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I'm probably not the only one who's in this situation here, but from reading around the majority of people here have the grades to get into the school of their choice, I however, fear I do not.
Basically everyone I know has been accepted to at least one school besides a relatively few people, as most of my friends got early acceptance to either Engineering or Business programs (both requiring way higher averages than I could ever hope for). The real kicker happened today when Queen's University (the only school I'm interested in) sent out their first round of acceptances. I opened facebook today and literally say about 30 people bragging about being accepted.
My marks aren't high, averaging low 80s and high 70s at the moment with one class bringing me down with a 62 (I basically screwed the pooch on this one), however as of now I only have 2 classes that count towards admission (81 and 62, evening my average out to a mere 71.5). I screwed myself over by taking a grade 11 class my first semester and the grade 12 class in the second semester, as well as a spare. I have 4 classes this semester (Calculus, Advanced Functions, Chemistry and Biology) that I need to do well in or I'm basically not getting in.
The Programs I applied to are Hardware Engineering and Computer Science, both of which are requiring around an 80-83 average (at least last year it did). I'm really freaking out and worrying if I'm going to get in as I didn't do as well as I expected in my first major Calculus and Biology tests, however I'm doing will in my Chemistry class (100% on first test) and decent in my Functions class. I'm worried because my acceptance is basically relying on my midterm marks (which will be around middle of April) and my PSE for Queen's and SPF for U of T.
I'm at the point now where it's clear, I'm either going to just graze by (not likely) or I'm going to end up taking a victory lap, however both my parents are heavily against it. Is anyone else in this same situation or am I the only one here?
 
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One alternative you can do is go to community or another school, do WELL then re-apply to Queens, you probably wont graduate on time but thats not important. All that is important is if you really want to learn your intended major and not just go to this school for what ever reason.
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I just can;t understand this mindset, but I guess I just didn't really care. I took classes (as few as I could) and got really good SAT/ACT scores. Simply put, taking calcus in 11th grade instead of 12th grade and good test scores got me into one of the best hard science and engineering schools in the world.
I don't even remember any of the grades I got in highschool, cause none of it mattered.
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Dude calm down. There are always ways to get into university. If you don't make it the first time you may have to find a work around. But if you are seriously passionate about a particular degree you can find a way in. Transferring is the most common but you can also appeal directly to the University. Stressing about it and winding yourself up is not going to help.
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On March 01 2012 11:00 N3rV[Green] wrote:
I just can;t understand this mindset, but I guess I just didn't really care. I took classes (as few as I could) and got really good SAT/ACT scores. Simply put, taking calcus in 11th grade instead of 12th grade and good test scores got me into one of the best hard science and engineering schools in the world.
I don't even remember any of the grades I got in highschool, cause none of it mattered.
Did you even read what you wrote?
I just can;t understand this mindset
good test scores got me into one of the best hard science and engineering schools in the world.
He is trying to do exactly what you did. He is just finding it harder. Just because you waltzed through your school work doesn't mean everyone does. Finally your highschool grades matter because that is what gets you into the degree you want. So yes they do matter.
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It's a little different North of the Border, where although the courses that relate to your major matter a bit, the main focus is on the ability to hold an average in all your courses above a certain amount. 80s aren't really that hard to get but I'm not exactly off to a good start myself. Also SATs are you U.S. schools and aren't worth paying if you're not leaving the country to study in the U.S. (which happens to cost an absurd amount of money).
I have no other choices besides either staying back for a year in High School or working until I become a Mature Student, where as long as I have a OSSD (diploma from HS) I can get in, the problem is I'm not the one paying for my education, my parents are and they REALLY don't like that idea.
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On March 01 2012 11:05 Leftwing wrote:
It's a little different North of the Border, where although the courses that relate to your major matter a bit, the main focus is on the ability to hold an average in all your courses above a certain amount. 80s aren't really that hard to get but I'm not exactly off to a good start myself. Also SATs are you U.S. schools and aren't worth paying if you're not leaving the country to study in the U.S. (which happens to cost an absurd amount of money).
I have no other choices besides either staying back for a year in High School or working until I become a Mature Student, where as long as I have a OSSD (diploma from HS) I can get in, the problem is I'm not the one paying for my education, my parents are and they REALLY don't like that idea.
Well to quite frank, if you work your ass off and still miss out they will just have to accept it. Parents can actually be rational beings despite what we think as teeenagers. I think the only issue you really need to sort out is whether you are working as hard you can. If you are, then you can cross that bridge you when you come to it. I would be very suprised if there was no way you could get into your Uni if one subject was pulling you down. Especially if that subject has nothing to do with what you are studying. I mean you can probably enrol in a different course that has similar subjects and then transfer. Yes your degree will take longer and cost more but at least you get into the course you want. There is always a solution, do your best and deal with things as they come.
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Relax bro. The world is not coming to an end because you didn't an early acceptance.
Eventually you ll realize that your life doesn't revolve around school/grades.
The world is oversaturated with people who have degrees in science/math/engineering/business and not enough jobs in those field. If you actually think you're set for life because you got an education from a good school, you're in for a rude awakening.
If I had to do it all over again I would take the money i wasted on an education and start a business. I wish high school would encourage more people to take chances on themselves. Start a business, invest money, take calculated risks, or even go a non mainstream route like culinary school.
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The thread title as viewed from the sidebar was so attractive...
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I know eh? ^^ The problem is the course that is bringing me down is Physics, and well it's important for half of my intended programs. Luckily I really don't even want to go into that field so it shouldn't be a big deal, the only reason I even applied was because I was forced to.
@ Dazed Actually you read my mind. The problem is I want to start a business but I need to learn what I want to do first. I intend to take Computer Science and start a business developing Apps/games with a couple of my friends (also programmers and a couple business guys).
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Just don't go to Queens. Canada isn't like many other countries where your University's name determines everything about your education. Basically, at the undergrad level, all Canadian universities are of equal quality, and as long as you get good grades at your university, you can get into master programs of your choice (or get employed at the same companies as any other grads).
I know many students that purposely avoided the bigger names for their undergraduate so that they can easier retain a high GPA for applying to masters.
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It's a personal choice for me, a chance to escape where I live and experience something new, where most of my friends will be too. It's not just for the sake of going to a good school.
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If you want something to keep your hopes up, early acceptance is just that- early. They will send out more acceptance notices as time goes on.
Remember that there are also colleges which can also be nice (small class sizes and less expensive)
Anyway, apply to a bunch of places, dude, don't put all your eggs in with your Queens app.
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On March 01 2012 12:21 Vestrel wrote:
If you want something to keep your hopes up, early acceptance is just that- early. They will send out more acceptance notices as time goes on.
Remember that there are also colleges which can also be nice (small class sizes and less expensive)
Anyway, apply to a bunch of places, dude, don't put all your eggs in with your Queens app.
Too late to apply, all he can do is get the marks he needs.
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On March 01 2012 11:21 Praetorial wrote:
The thread title as viewed from the sidebar was so attractive...
LOLOL DAMITTT I KNOW RIGHT??
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It shouldn't be too late to apply for smaller colleges as contingencies. You can actually save a lot of money and set yourself up for a successful transition into university. If at all possible, make sure you start your secondary education somewhere asap. It will be better to do than to sit back in HS for another year and try again. Most smaller school will let you take basic courses that can transfer into other institutions without any problems. They're typically easier and will help you bump your GPA. Unless Canada as a whole has ridiculously stringent community school guidelines on when applications are due, your should definitely look into them.
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On March 01 2012 12:21 Vestrel wrote:
If you want something to keep your hopes up, early acceptance is just that- early. They will send out more acceptance notices as time goes on.
Remember that there are also colleges which can also be nice (small class sizes and less expensive)
Anyway, apply to a bunch of places, dude, don't put all your eggs in with your Queens app.
Yeah, it seems like you made a few mistakes, this being one of them. I know people who were worried about having averages too close to the cut off, so they applied to a lot of schools including safe schools. Are queens and UofT the only schools you applied to? I think UofT doesnt send out acceptances until mid terms (at least I didnt get mine yet  ), so you still have a chance. Kind of sucks that you got Adv Functions and Calc in one semester, but Adv Functions is basically functions with radians, so if you did well in grade 11 you should do fine in it.
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a cool option for engineering is going to college for the three years and getting your diploma then doing the accelerated degree at lakehead for 2 years
you save a bunch of money, get 2 pieces of paper, and college is pretty fun too
takes an extra year though, but that doesnt matter in the long run
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The easiest path to university is through high school. If you don't get accepted into your first choice than you'll be given an alternative offer which you may or may not accept and than transfer into your original choice in the second year. But just be sure you know what the transfer requirements are since some programs are next to impossible to transfer into. Just stay back an extra year if it's needed.
Ontario secondary school grades are seriously inflated so if you can't easily maintain a 80, I question your ability to do well in university, no offense or anything.
Toronto does send early acceptance, the first batch should have went out in February and the second batch should go out over March break.
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I didn't get my Queen's acceptance letter until near the end of May. My friend had marks like yours and got in. Apply to other schools just to be on the safe side.
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Hey, I was kind of in a same situation. My Data Management mark was horrible in mid-term and Ryerson put me on waiting-list(basically rejection). I then accepted my offer for Collaborative Nursing with George Brown-Ryerson. After two weeks of nursing, I decided to drop it because I realized it wasn't my thing...( I got refund but they cut $100, which is fine to me)
Now, I applied for Life Sciences at UTSG and UTSC and currently taking calculus. UTSG is definitely harder to get in comparing UTSC and UTM. I suggest you apply to UTSC if you haven't. Why don't you apply for Ryerson/York? They are good universities too! Deadline for applications for 101 applicants is March 1st, you still have time And, there is nothing wrong with taking a victory lap, you could go back to high school and take some other courses that would boost up your average after your pre-req. If you don't know, U of T does not like repeated course.
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On March 01 2012 11:52 Leftwing wrote:
It's a personal choice for me, a chance to escape where I live and experience something new, where most of my friends will be too. It's not just for the sake of going to a good school.
I almost find that going to the same school as a bunch of good friends can end up closing you to a lot of new experiences, and I'd actually recommend going to somewhere with almost no good friends if you're really looking for something fresh. If you have the time, apply to more schools. I'm not sure how the Canadian system works up there, but hopefully it's not too late to shoot in some extra applications, especially if Canada has rolling admissions.
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On March 01 2012 11:04 Probulous wrote:Show nested quote +On March 01 2012 11:00 N3rV[Green] wrote:
I just can;t understand this mindset, but I guess I just didn't really care. I took classes (as few as I could) and got really good SAT/ACT scores. Simply put, taking calcus in 11th grade instead of 12th grade and good test scores got me into one of the best hard science and engineering schools in the world.
I don't even remember any of the grades I got in highschool, cause none of it mattered. Did you even read what you wrote? Show nested quote +good test scores got me into one of the best hard science and engineering schools in the world. He is trying to do exactly what you did. He is just finding it harder. Just because you waltzed through your school work doesn't mean everyone does. Finally your highschool grades matter because that is what gets you into the degree you want. So yes they do matter.
unless they have a way different schooling system elsewhere, high school grades don't matter at all if you go to a CC first.
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On March 01 2012 13:26 babylon wrote:Show nested quote +On March 01 2012 11:52 Leftwing wrote:
It's a personal choice for me, a chance to escape where I live and experience something new, where most of my friends will be too. It's not just for the sake of going to a good school. I almost find that going to the same school as a bunch of good friends can end up closing you to a lot of new experiences, and I'd actually recommend going to somewhere with almost no good friends if you're really looking for something fresh. If you have the time, apply to more schools. I'm not sure how the Canadian system works up there, but hopefully it's not too late to shoot in some extra applications, especially if Canada has rolling admissions.
I applied to Queen's, U of T, York and Western as fall back or alternative options. I want to go to Queen's not because of friends, but because I've been there and I like it. I'm on the recruiting list for Queen's Football and it's a great place to be, my tour of the campus was great and of all the Universities I've toured (7 in person) I like Queen's the best.
It's convenient I know some people who are going there so I'm not all alone, but not everyone I know is going there. I'm just nervous that when midterms come I'll be on the bubble.
On March 01 2012 13:25 Elixir2k12 wrote:
Hey, I was kind of in a same situation. My Data Management mark was horrible in mid-term and Ryerson put me on waiting-list(basically rejection). I then accepted my offer for Collaborative Nursing with George Brown-Ryerson. After two weeks of nursing, I decided to drop it because I realized it wasn't my thing...( I got refund but they cut $100, which is fine to me)
Now, I applied for Life Sciences at UTSG and UTSC and currently taking calculus. UTSG is definitely harder to get in comparing UTSC and UTM. I suggest you apply to UTSC if you haven't. Why don't you apply for Ryerson/York? They are good universities too! Deadline for applications for 101 applicants is March 1st, you still have time And, there is nothing wrong with taking a victory lap, you could go back to high school and take some other courses that would boost up your average after your pre-req. If you don't know, U of T does not like repeated course.
I applied for York as well, but that's really the last place I want to go. U of T is really picky about repeated courses and summer school courses, I noticed this when I did my SPF for their Engineering Application. Either way all I have to do is come back for a year and if I do well in 1 course then my average is automatically boosted by like 5-10%. I've planned my courses for next year in case I need to do a victory lap just in case.
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On March 01 2012 14:16 Leftwing wrote:Show nested quote +On March 01 2012 13:26 babylon wrote:On March 01 2012 11:52 Leftwing wrote:
It's a personal choice for me, a chance to escape where I live and experience something new, where most of my friends will be too. It's not just for the sake of going to a good school. I almost find that going to the same school as a bunch of good friends can end up closing you to a lot of new experiences, and I'd actually recommend going to somewhere with almost no good friends if you're really looking for something fresh. If you have the time, apply to more schools. I'm not sure how the Canadian system works up there, but hopefully it's not too late to shoot in some extra applications, especially if Canada has rolling admissions. I applied to Queen's, U of T, York and Western as fall back or alternative options. I want to go to Queen's not because of friends, but because I've been there and I like it. I'm on the recruiting list for Queen's Football and it's a great place to be, my tour of the campus was great and of all the Universities I've toured (7 in person) I like Queen's the best. It's convenient I know some people who are going there so I'm not all alone, but not everyone I know is going there. I'm just nervous that when midterms come I'll be on the bubble.
Ahh, I see.
Well, in that case then, here's my advice: Since you're nervous, you've got to sit down and make yourself like the other schools you've applied to as well, in particular the ones which you have a higher chance of being accepted to. Of course, keep working hard (especially important in the case of wait-listing), but try not to treat this as an end-all, be-all sort of thing. You'll probably have as great an experience at any of the other universities you applied to, so long as you keep an open mind. 
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I know how you feel. I applied to my current school (University of Rochester) with a GPA a good deal below the average (Average was like a 3.7/4.0, I had 3.3.) I got in because I had really good test scores (34/36 on ACT,) and I interviewed and made sure the school knew who I was before they had to decide whether they wanted me or not. Have you done anything like that?
If so, you've got a lot of hope. If not, who knows, it could still happen. Either way, it'll all be a faint memory in the future when you've got a Ph.D. in Computer Science and the world is at your feet :D Good luck!!
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University of New Brunswick or St. Thomas University, great city, great campus life, a great chance to get away and get out on your own.
Honestly, If I had to do it all over again, there is no way I would go to University. I wasn't fortunate enough to have my parents pay for my education.
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On March 01 2012 10:54 Leftwing wrote:
I'm probably not the only one who's in this situation here, but from reading around the majority of people here have the grades to get into the school of their choice, I however, fear I do not.
Basically everyone I know has been accepted to at least one school besides a relatively few people, as most of my friends got early acceptance to either Engineering or Business programs (both requiring way higher averages than I could ever hope for). The real kicker happened today when Queen's University (the only school I'm interested in) sent out their first round of acceptances. I opened facebook today and literally say about 30 people bragging about being accepted.
My marks aren't high, averaging low 80s and high 70s at the moment with one class bringing me down with a 62 (I basically screwed the pooch on this one), however as of now I only have 2 classes that count towards admission (81 and 62, evening my average out to a mere 71.5). I screwed myself over by taking a grade 11 class my first semester and the grade 12 class in the second semester, as well as a spare. I have 4 classes this semester (Calculus, Advanced Functions, Chemistry and Biology) that I need to do well in or I'm basically not getting in.
The Programs I applied to are Hardware Engineering and Computer Science, both of which are requiring around an 80-83 average (at least last year it did). I'm really freaking out and worrying if I'm going to get in as I didn't do as well as I expected in my first major Calculus and Biology tests, however I'm doing will in my Chemistry class (100% on first test) and decent in my Functions class. I'm worried because my acceptance is basically relying on my midterm marks (which will be around middle of April) and my PSE for Queen's and SPF for U of T.
I'm at the point now where it's clear, I'm either going to just graze by (not likely) or I'm going to end up taking a victory lap, however both my parents are heavily against it. Is anyone else in this same situation or am I the only one here?
In my experience, the acceptance does rely mostly on midterm marks. The amount of money (if you qualify for any) will rely on your final grades. I'm not sure if your highschool comes into consideration.
Here's my case: I tanked my average by 5% (82 to 77) after the midterms and it didn't matter. I too had horrible grades in Physics and Advanced Functions (65, 52). I applied to downtown UofT/Mac/Western and got offered a spot at UTM (Life Sciences) and at Mac (Social Sciences). I took the spot at UTM. This was late May/early June 2006 if I recall (big if, the acceptance was a lot later than everyone else's though).
As for your case, I know for sure there's a Computer Science program at UTM, but I don't know what their standards for admission are. Two of my closest friends also graduated from that program and immediately started work with RIM. This was one/two years ago. Most likely, you will get an alternate offer for a spot at UTM if my case is anything to go by or a spot at the campus of your choice in another program.
Don't worry about the future though. Know that your priority right now is to get to work. If you still have difficulties, get a tutor in the course you are having difficulties with.
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why do you want to go to queen's for comp sci?
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So one morning I was feeling really sick, but, like all mornings at that time I had to get up, drive to my mom's, and pick up my little sister to drive her downtown to school in traffic (easily a 45 minute drive). My stomach was fucking destroying my body. My back hurt, my legs hurt, and my stomach hurt. Everything was cramped and awful and I was sweating and we're just sitting here in the car and she's half asleep, and I think I'm doing okay but i really really want to get back to bed.
And then we hit traffic. I hate traffic. I despise traffic. And traffic makes me nervous. And it turns out, when you get nervous on top of being in pain because your bowels actually want to kill you, it makes life really really difficult.
So I'm sitting here, and I have to let off a little gas. Just a little. The cramp is starting to get awful and i just need to let a little bit off. But I'm a little worried because I'm not sure what's going to happen. I know some of it's gas, but I know I've been having mini eruptions every time I go, so I'm just a little bit nervous. And my sister is half asleep right next to me and she's at that age where gas is gross and your body is gross and everything is ew gross, so I don't want to be noisy, and i'm just a little bit concerned about what's going to happen.
I have to though, I just fucking have to. I'm dying. And then it happens. The moment just comes and it happens, and I let it go a little, and I go a little. Just a little. Just a clear little that was definitely not just air, but! Just a little. Just a wet little. And I'm holding my breath and I look over and my sister is asleep, and I feel a little bit better, but I'm scared at this point, because I know I can't let off anymore ever again before I get home because I can't trust it.
She gets out of the car and has no clue and I'm flying the fuck home. I am flying the fuck the hell to home...and I'm freaking out because I have to fucking go. I don't just have to go I have gas and it is horrible and painful and life sucks and then it just...
Fucking volcanoes man.
I'm driving casually, I'm afraid to move. I'm sitting in a mud bath. Staring at the road and contemplating my life to that point, wondering how the fuck I'm going to get out of my car and through the house to the shower.
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I don't think I can really help but maybe that cheered you up. I couldn't help myself after the title.
You sound like you know what you want. Your parents might not be happy about it, but...your job isn't to spend the rest of your life keeping your parents happy. Keep looking at other options. Whatever you like go for. Don't make it more complicated than that right now. And don't be too impatient.
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I've read the replies in the thread and I'm going to a throw a few disagreements based on my personal experience.
First of all, what makes my experiences relevant? I went to U of T for the Engineering Science program, graduated in 2011. Recent enough, relevant enough. That's all that needs to be said, I guess.
Let's start with your grades. Hitting a shitty average grade, I agree with that. Generally, across the universities in Ontario, acceptance grades for engineering programs are 75-90 depending on programs. As you may come to notice soon, as long as your marks are high, your extra curricular things don't mean jack shit. University counsellors come to high schools and give a whole speech about how you should write down your leadership and club activities on the application forms - but generally, for engineering / computer science, your grades get you in. I've seen so many people in my first year that barely spoke a word in English, but I could "smell" that they were a "99 student because of 9000+ hours spent in library." Needless to say, many of them dropped out within the year. Anyway, you don't need a stellar grade, but you need a decent one nonetheless. It's actually a pretty good indicator of whether you'll be able to handle the stress and transition of first year. No excuses. If your grades aren't up to par, you should seriously reconsider yourself and evaluate fairly whether you are fit for the subject. Let me put it this way - if you wanted to go into the program so badly, you've have given your best to get the appropriate grades. If your best is short of what the program requires, then you probably aren't fit for it. No excuses, the blunt truth.
Someone mentioned that at the undergraduate level, it doesn't really matter which university you attend. There is some truth to that statement - no matter you go, you'll be slapped with a B.A.Sc (Bachelor of Applied Science), if you go the engineering route. On the resume, that's basically what'll stand out. You should include your school, of course, but usually that doesn't matter. However, the connections you make differ greatly from university to university. The research opportunities, and even the direction or the focus of the subject differ greatly based on the professor(s) / faculty. Hell, it even differs a lot between civil engineering or infrastructure engineering in the same university (U of T) (I went infrastructure). To put it simply, I got my current job probably because of the two professors I've worked with during my undergraduate years (research / thesis). Heck, I might not have done a transportation major if it wasn't for one of those two professors who greatly inspired me. Go to a reputable school for your degree. Do not settle for less. Certain schools and certain programs are put in high regard for good reasons.
Paying for your own education. This can be a great self-motivator - if you're paying thousands of dollars for your own education, you better give it your best. I payed for my own tuition through scholarships and student loans. You probably know about OSAP - and you should definitely apply for it. It's interest-free during the study period. After graduation, yes you are faced with a sizeable debt, but then as long as you find employment, it shouldn't be too hard paying it off. Currently I'm completely independent; I pay for my own rent, food, utilities, insurance, gas, plus I am paying off my debt. Although it'll be another couple months until I'm OSAP-debt-free, I am sure that I made the right choice by paying my own tuition.
Don't worry about not getting accepted yet - acceptance letters continue well into April/May. Good luck, and feel free to PM me if you have additional questions.
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Atleast you have something to work for. Just work your ass off, uninstall Starcraft and if you are smart enough you should get your grades up to where they need to be. If not, then maybe it's not for you?
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You're not screwed at all. I had bad grades in high school so I went to a state university. I excelled at that university and earned such high grades that I was then accepted into a very pristigious graduate school where I went on to earn my Ph.D..
Alternatively, you could go to junior college and get really high grades there and then transfer to a good university. This is great because you end up with the same degree from the same school as that nerd kid you used to beat up in high school, but you spent almost half as much. The only catch is you CAN NOT go to junior college and fuck up or get less than amazing grades - if you do, you are totally screwed.
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I didn't read all comments, so I don't know if it came up already.
Basically, as someone else suggested, make sure you're working hard enough. I don't mean 120%-never-see-the-sun working, I mean honestly working: always attending classes, always doing homework, always preparing for tests as much as you need to (and not more, because overpreparing is actually detrimental to performance).
If you do that AND if you have the talent it will take you to make it through university with acceptable grades anyway, you should get decent enough grades. Whiffing one class probably wasn't the greatest choice to begin with, but it's human to err. University officials, surprisingly, are also people. Talk to them, if it's a close thing in the end.
Also, maybe even more surprisingly, parents are also people. Sit down with them and tell them what you're intending to do and what you're doing to get there. Make sure you keep true to what you're announcing, and I would be surprised if they didn't consider giving you a second chance (if everything goes tits-up).
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EPT
