is there lots to do in your spare time? How are the proff's? Class sizes?

U of T. I haven't been here too long, but the experiences as far as I can tell are fine. If you like to party, there are parties all the time. The athletic center is nice.

3) Is there a point in applying to honours courses over non-honours courses? Are they MUCH harder to get into? I know they have less enrolment numbers and a higher needed grade average, but will that make a large difference when I am over the admission average by 5-10%?

You don't need to apply to honors courses. You don't want to compete against higher GPA students. Picture this: The average entering High School GPA of ECE's at the UofT is a 92, so in order to make their average in University be a 70, all ECE tests are made harder. Do you want to be competing at this level?


oh and my ban expired
This is my first post since then.
I think in our modern age technology has evolved to become more addictive. The things that don't give us pleasure aren't used as much. Work was never meant to be fun, but doing it makes us happier in the long run.
blue_arrow
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
1971 Posts
January 09 2010 03:04 GMT
#29
On January 09 2010 11:40 illu wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 09 2010 11:37 AssuredVacancy wrote:
On January 09 2010 11:30 illu wrote:
Here's my suggestion. Apply for the best university for a program that has the lowest requirements. Once you get in, make ths switch.

Also, since I am from UofT, I will tell you to apply for UofT. Afterall, it is the best university in Canada (McMaster doesn't even come close to 'good') in terms of overall strength and finance. It also has a good chemistry program with tons of research opportunities with professors because of superior research fundings.

That being said, class sizes does not matter; student life does not matter; since you are going into science, it's important to have research experience during your undergraduate education, regardless if you want to find a job after your Bachelor degree or persueing graduate studies. However, if you just want to 'have fun' in universities, I'd say just toss a coin or spin a wheel - you probably don't give a shit about your education anyways.


Psh McGill>UofT any day.

I don't think you have high enough average for McGill, so I can't give you any advice about it. But you can get into some programs that have the cut off average above what you have right now if you do well on their applications.

AFAIK, waterloo places a lot of emphasis on the entrance application, perhaps as much as the gr 12 average, where as laurier/UofT care much less about the application.

If you're into starcraft and stuff like that, waterloo has a really community and you'll make friends easily.


You got to be kidding me. UofT gets almost twice as much money as McGill each year.


yeah, but uoft probably has more than 2x the number of students. UofT is fucking huge and even the secondary campuses are bigger than the main campuses of many other unis. why shouldn't it require more money to continue operating? if uoft didn't get at least twice as much total money as everybody else it'd be pretty sad. what you need to look at is the per student funding that a school recieves; this is conviniently located here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Canadian_universities_by_endowment#Endowments_per_student
| MLIA | the weather sucks dick here
illu
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
Canada2531 Posts
January 09 2010 03:35 GMT
#30
On January 09 2010 12:04 blue_arrow wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 09 2010 11:40 illu wrote:
On January 09 2010 11:37 AssuredVacancy wrote:
On January 09 2010 11:30 illu wrote:
Here's my suggestion. Apply for the best university for a program that has the lowest requirements. Once you get in, make ths switch.

Also, since I am from UofT, I will tell you to apply for UofT. Afterall, it is the best university in Canada (McMaster doesn't even come close to 'good') in terms of overall strength and finance. It also has a good chemistry program with tons of research opportunities with professors because of superior research fundings.

That being said, class sizes does not matter; student life does not matter; since you are going into science, it's important to have research experience during your undergraduate education, regardless if you want to find a job after your Bachelor degree or persueing graduate studies. However, if you just want to 'have fun' in universities, I'd say just toss a coin or spin a wheel - you probably don't give a shit about your education anyways.


Psh McGill>UofT any day.

I don't think you have high enough average for McGill, so I can't give you any advice about it. But you can get into some programs that have the cut off average above what you have right now if you do well on their applications.

AFAIK, waterloo places a lot of emphasis on the entrance application, perhaps as much as the gr 12 average, where as laurier/UofT care much less about the application.

If you're into starcraft and stuff like that, waterloo has a really community and you'll make friends easily.


You got to be kidding me. UofT gets almost twice as much money as McGill each year.


yeah, but uoft probably has more than 2x the number of students. UofT is fucking huge and even the secondary campuses are bigger than the main campuses of many other unis. why shouldn't it require more money to continue operating? if uoft didn't get at least twice as much total money as everybody else it'd be pretty sad. what you need to look at is the per student funding that a school recieves; this is conviniently located here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Canadian_universities_by_endowment#Endowments_per_student

Endowment per student still makes Toronto above McGill. I don't see the point.
:]
Kingfisher
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
Canada144 Posts
January 09 2010 03:39 GMT
#31
Take out Trent. Seriously, you're gonna get into one of them I think.
blue_arrow
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
1971 Posts
Last Edited: 2010-01-09 03:54:24
January 09 2010 03:54 GMT
#32
On January 09 2010 12:35 illu wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 09 2010 12:04 blue_arrow wrote:
On January 09 2010 11:40 illu wrote:
On January 09 2010 11:37 AssuredVacancy wrote:
On January 09 2010 11:30 illu wrote:
Here's my suggestion. Apply for the best university for a program that has the lowest requirements. Once you get in, make ths switch.

Also, since I am from UofT, I will tell you to apply for UofT. Afterall, it is the best university in Canada (McMaster doesn't even come close to 'good') in terms of overall strength and finance. It also has a good chemistry program with tons of research opportunities with professors because of superior research fundings.

That being said, class sizes does not matter; student life does not matter; since you are going into science, it's important to have research experience during your undergraduate education, regardless if you want to find a job after your Bachelor degree or persueing graduate studies. However, if you just want to 'have fun' in universities, I'd say just toss a coin or spin a wheel - you probably don't give a shit about your education anyways.


Psh McGill>UofT any day.

I don't think you have high enough average for McGill, so I can't give you any advice about it. But you can get into some programs that have the cut off average above what you have right now if you do well on their applications.

AFAIK, waterloo places a lot of emphasis on the entrance application, perhaps as much as the gr 12 average, where as laurier/UofT care much less about the application.

If you're into starcraft and stuff like that, waterloo has a really community and you'll make friends easily.


You got to be kidding me. UofT gets almost twice as much money as McGill each year.


yeah, but uoft probably has more than 2x the number of students. UofT is fucking huge and even the secondary campuses are bigger than the main campuses of many other unis. why shouldn't it require more money to continue operating? if uoft didn't get at least twice as much total money as everybody else it'd be pretty sad. what you need to look at is the per student funding that a school recieves; this is conviniently located here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Canadian_universities_by_endowment#Endowments_per_student

Endowment per student still makes Toronto above McGill. I don't see the point.


the point is you were asserting your point that uoft was better than mcgill cuz "uoft gets almost twice as much money as mcgill each year". i use this to prove your point to be invalid as uoft gets so much more money simply because it's that much bigger.

to clarify the purpose behind my post, i have nothing against uoft and nothing on mcgill either, i don't go to either school and i dislike them equally as much. i'm just saying your provided argument on why uoft is better than mcgill is invalid. this is also why i said "what you need to look for" in my previous post and provided you with the correct argument that you could've used

lol
| MLIA | the weather sucks dick here
madnessman
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
United States1581 Posts
January 09 2010 07:22 GMT
#33
why aren't you applying to queens? I was thinking about Queens and UBC but I decided to stick to the US colleges///
illu
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
Canada2531 Posts
January 09 2010 07:23 GMT
#34
On January 09 2010 16:22 madnessman wrote:
why aren't you applying to queens? I was thinking about Queens and UBC but I decided to stick to the US colleges///


What about Tokyo? >__<
:]
nAi.PrOtOsS
Profile Blog Joined August 2007
Canada784 Posts
January 09 2010 07:33 GMT
#35
Wow I wish i posted this thread early, because it seems like im going to have to re-evaluate all of my choices. Thanks for all of the comments

I am not applying to UBC because I don't think I will get in :o
s_86
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
United States191 Posts
January 09 2010 07:42 GMT
#36
hey ubc's got an arboretum. go there man.
madnessman
Profile Blog Joined May 2009
United States1581 Posts
January 09 2010 08:42 GMT
#37
On January 09 2010 16:23 illu wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 09 2010 16:22 madnessman wrote:
why aren't you applying to queens? I was thinking about Queens and UBC but I decided to stick to the US colleges///


What about Tokyo? >__<


I've already lived and studied in Japan for 5 out of 17 years. I'll definitely miss Japan when I leave but I don't want to miss the whole US college education experience you know?

@nAi.PrOtOsS: I'd think that with your average you'd be able to get in UBC... Right?
illu
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
Canada2531 Posts
January 09 2010 08:51 GMT
#38
On January 09 2010 17:42 madnessman wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 09 2010 16:23 illu wrote:
On January 09 2010 16:22 madnessman wrote:
why aren't you applying to queens? I was thinking about Queens and UBC but I decided to stick to the US colleges///


What about Tokyo? >__<


I've already lived and studied in Japan for 5 out of 17 years. I'll definitely miss Japan when I leave but I don't want to miss the whole US college education experience you know?

@nAi.PrOtOsS: I'd think that with your average you'd be able to get in UBC... Right?


If you are referring to graduate school, Canada is not good unless you are a permanent resident of Canada.
:]
Jibba
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States22883 Posts
January 09 2010 09:48 GMT
#39
I know a few people who go to Carleton and they're giant liberals and tell me most of the school is the same. Like, unbelievable, obnoxious, I-want-to-strangle-you-for-being-so-naive liberals.
ModeratorNow I'm distant, dark in this anthrobeat
Jibba
Profile Blog Joined October 2007
United States22883 Posts
January 09 2010 09:54 GMT
#40
On January 09 2010 17:42 madnessman wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 09 2010 16:23 illu wrote:
On January 09 2010 16:22 madnessman wrote:
why aren't you applying to queens? I was thinking about Queens and UBC but I decided to stick to the US colleges///


What about Tokyo? >__<


I've already lived and studied in Japan for 5 out of 17 years. I'll definitely miss Japan when I leave but I don't want to miss the whole US college education experience you know?

Wise choice. In general, western colleges are superior to the rest of the world, especially in the US and Britain, and Japanese colleges can be awful if you want analytic teaching (which one of the best parts about college.)
ModeratorNow I'm distant, dark in this anthrobeat
blue_arrow
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
1971 Posts
January 09 2010 10:33 GMT
#41
On January 09 2010 17:42 madnessman wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 09 2010 16:23 illu wrote:
On January 09 2010 16:22 madnessman wrote:
why aren't you applying to queens? I was thinking about Queens and UBC but I decided to stick to the US colleges///


What about Tokyo? >__<


I've already lived and studied in Japan for 5 out of 17 years. I'll definitely miss Japan when I leave but I don't want to miss the whole US college education experience you know?

@nAi.PrOtOsS: I'd think that with your average you'd be able to get in UBC... Right?


i remember from somewhere that you need at 89+ to get into UBC science programs

and unlike queens, it doesn't have a minimum grade requirement for english, and not to be racist or anything, again, that's why UBC is like 60% asian lols.
| MLIA | the weather sucks dick here
goldrush
Profile Blog Joined June 2004
Canada709 Posts
January 09 2010 14:43 GMT
#42
On January 09 2010 17:51 illu wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 09 2010 17:42 madnessman wrote:
On January 09 2010 16:23 illu wrote:
On January 09 2010 16:22 madnessman wrote:
why aren't you applying to queens? I was thinking about Queens and UBC but I decided to stick to the US colleges///


What about Tokyo? >__<


I've already lived and studied in Japan for 5 out of 17 years. I'll definitely miss Japan when I leave but I don't want to miss the whole US college education experience you know?

@nAi.PrOtOsS: I'd think that with your average you'd be able to get in UBC... Right?


If you are referring to graduate school, Canada is not good unless you are a permanent resident of Canada.


What experience do you have with Canadian graduate schools? I'm going to be heading down that path soon and I'd like to get as much information as possible.

@the OP: uOttawa isn't all that bad for Chemistry or the sciences and I like living in Ottawa. The temperatures suck but hey, that's Canada, right?
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