• admissions,  architecture

    what is this “patience” you speak of

    March 27, 2013

    Holaaa

    so I’ve applied to the Bachelor of Architectural Studies program for the second time now, and I’m awaiting a response. I’ve submitted my One Idea profile and all my transcripts from hs and my current uni, but on my UofT portal it says that ‘a provisional decision cannot be made at this time’ because they need my final transcripts. Should I get my hopes up about acceptance or is it likely they’ll reject me again? I’ve improved my average this year (now in the mid-80s as opposed to mid-70s last year), and I’m pretty happy with my One Idea profile that I submitted. But I don’t want to sit around expecting I’ll get in only to find that I didn’t. So, what do you think? Is this ‘can’t make a decision’ business bad news?

    thanks for your time,

    – Anxious

    ?????????

    Hey Anxious,

    You know that the application deadline was just on March 1 right? And that your OneIdea was due March 15?

    Lots of people are waiting for responses. And I assume things are going to take longer with Architecture since they’re gonna have to go through a lot more than just your grades. So if they haven’t gotten back to you yet, just… wait. There’s no need to think the worst when they could very well just be in the middle of reading OneIdeas.

    And while the faculty’s website is basically completely useless and no one wants to give me a straight answer on what average you need for admission, I’m going to guess that it’s somewhere around mid- to high-80s, meaning you should be fine.

    But what I assume says “pending” as opposed “can’t make a decision” is not something to lose your cool over. Just sit back, watch some shows, and wait a bit. It’s only been like two weeks since they probably started considering people.

    xoxo,aska

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  • admissions,  architecture

    building your way up to architecture

    March 5, 2013

    Hey there!

    So here’s my deal: I want to get into the Bachelor of Architectural studies program, and this is my second year applying to it. Last year when I applied out of high school, my marks weren’t great as a result of some personal issues that occurred throughout the year, and consequently I did not get accepted (I did receive an alternative offer into Humanities though). So I decided to accept my offer at Carleton University in the History and Theory of Architecture program, so that way I could at least get my foot in the door of the field of study I wanted to pursue. I have good grades (overall 84% average), and some of my courses could potentially be transferred if I get accepted to UofT, because they fall within the same curriculum. So with that said, do you think it’s likely that I’ll be accepted this time around? I really want to go to UofT, but I don’t know what else I can do to help my application other than keep up my good grades, because obviously I can’t do anything about my grade 12 marks.

    Thanks so much for any advice,
    Hopeful Arch. Student

    (ps I really hope this is the right place to ask a question… :P)

    ?????????

    Hey Hopeful!

    So you wanna get into architecture. Well, they’ll be judging you based on two things:

    1. Your overall CGPA (at your current university)
    2. Your “One Idea”

    There’s no official cut off grade of sorts, but I would say the A-range is where they want you to be. That said, I think you have the CGPA part of their requirements down.

    As for the One Idea, you’ll be writing an 800 word piece about an idea you once executed that challenged you to be creative. For a better description, head over to that link I gave you.

    Good luck!

    aska

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  • admissions

    when researchers have other researchers do their research

    March 4, 2013

    Hello, I am an high school student wanting to go to UofT for Physics, but I’m not too sure about my chances of getting in. From what i’ve read the averages for getting in are mid 80s or maybe high 80s. I can’t even remember any more, I can’t even remember where I found that info from.

    Well I’m interested in getting in to the program but my math mark isn’t really the best. I’ve gotten a 85 for my advanced functions course. I noticed also that when applied I had to apply to “Physical and Mathematical Sciences” so does that mean my math mark would have to also be high?

    Also suppose I’m good enough for UofT but not for the college I applied to, would they take longer to accept me because they would have to find a college. I’m just worried I’m not going to get in. And my biggest question is grade 11 marks. I didn’t do too poorly then but english and American History were my lowest marks with 80 and 75 respectively. Would this affect anything?

    I’m really interested in Physics and would like to hopefully pursue a career in research. I occasionally visit the university to attend the colloquiums that are held in the McLellen? Physics bldg. And even though i barely know what they are talking about, it always just drives me to want to know what they are doing and do something like that one day myself too. I just want to learn more so I can know what they are talking about and then discover something of my own.

    So for my final question, how hard is it to get into grad school, I understand that grades are a big factor but what is the best asset to have in succeeding in becoming a researcher? Not only including into getting into grad school but to get a position at a university. And I’m not one of those kids who have done experiments since I was a kid.

    I hope I get a response 😀 thank you for all your time!

    ?????????

    Okay so:

    • Yes, the minimum entry grade for Physical and Mathematical Sciences is something in the mid-80s, so yes, naturally, your math grade should be high. Your 85 is good but entry is always competitive, so it wouldn’t hurt to aim higher.
    • If you aren’t accepted into your first college pick, you’re pushed onto your second college pick.
    • Honestly, your individual grades aren’t everything. Fine, you have one grade 11 mark in the mid-70s, but if your overall average is high enough, then there you go.
    • Grad school is hard. Very hard. Not sugar coating that.
    • And lastly, you want to get into university and maybe even find a career there doing research. Sure. Fine. But the key assets to a good research are brevity and organization. There’s nothing worse than a research paper loaded with unnecessary tidbits clouding up the main points or questions. Ahem.

    Phew — actually managed to get through that one!

    Cheers!

    aska

     

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  • admissions,  psychology

    swinging your way into psychology

    March 4, 2013

    Hi there,

    I am on my last 100 metres deadline wise and I still don’t know what to do, I would really appreciate any advice, opinions or thoughts.
    So here is my story, facts and worries:

    I am a college student at Humber. I am in my last semester now, out of four. My GPA is a little over 80%. I do not have 6 grades U and my grade 12 U ENG mark is 67%. 🙁

    I want to apply to U of T for Psychology Program and I was wondering how much weight my 67% grade is going to receive when considering my admission. Is my 2 yrs college compensate or help in any way? My college diploma will be nothing related to Psychology.

    Thank you,
    Violeta

    ———————————————

    Hey Violeta,

    If you head over to the Admissions website and fill the questions out, you’ll find that what the university will be considering for your entry. For the most part, they’ll be looking at your past two years over at Humber, so your 67 won’t be a big deal.

    You’ll have to take PSY100H like any other person hoping to get into the Psych program, but after admission, you can definitely apply for transfer credits. If they’re granted to you, they’ll most likely just be in some generals arts courses or whatnot.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • admissions

    uoft-bot is currently not functioning…

    March 4, 2013

    I applied to UFT Scarborough CO-OP life sceinces and i haven’t received a confirmation yet, i have a 90 average, when do you think it can come or i have no hope ?

    ?????????

    Yo!

    So fun fact: U of T is actually not run by robots. In fact, the university is managed by human beings that require sleep and food and sleep and coffee like normal people do. If you haven’t gotten a confirmation or acceptance yet — and don’t fish for compliments, your 90 average doesn’t like that — then they’re obviously still just taking a bit of time.

    Yes, you have hope — lots of it, really — but do give the university a little time to process the other thousands of students in the same position as you.

    living and breathing,
    aska

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  • admissions

    where my letter at?!

    January 23, 2013

    Hi askastudent,

    This year, I applied to all 3 campuses of U of T. However, I still haven’t receive any acknowledgement letters so far. I am really worried. I also want to ask a question regarding the admission requirements: I applied as a transfer student (I am currently studying my first year at Sheridan College), so can I use the SAT and SAT II (Literature and Math level II) to registered? Thank you.

    Kind Regards,
    Thanh Dinh

    ?????????

    Hey Thanh,

    About a week after applying, you should get an email from UofT with a customary welcome and invitation to set yourself up on the Join UofT site for applicants. There, you can essentially track your status and all that jazz. But if they’re slow, don’t be too worried! I mean, think about it: there are literally thousands of people waiting too right?

    Here are all the steps though for you as a would-be transfer student from Sheridan.

    As for the SAT and SAT II courses… um, I don’t really understand your question. Will they make a difference while UofT is considering you? Nope! I mean, we’re in Canada, eh?

    (Okay, that wasn’t funny.)

    Ahem. Right. Well, best of luck!

    drinking maple syrup in my igloo while watching hockey,
    aska

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  • admissions

    one of many more admissions questions

    January 21, 2013

    hi

    I am a foreign student? and I am in grade 12?right now. I was planning to apply at university of toronto in canada?for architecture . My grade 10 marks are is 67% . Grade 11 is 70. My grade 12 marks?should be in the higher 70’s[hopefully 80+] as I am working really hard?for it. I wanted to know if my low grade 10 marks would affect my?chances of admission . Do they look at my performance till mid term?grade 12 and 11th grade or would they look at grade 10 because the last term marks for?grade 12 would come out really late. Please let me know the real parameters they see for admissions at UfT.? Do I stand a chance .. If I do what are my chances with 80+ avg in 12th but lower in the previous grades.

    Thanks!

    ?????????

    Hey hey!

    No, your grade 10 marks won’t matter. Universities only like at your grades 11 and 12 marks. So no worries, those grade 10 marks won’t hinder your entry!

    However, your grade 11 marks are genuinely really important. Conditional offers are made around March and until the end of May based on your grade 11 marks and what have so far of grade 12. So I sincerely hope the marks you have so far in grade 12 are amazing. Unfortunately, although there is no fully defined required average, you can always count on UofT requiring an average in 80s for entry.

    Good luck!

    aska

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  • admissions,  subject POST

    scimanities

    January 8, 2013
    Hello!
    I’m interested in both sciences and humanities. Is it possible to double major in these? Say, biology and history? Would I need to apply to Life Science and Humanities separately in OUAC or will only applying to Life Science be enough?
    Thanks!
    Michelle

    ?????????

    Hey Michelle,

    So in the Faculty of Arts and Science, you can double major in any subjects from it, meaning a bio and history combo is definitely possible.

    Now here’s the trickier part. Basically, your course selection is sorted by your stream in first-year. Unfortunately, given the different fields you’re interested in, you can either enter as a Life Science student (for example) or perhaps a Humanities one, giving you first dibs on the courses within those streams.

    Personally, I recommend maybe entering as a Humanities student simply?because… well, basically anyone can take an English or History course, but to get into Bio will actually come with prerequisities that you’ll probably have. Granted, this is just my opinion. I suppose you should speak to your guidance councilor and get their two cents, but I wouldn’t worry too much!

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • admissions,  life science

    let me in, life sci

    December 19, 2012

    Hey Aska,

    I am a grade 12 student about to apply to three programs in UofT, 1 in St. George for Life Sciences, and 2 in Scarborough. I really want to get accepted to St. George, but I am afraid that my grades and the number of other applications will be the ruin of my wishes! My mid-term average currently is a 85%, but who knows how many other students are applying with the same or better marks and extracurricular activities! Be brutally honest, and let me know if I have a chance of making it into Life Science at St.George, I can take it…

    Thanks a bunch!

    ?????????

    Hey hey,

    Okay so word on the street is that to get into the Life Sci program here at St. George you need an average around low to mid 80s. Now if you can maintain that 85, then good for you! But just be careful because it is a very competitive program, meaning that making the desired average might not be enough.

    But honestly, I have faith in you getting in. Best of luck!

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • admissions,  transfer credits,  UTM

    mangement, money, math, and all those things i suck at

    December 13, 2012

    Hi!

    I am a new immigrant to Canada. I wanted to get into UTM, but unfortunately I missed the deadlines for admission. In order to save my year from getting wasted I enrolled in Sheridan College for Business Administration-Finance diploma. I will be done with my diploma in May 2014. After my diploma I intend to apply for UTM. I wanted to know that what are the programs at UTM that will be most relevant to my Finance diploma. Also, will I get any transfer credits as I have taken courses in Sheridan? If yes, then how much credits will I get? If in case I get less credits then can I take courses in summer?

    Thankyou!

    ———————————————

    Hey there!

    So first I will direct you to the UTM’s Programs and Departments page. Logically, that’s the best place to find something. Now as for things related to Finance, I’d say check out the Economics Department as well as Management. Unfortunately, as an English lit student, I’m kind of working on this Finance-equals-numbers-so-let’s-try-those-ones mindset, so you might be better off exploring these programs and scoping their relevance on your own.

    As for transfer credits, UTM usually grants 2.0 to 3.0 of them for a two-year diploma.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • admissions

    fees and facts for my american friend

    December 10, 2012

    Hey guys! Im a HS student in USA and I wanted to know how much I would have to pay for UofT and What financial aid and scholarships can I get? =) Thanks!

    P.S. I want to be an English major.

    ?????????

    Hey hey!

    Okay I have no idea how you submitted your question, so I hope you check this site frequently and see this post for you!

    Now this lovely page on the admissions website tells you just about everything you’ll need to know as a potential future Torontoian! For an international student, tuition and books ranges from a little over $11,000 to $40,000 depending on your program, but that’s not including rent or other living costs!

    Now ways to get some a little extra money to cover that:

    • Entrance scholarships. They would, for the most part, be based on academic merit, so make sure to keep up your grades!
    • Setting up shop outside of the Tim’s at the corner of Spadina and College.
    • In-course awards, from doing well during the year and being praised for it at the beginning of your second year.
    • Some grants and bursaries.
    • Signing up for some Rotman experiement-y/survey things.
    • Some English awards — however, they won’t really apply to you yet.
    • Getting a part-time job.

    making moniez,

    aska

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  • admissions,  IB,  victoria

    i b in need of some info

    November 26, 2012

    Hey aska! 🙂

    I am currently in a program called the IB. School is tremendously torturous not only for me, but for all of us, and it’s safe to say that most of us
    feel like we aren’t even going to get in to university. I do have some questions for you though, so that hopefully I’ll feel less hopeless… first, do you know if the colleges (Vic, specifically) have any entrance requirements in terms of IB points? Secondly, I have heard rumours from graduates of the program that universities do tend to look for students that have weathered such a tough program, though they aren’t exactly allowed to openly state so on their websites. Is this true (it’s perfectly fine if you can’t answer!), and are we really given a slight advantage? I’m also extremely interested in taking up the Vic One program. How difficult is it to get in? And finally, are there, again, any entrance requirements in terms of IB points?

    Thanks so much for your help, aska, and may you have a stellar day!

    Sincerely,
    IB nerd

    ———————————————

    Hey IB nerd!

    Yeah, I know what IB is. I’m pretty sure most people do. Likewise, they’re perfectly aware of just how gruelling it is. I for one did a bit of pre-IB and realized that masochism wasn’t my thing. Anyhow, there’s no need for that kind of negative thinking! And if it makes you feel better, plenty of non-IB students don’t think they’ll get into university either, so no need to freak out!

    So let’s start with the points business. I can’t tell you anything about entry into Vic specifically, but I can tell you what basic admission into the Faculty of Arts and Science calls for! Basically, you’ll need a predicted score of 28 or higher for a provisional offer of admission. More competitive programs will require 30-35, but be aware that pretty much everything is competitive here. Next, that provisional decision will be based off of your midterms or predicted marks and your academic record thus far. According to the website, most successful applicants are in the the top third of their class.

    As for these rumors… who knows? Naturally, that does sound like something universities wouldn’t outright post on the Internet, but I do suppose being part of IB does show off a devoted, hard-working side of a student. However, that’s only really worth anything if said student’s grades are good enough for the university. So I can’t really say if there’s an advantage or not — mostly because I don’t actually know — but I think it’s safe to say that like any other applicant, what matters are your grades, not what program you got them in.

    Now Vic One… Ha. One of my best friends did that actually and I suppose that yes, it’s competitive. I won’t sugar coat that for you. Most College One programs are , but just take a look at the requirements for help! This may very well be a shining moment where your toiling through IB will definitely come in handy. For example, in the first section, you can probably sell yourself based on how much learned and grew as a result of IB.

    Anyhow, everything that you’re looking for is really all over the UofT website, aside from that tidbit you had the sense to know wouldn’t be something the university would post online. If you’re still confused, take a look at the hyperlinks!

    Good luck getting in!

    aska

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  • admissions

    but i want to join uoft noooow

    November 23, 2012

    Heyyy,

    So I applied to uoft and they sent me an acknowledgement of application about 2 weeks ago and said that they will send me login info and follow up instructions for sending my transcripts in shortly. I haven’t gotten anything yet. Do you think I should be worried? How long may it take for them to send me the other info needed?

    Mad Nervous.

    ?????????

    Hey there!

    Hm, waiting is always completely nerve-wracking, but no, I wouldn’t be nervous. Do remember that you’re not the only person to apply! Likewise, applications are still going. According to my super secret source, students (from Ontario high schools) won’t be getting an actual package of sorts with ridiculous amounts of UofT paraphenelia until the applying session is over. That means you’ll actually be waiting until the new year. Like January. Mid-January, maybe. Even later perhaps.

    However, if you’re actually just talking about the Join UofT website and I’ve just confused you further, ignore the past few sentences because according to the would be Join UofT site, they’re still in the process of launching, which would explain your lack of email. Granted, they do claim you’ll get something in late-November. In their defence it’s not that late in the month yet. Or well…

    Point being: don’t fret! You’ll get your email soon enough, you Eager Beaver. 🙂

    Keep up the good grades!

    aska

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