• commerce,  first year

    it’s a hard knock life for us … or maybe just commerce students

    May 3, 2012

    Hi there,

    I am a newly-admitted Rotman Commerce student for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year.
    I was wondering if you could do some mythbusting for me?
    Is it true that the course work at the University of Toronto is extremely rigorous and that everybody gets marks in the 60%’s even though many students utterly spend every hour of the day studying?
    (Even for the commerce program?)
    Also, are students active on campus or do most of them just go back to their dorms to study?

    Also, I am a huge fan of the blog; it’s hilarious and very informative : )

    Cheers.

    ———————————————

    <virtual high five>

    Congrats on getting in!

    Now prepare yourself for the most grueling 4? (possibly 5) years of your life!

    I’m just messing with you .. tee hee … hee … ok don’t hit me, I’ll be your mythbuster now.

    As a rule, students are warned that their grades will drop at least 10% from their highschool grades. I think this drop in grades occurs for different reasons for each student. Personally I found it hard to focus on classes because I didn’t have a specific end goal … like “be a doctor”, “be a lawer”, or “try to take over the world”. I have now settled on the latter and am getting marks that i don’t shudder to look at. Some find it difficult because no one will be there to hold your hand; its’ up to you to succeed. I’m not saying that the professors, TA’s and even the university won’t be there to help you succeed, but you need to seek out the help. Some experience love, lust and booze for the first time and forget to do school work.

    What I’m getting at in this continuing rant is that for whatever reason, most students struggle with some part of the transition into university.

    Here’s the shining part: generally, after the first year, you kind of adapt to university life and develop a balance of social, school and possibly a little excercise.

    Commerce is a competetive program … so yes, it’s hard. Many students do receive 60s in their first year, but others get 70s, 80 and a select few 90s.

    You can always find social people, especially if you are in res. Might I suggest finding people who like to celebrate academics. For example, taking shots after you complete an essay 🙂

    ta,

    aska

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  • courses,  first year

    first year twice

    May 24, 2011

    Hey!

    I only have 3 credits after my first year in History. Do I have to take
    summer school and get 4 credits before I can enrol for second year?

    Chris

    ???????????????

    Hey Chris,

    Year of study is determined by number of credits obtained, not how many years you’ve been in school. You will be considered a “second year” student after you’ve obtained five full year credits. That means that you will be able to view yourstart time on ROSI starting JULY 5 and register on JULY 25th, which is the same time as all the other first years.

    You dig?

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • courses,  first year

    it’s a shame about ray

    May 19, 2011

    Hey aska,
    I was just wondering as a first year student coming in to u of t, when do we start selecting our courses? I haven’t chosen which campus I’m going to attend but since the deadline is until June 2, I assume that it will be after that date that we will be able to pick our courses. Am I right?
    Thanks a lot,Ray

    ???????????????

    RE: title. Don’t worry, it’s just a Lemonheads reference. I couldn’t resist!

    Onto your question. It’s probably already time for you to become BFFs with the Arts& Science calendar (which you can pick up at your registrar, or access here). All the important dates for choosing your classes can be found in the timetable, but I’ll roll it out here in advance.

    Before you select your classes, you will need a start time. Start times are staggered by year of study and program. You will be able to view your start time on ROSI starting JULY 5. The first date to choose your classes is JULY 25. This site explains it all in full if you think I’m speaking gibberish.

    After you select your classes, just pay the minimum amount to register by AUGUST 24 and you”ll be good to go! Talk to your college registrar about booking an appointment about course selection.

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  • fees,  first year

    welcome to u of t, give us the cash money

    April 29, 2011

    is there an enrollment deposit the u have to pay when you accept your offer ?

    Mansi

    ???????????????

    Hey Mansi! Congrats on getting in (well hypothetically, anyway). The only deposit you’ll need to pay regards your residence. When you receive your offer to U of T, you will shortly receive an offer to a residence, if you applied to a college residence. They will tell you specific amount you need to pay in order to reserve your spot. That’s your deposit.

    As for U of T, all you need to do is select your courses in July and pay your minimum to register. Then you’re in! Suspiciously easy, no?

    All the specific instructions will be found (including dates!) with your acceptance package. Which you will be getting, right? Expect it to look something like this.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • first year,  subject POST

    math smarts and arts smarts = the perfect combo

    April 14, 2011

    Hi, I’m in grade 12 right now and applied for the social science program at University of Toronto (my main goal). I originally planned to double major in Political Science and Economics. The thing is, I’m strong at math and okay in humanity/social science courses. I realized this late, and so I’m taking Advanced Functions and Calculus at the same time right now, but still doing pretty good (mid or high 90s). I used to hate math, but now I guess I’m starting to like it.

    I’ve been looking at the programs and I’m interested in Actuarial Science, Financial Economics, Economics and Mathematics, or such programs that involve real-world math.

    Anyways, the question is, can I switch programs to mathematics from social sciences right now on OUAC, or is it possible to change it after being accepted?

    Or should I wait until the end of first year to declare a double major in an mathematic field and an social science, considering that we declare our majors at the end of the first year?

    But the problem is, I still want to have a double major in a math field and in a social science. So would this affect anything?

    ???????????????

    Chill l’il first year. You must chill.

    You will be happy to know that whatever program you applied for on OUAC is not written in stone. People change their majors all the time. That’s what college is all about (well that and becoming a vegan and moving to Montreal). So whatever you’ve applied for online in high school doesn’t have to be the program you graduate with. You don’t even have to take those classes at all!

    At the end of your first year, you will have to do something called “Choosing a Subject PoST.” (aka picking your major)? You can switch your subject PoSt over and over again until the year you graduate. Your subject PoST will dictate what classes you have first priority for (registration-wise) and what program of study you are in, but you can definitely take a lot of different classes in your first year, including math and social sciences.

    The deadline for first years to choose their classes isn’t until JULY 25TH, which gives you a heck of a lot of time to consult the calendar and see what kinds of courses and programs of study at U of T might peak your interest. You’ll also be happy to know that a lot of the social sciences involve stats classes and data management, which could combine two of your newfound interests at once!

    If you are an Innis student, contact the registrar’s office and book an appointment to talk to one of our counsellors, who will be able to advise you on a few classes/programs that might peak your interest. But for now, check out the Calendar and start seeing what you like. You can always drop a class in the first few weeks if you end up hating it. But see what you like.

    Congrats on getting in, nerd!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • first year,  psychology

    Pssst, David

    January 12, 2011

    Hi Aska, is there information on the U of T site about a first-year student’s course load and their options? I couldn’t find any on the site, so I’ve turned to you for help. I’m in grade 12 and U of T St. George is my first choice university for the next academic year. I’ve already applied and I’m planning on studying psychology. I am aware that Life Science students generally take the same compulsory courses. However I know that the prerequisites vary for each program under this admission category. I have all the necessary high school prerequisites for psychology as well as the recommended biology course. Do I have to take the compulsory courses (biology, chemistry, calculus) as a Life Science student in first-year? Do I need any of them? Because I’m pretty sure I don’t. I might be okay with taking biology/calculus. My plan however is to take some courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences such as sociology, philosophy, a Vic Pathway course or more, possibly a 199 Seminar course, and possibly an anthropology course, all along with psychology in first-year. Would this be possible? Also, how many Vic Pathway courses may be taken? Your help is greatly appreciated!

    David

    P.S. – I truly appreciate your nuances in the responses to peoples’ questions. 😛

    ———————————————

    yo yo David!

    I’m sure you already know this, but I just want to confirm some information. There was a lot of bio, chem talk and I want to make sure you have the requirements.
    Highschool requirements: english and calculus and biology is recommanded

    I would even suggest highschool chemistry and physics to allow you the opportunity to switch around programs in the Life Science field.

    Know that scene at the end of Mr.Deeds were Deeds is trying to save his uncles company. Que the emotional music and the inspiring speech. He asks people what the greedy people wanted to be when they were younger, the man who owns the slaughter house once wanted to be a vet and so on.

    What I’m getting at here is that you might want to consider keeping your various life science options open. Obbbbviously I’m not telling you what courses to take, but not one of my 3 U of T roommates are in the same program as first year.

    Ok dude, here’s the first year low down.
    After you have completed 4.0 credits (ie after first year) you apply for your subject post. This is when you officially declare your program. So will choose either

    – 1 specialist

    – 2 majors

    – 1 major and 2 minors.

    So, in your first year U of T kind of wants you to check out different courses and see what you like. So your game plan looks good. I recommend first year seminars. They fill up quick … BECAUSE THEY’RE AWESOME, so make them one of the first courses you register for.

    Link Time

    Vic Pathway Seminars – unfortunately you can only take one

    Course Calendar for psychology and a page for first year psychology students.

    It looks like for first year you are only required to take: PSY100H1. I would take the first year to enjoy the courses outside of your program as it looks like you are restricted in your later years.

    Love Always,
    Aska

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  • first year

    I hear U of T eats first years alive

    November 19, 2010

    Dear askastudent,
    I’m in grade 12, and live in the GTA. I’m conflicted as to whether or not I should apply (and eventually attend) UofT. Why, you ask, would I not automatically consider the university ranked as the best in Canada when it is 2 hours away from home? Well, lets just say that the only word on the street about UofT is somewhat… frightening. Could you help me dispel some rumours?
    Apparently, UofT has little community atmosphere, and the classes are so large that the profs simply don’t care, and you just feel like a number.Apparently, the grades are curved in such a way that the fierce competition makes it nearly impossible to get As compared to other universities in Canada.Apparently, a very large number of first year students drop out or transfer.
    Is UofT really a lacklustre undergraduate experience?
    Do the rankings only reflect the research, not the teaching?
    Thanks for your help,
    -Dazed & Confused

    ??????????????

    Yo yo D&C

    I’m going to be straight with you. It depends on your field but the odds are in first year, you’re going to be in massive classes (ie the glorious Con Hall). These massive classes are awesome for the morning after fatigue because you probably won’t get called on to answer a question. BUT the school does realize that classes with a couple hundred students can be lame-o for incoming students.
    So here’s what they did
    1) Prof office hours (great way to kiss ass)

    2) Multiple TA’s that are assigned in relation to the number of students (Can answer any and all your questions – if relationship based, it would probably be better to ask here wink. wink.)

    3) First Year Seminars – If i could preach these I WOULD. You know what …I’m going to. These are small courses designed so students could interact with their profs one on one. Awesome? topics – who doesn’t want to take a course on Vampires or Lord of the Rings. And generally you get killer grades in these. Only first years are allowed to take these babies

    As for that lovely bell curve, the odds are that you’re going to encounter at least one. But they are used when the class as a whole is suffering, not just a couple people. So the odds are you will be suffering with them (sorry to burst your bubble). In any case, curves are calculated the same at all schools and they will only happen if a class desperately needs it (I personally have only ever had one, and it was only for 1 test)

    Honestly man, all of the concerns you have are going to occur at all schools, not just U of T. People drop out and transfer at all schools, for different reasons. And first- year experiences differ based on the person. I’ve known people who have partied too hard and failed (that’s their fault, not the school), and people who have partied like a monster and studied like a monster too and are going to be graduating this year. People drop out and travel, or go to college.

    Cheese ball line: Your experience is what you make of it. The school is there for you, with endless help resources and if you make an effort to be noticed and get good grades, you will (I promise).

    Peace and Love Baby,

    Aska

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  • chem,  first year,  grades

    Stinkin’ Chemistry

    November 5, 2010

    Hi aska,

    So I’ve just gone through the first 2 months at utm, and I failed my first Chem mid-term test worth 7% of my final mark, which I’m not too proud of. My goal is to graduate with a CGPA of 4.0 in 4 years time (doing a Physics Specialist). So my main question would be what is a general formula for one to tackle the insane first year science courses to squeeze out a 4.0 while staying sane in the process (e.g how to be more efficient, how to maximize my resources) 😛 . Thanks xoxo

    ———————————————

    Hi there poor, poor Chemistry Student,

    There’s a few things that you can do.
    1) Time management is a huge, HUGE aspect of doing well. Make sure you allot more time for things that are going to give you some trouble.

    2) Connect with a Physics Major – ask a 4th year student how they possibly managed to survive 4 years of hell. You can probably go to one of your profs and they can recommend someone for you.

    3) Surround yourself with people who have the same goals as you – its easier to be a study bug if the people around you are also in a study cave and not out at a rave (a little Dr. Seuss moment for you there)

    4) Study snacks (they seriously keep you going)

    5) Coffee and Baileys (Caffeine and good taste)

    6) Have dancing, video gaming, beer ponging breaks so you don’t completely lose your mind

    7) realize that you’re not the only one in this position (take for example the kid in the post below your … also thinking that Chemistry is being a little bitch)

    8) apparently you can’t have an eight with a bracket without it becoming a cool dude face, BUT WHATEVER, we like sunglasses

    UTM has Chemistry department advisers and i BET they love helping you develop a good work ethic.

    9) St. George offers seminars on time management, developing study work ethics, how to be more effecient etc. So I would suggest looking into the UTM academic Learning Center as I’m sure they will offer help in similar topics

    Good Luck!

    Love,
    Aska

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  • courses,  easy,  first year

    why machiavelli is the shit

    September 17, 2010
    Hey quick question. I’m majoring in polisci and i have all my courses. I was wondering if you in all your greatness have heard anything about the first year seminar “machiavelli and the power game”. gimme some news on it if you have any. also, i heard from someone that university college has a secret passage way? is this true? thanks in advanced aska

    ———————————————

    I am all powerful, but have not heard of this Machiavelli seminar before. Any aska readers out there care to divulge in the comments section?

    I did however, find a review of the class in the 2008 anti-calendar. No direct comments but the class gave the seminar a retake rate of 80% with a 3.1 grade of workload and a 3.5 grade of difficulty! Machiavelli is also, like, the shit.That guy terrorized everyone!

    The professor is the same this year, so conceivably it is pretty much the same course. On Rate My Professor, Olga Pugliese (the prof) is described as “very knowledgeable, attentive and nice”, though one student complained about the amount of student presentations for what sounds like the actual class.

    Read this and take it with a grain of salt:

    She doesn’t teach!! The entire course was other students giving presentations!! NOT what I signed up for… I didn’t pay almost $1000 for that. Class puts me to sleep and class participation is sooo low, which is really bad because it’s a seminar so it should be fairly high. Most of the students don’t come to the class.

    xoxo, Askastudent

    P.S. I have not heard of this secret passage way, though I do believe it could exist. The basement there stretches on for hours!

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  • courses,  first year,  weirdness

    after a week of school, i hate it!

    September 17, 2010

    Dear askastudent,

    I have just started first year and I realized the program Im in now is not what I really want to do, how would I be able to change my program?

    ———————————————

    Oh dear lord, honey, you have a long way to go. First of all, you are only in your first week of your first year of school – how do you know that your program is not for you yet? Secondly, you don’t even have to worry about choosing a subject PoST until second year, which you can change at any time until applying for graduation.

    The feeling that you’re experiencing is normal, especially in first year. Chances are, your classes right now are huge and overwhelming. This is a reality that will eventually chill out once you head into your upper years of whatever program you end up taking, and take on smaller seminars and class sizes.

    I’d recommend thinking about what it is that you’re passionate about and going through the calendar with an open mind. Taking a thorough look at everything U of T offers will yield unexpected surprises. Many of the colleges offer really intriguing programs with much smaller class sizes and fascinating course subjects. Other programs can offer labs, research opportunities and internships that will help you gain experience in an field of interest.

    You have to be honest with yourself and think about what you want to commit yourself to for the next four (plus) years. Are you only in your program of study because you want to please your parents? Or for practicality’s sake? That may not be a reason to stay in it.

    A great resource is your college registrar. Most of the colleges (especially Innis) have a first year counselor who can talk you through some of the concerns you might be having. It may also not be too late for you switch courses, if that’s what you intend on doing though you should pay attention to these important dates. Please keep in mind that SEPTEMBER 26th is the last day to add new “F” and “Y” courses.

    My advice is to give the first month a chance and if you really hate it, consider taking something else in the second semester.

    Let me know what you decide.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • first year,  money

    money in the bank

    September 2, 2010

    Dear Ask,
    I am going to be attending my first year at U of T. I have already paid the minimum payment for tuition, and I was wondering when I must pay the remainder by.
    Thanks !

    ———————————————

    As long as you pay the remainder of your fees by the end of the school year (that’s mid April), you won’t accrue any additional evil U of T interest. Since you’ve paid the minimum payment for tuition, you are also registered in your classes! Yay!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • computers,  first year

    what to bring on the first day of school

    September 2, 2010

    hello,
    i’m a first year student, and have a quick question on what to bring to UNIVERSITY on my first day?(i know, lame right?)
    BOOKS!(duh) and paper? or LAPTOP? pens? or LAPTOP? I’m in politcal science. I’ve asked my friends, they say a laptop is a MUST, however, some say they dont bother because its a distraction, but i don’t want to look stupid with a notebook and a pen when everyone else is using a laptop, or when i have a laptop and everyone else is using a notebook and pen. I need to know because, my laptop is heavy too, hehe. Thanks!

    ———————————————

    First of all don’t worry about looking stupid – you didn’t come to this big fancy university for nothing, right?

    On the issue of laptop vs. pen and paper – that is a personal and political choice. More students have laptops than pen and paper nowadays, but the pen and paper is still a very popular choice. I guess it depends on how much materials you want to lug around with you. If you have to bring multiple textbooks and course readers, plus a laptop, you might be very tired and sore at the end of a long day of lectures. But if you’re in the midst of writing a paper at the library, a laptop might be a good thing.

    The downside of a laptop is that the power might run out before the lecture is over and then you’ll be stuck. The upside of a pen and paper is that they’re pretty light and handy, but you might have terrible handwriting like me.

    I’d say if you can, invest in a quality backpack and bring both. Then you’ve got the best of both worlds, Hannah Montana style, and you can use one if the other craps out on you.

    Other good things to bring for the first day of school are a bottle of water, an organizer, a bike and some kind of light snack between lectures.

    Also remember to stop worrying what other people think of you. You’re in university now!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • commerce,  courses,  first year

    graduating like a flash

    August 30, 2010

    Hi yo, I will be becoming a U of T frosh 3 weeks later and studying at Rotman Commerce, and I got couple questions want to ask @@
    I know that during the summer term we can maximumly to take 2 credits, so I am curious about can I take 5.5 credits in my first and second year and then take all 4 credits in 2 summer terms,
    eventually if everything is fine I can graduate within 3 years instead of original 4 years……Is it Possible?
    I know it is pretty hard but I want to try try =]

    ———————————————

    Hey there. Your ambitious plan can totally work, but it doesn’t really sound like fun, does it? You can totally take up to six credits a year and up to two in your summer session, which would keep you at a steady clip of eight credits a year, fulfilling your 20 credit degree in two and half a years if you really wanted to…but you would cry forever trying to maintain that pace, especially with the intense Commerce course load.

    Obviously it’s up to you to decide how to pursue your degree and at what rate. Many students end up taking a maximum of five full year credits a year because it’s enough to handle, especially if they also have to work to support themselves. Basically feel free to do what you want – but consider what classes are available, the workload involved and how to plan your degree accordingly so you can also pursue experiences that are worthwhile (such as internships, after school activities and fruitful relationships). Talk to your college registrar to plan a course schedule that works with what you want to pursue. Rotman also offers very valuable resources like peer tutors and study groups that are fun and social.

    And have fun! Don’t spend your entire life in Robarts. Think of your skin!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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