• admissions,  trinity college

    there can only be one… TRINITY one

    May 10, 2013

    I got waitlisted for trinity one program International Relations, what’s my chance of getting in? How long is the waitlist and were do I stand there? Is there anyone I can talk to about this specific question?

    Thanks. 😀

    ———————————————

    Hey hey,

    For starters, congratulations! Trinity One makes me think of the Slug Club with how… Trinity it is (read: elitist). It’s competitive and they’re picky so yay you for making it to the waitlist at least.

    But for these One programs, waitlists are a little tricky.

    From what my source tells me, how things work is that after the initial 25 students are chosen, the rest are waitlisted. I assume that of the, say, 75 applicants, the other 50 are ranked in such a way that if someone from the 25 decides to go to McGill, numero uno on the waitlist is contacted. So I suppose the waitlist = [number of applicants] – 25.

    That is, of course, assuming they didn’t throw out your application entirely for writing something like “I wanna join cuz it seems fun” on your statement/essay/thing.

    As for your standing… dunno.

    If you’re super keen on knowing your ranking though, I’d recommend chatting with program director or associate registrar. I know if must be frustrating to not know how many people need to be offed for you to get in, so I hope they have answers for you! 😉

    xoxo,

    aska

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  • admissions

    selecting those top six

    April 25, 2013

    Hi,

    I live in BC, applied for life science and waiting for the response. I know that English and Calculus are pre-requisite, and I took math12, IB chem and IB bio. Because calculus mark is lower thanmath 12, I’m wondering which subjects are included for average calculation..

    One of counsellor from UT explained English and other high marked subjects would be included, but I’m still worried about it. Please confirm on it..

    Thanks in advance

    ?????????

    Heyo~

    I love when students still come to me for confirmation even when a UofT official tells them something. I find it incredibly endearing. 😀

    But anyhow, whoever you spoke to was correct! If you check out the Admissions website for your specific situation, you’ll see the list of courses your top six grades can include (aside from English) so just make sure your courses align.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • admissions,  UTM

    aska to the rescue!

    April 18, 2013

    Hey,

    I’m thinking of transferring to utm from Brock. Im going to end up with a 70-73 average. i was thinking about transferring to either commerce or econ. do they have different admission requirements and if not could i get into commerce with that average? Also if i get accepted to econ can i ask for a re-consideration into commerce?

    thanks,
    dark knight

    ———————————————

    Batman,

    Both programs at UTM call for at least a B (around a 74-76) according to Admissions, but that grade is competitive, soooooo try your hardest to bump your GPA a bit. “Competitive” means that there’s quite likely going to be a fair amount of applicants, so that set average could very well go up.

    xoxo,
    aska

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  • admissions,  architecture

    may may why so far away

    April 15, 2013

    I’m currently a student in grade 12 from B.C. This year my avgs are not that good since I took so many APs and I was away for two weeks. So after calculating using my English 12, AP Chemistry 12, AP studio Arts drawing, and Mandarin 12, which are 76%, 93%, 91%, and 93%. Since my English is too low, my avg is pulled down to an 88%. My one idea is about a painting I done base on my perspective on Vancouver’s buildings in downtown. I don’t know if it is creative enough. I know lots of people who applied with avgs of 90% or above, and we all received the same message on our states which is file completed will have a decision in LATE may. I got a rejection from U of T civil engineering already, and I’m really nervous now. So I wanna ask, with my avg, do I still have a chance? On the admission site, it said susseful applicants are among the top three in their class… Which I’m not. I was, in regular class, but I transferred to AP, people their recived full scholarship form U of Penn..

    ?????????

    Hey hey!

    Is an 88 average good enough for architecture…

    To be honest, I don’t know what to tell you. Generally, we say “high-80s” for architecture, but when you factor in the many, many applicants and limited spaces, you arrive at a minimum in the low 90s. BUT, at the same time, that can work in the opposite way and bring it down.

    So yeah. I’m going to go with the politically correct not-yes/not-no answer and say that it all depends on the applicant pool.

    Your average is fantastic, don’t get me wrong, but I guess you’ll have to wait til late-May to know whether or not architecture agrees with me on that…

    essentially useless,
    aska

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  • 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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