• courses,  subject POST,  summer

    summertime courses are the kind i like

    April 29, 2011

    Hey aska,

    Today I enrolled for my summer courses. After, I had deleted a subject post (a major) because i wanted to change it for something else. But it turned out that I can’t add anything right now. So now I’m stuck with a major and a minor. Is it possible that the enrollment for my summer courses will be rejected because of that? Since the major and minor combo isn’t the correct format?

    Thanks,

    Minecrafter

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

    Dear Minecrafter,

    This question is a little bit hard to answer because you have not given me any specifics. But according to the calendar, even restrictive Type 2 and 3 subject PoSTs should be yours for the requestin’ until May 23rd. Did you somehow anger ROSI? Try requesting it again online. And if you have trouble doing that, come into your registrar’s office and we should be able to sort out how to you can get into your summer courses. (The deadline to pay your fees passed yesterday though! Oops!)

    Remember that the proper subject PoSt combo is a major and two minors, a specialist or a double major. So even if you added another minor that you didn’t particularly care for (Type 1), you could register for summer classes. In fact, maybe this is the entire problem?

    I just blew your “mine” a little, didn’t I?

    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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  • subject POST

    neuroscience, enough said

    February 7, 2011

    Hey Aska,

    Before I ask my question, I just want to thank you for answering my previous question weeks earlier.? Your site is tremendously informative!

    Anyways, I’m a first year Life Science student who’s aspiring to specialize in neurosience next year.? Are you aware of the minimum GPA required for such a program?? Also, if I apply during the summer but get rejected, do I still have the time to apply for a double major before the school year begins?

    Thanks again,

    Demi

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

    Welcome back Demi,

    So they don’t have minimum CGPA for a neuroscience specialist. It depends on the applicant pool for that given year. Pretty much the best of the best get in. For some reason when I was getting told about the program we started speaking in hushed tones and looking over our shoulders. I have the feeling this is one of the harder programs to get into, so I would just give it your all this year.

    SUBJECT POST INFORMATION

    I’m sure you’re aware that a neuroscience specialist is a Type 3 subject post. Here’s the deal on that:

    Type 3 subject POStsType 3 subject POSts require completion of specific course(s), have a finite number of spaces and additional information is required by the subject POSt sponsor. Application is made on the Faculty Registrar’s web site.

    For instructions on how to enrol in Type 3 subject POSts, check the fall/winter timetable.

    The following enrolment dates apply to Type 3 subject POSts.

    • Type 3 first request period: April 1 to May 24
      • Requests should be made between April 1 and May 24
      • Results of these requests can be obtained starting July 5
      • August 5 is the last day to complete the enrolment process.
    • Type 3 second request period: July 5 to August 29
      • Requests should be made between July 5 and August 29
      • Results of these requests can be obtained starting September 15
      • September 26 is the last day to complete the enrolment process

    While neuroscience as a Major is only a Type 1

    Type 1 subject POStsType 1 programs have no enrolment requirements other than successful completion of four full-course equivalents. No application is required.

    For instructions on how to enrol in Type 1 subject POSts, check the fall/winter timetable.

    The following enrolment dates apply to Type 1 subject POSts.

    • April 1 – first day to enrol on the SWS
    • September 26 – last day to enrol on the SWS

    So pretty much yes, you do have time because Type closes either May 24th or Sept 15 and you have until September 26th to enroll in a double major with Type 1.

    peace and love,
    Aska

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  • subject POST

    Double Major: Because you love me

    January 19, 2011

    Hi there Aska,
    You have a great site. I thought I would say that before asking the question. As for the question, I was wondering about U of T SG’s policy on double majors. I googled to no avail. Would a double major in a subject in the Humanities as well as a subject in the Sciences work out? (e.g. one major in English and another in Physics)

    ———————————————

    Here’s the deal at U of T

    In order to graduate you are required to complete:
    ”

    One specialist program (which includes at least one course at the 400-level)
    or
    Two major programs, which must include at least 12 different courses
    or
    One major and two minor programs, which must include at least 12 different courses or
    Students registered in the Faculty before the 2000-2001 session may also complete three minor programs, which must include 12 different courses; this option is discontinued for students registering for the first time in 2000-2001 and thereafter.

    ”

    So your double major is good to go. The only teeny tiny issue that you will fall into with having a science major and a humanities major is that you must choose one dun dun dun. Simply if you would prefer to graduate with a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts.
    Science …. obviously.

    Love,
    Aska

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  • subject POST,  Transferring

    You just gotta ignite the light, to transfer

    January 17, 2011
    Dear Aska,
    hey there! so while i was desperately looking for information online i came across this site, and im not too sure if its just for innis students or not but i am so desperate for an answer i will try my luck out anyways.

    so here is the deal: i am in my first year at the downtown campus and my goal is to double major in history and religion. now first year is pretty general and so ur not really into each program right? my confusion is when do i begin in each program?
    furthermore, i am looking to transfer to the UTM campus for some personal reasons, and am hoping to b there for my second year, now how does everything transfer over, and how do i know what courses i need or dont need to get into each major program?!

    ahhh soo confused! hoping you can help

    Tee Naddaf

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

    You are right. You do not ‘start’ your program officially until you have completed 4 credits (ie after first year). At this point you will declare your subject posts. If this sounds foreign to you, you might want to check out some information on it <pow (like the sound a genie makes when granting a wish)> INFORMATION.

    My head just raced at the mysteryof why anyone would have personal reasons in favour of UTM. I think I decided on a secret relationship with a professor there … don’t worry your secrets safe with me (and anyone who reads this post)

    The course calendar is the place to look for all information regarding requirements for each post. I’m just going to confess this now, if you could marry an inanimate object I would choose this book. It’s intelligent, helps me whenever I have a trouble and fills me with pleasure whenever I can answer questions based on its information.

    For Example:

    A specialist in English requires:
    “?Enrolment in the English Specialist program requires a final grade of at least 73% in ENG110Y1, ENG140Y1, or ENG150Y1. Students applying to enrol in the Specialist after second year require a final grade of 77% in 2.0 ENG 200-series FCE. Students are responsible for completing all the requirements of an English program from the Calendar of the year in which they enrolled in the program. ”

    So just?chech out the course calendar for which ever course your heart is set on.

    Some courses will transfers and some? won’t (oh I know… frustrating). You’ll have to start the process to know. Here’s some information to get you started on the process.

    Hope this helps,

    Love,
    Aska

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  • subject POST

    it’s allll figured out know

    December 23, 2010

    HI ASKA. I hope you are not too worn out by exams. =]I am a first year student who is trying to plan a little bit ahead for her future –I am taking English, Intro to Film Studies, Philosophy this year. I really like all three of them. I am a nerd, ha, and my goal eventually is to get into grad school in Comparative Literature. I know that UT students typically pick two majors or one major two minor, but I want to ask is it possible to do a double major plus a minor? I want to either go with majoring in Eng/Phl and minor in Film, or majoring in Eng/Film and minor in Phl. I feel like doing two minors really does no good–since it does not go in depth in the field and a lot of great academic opportunities are given to the major/specialist students in the program.?
    I calculated the needed credits –since I have first year courses for all three for them, really what I need to get is 6 credits for each major, which is 12 for double major, and 3 credits for the minor, so total of 15 credits–which means 5 courses per year. Mathematically it seems viable, but is it doable in practice? Does UT even allow me to register for 2 major one minor??
    Want to hear your take on it –thanks a lot. Have a great day !
    Anonymous

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

    Dear someone who has it all figured out but a cool alias (i.e. Anonymous)

    I knew the day would come when someone who actually knows what they want to do would come for reassurance. You’ve got it.

    ooooh baby! Aska is never ?worn out by exams … we know the answers to everything (just don’t ask my roommates about the tequila binge I went on after my final exam)

    You look like you have things under control. Props for knowing what you’ve wanted from the first semester. I would say that yah its totally cool to do that. I would assume that the university gives students some rooms to play around with courses and still be able to graduate.
    I have a roommate that is enrolled in a Specialist and a Minor which is more than they require for graduation, so ROSI should allow it.

    I would suggest making an appointment with an academic advisor just to make sure it is a green light, but things are looking good for you brah.

    Love dearly,
    Aska

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  • subject POST

    Bob Barker would be a proud father

    December 23, 2010

    Hi there aska,
    I am in the process of applying for university, with u of t being one of my top choices.? I am interested in both life science (particularly biochemistry) and computer science.? I would possibly like to major in both.? However, as a first year student, I am required to pick just one program code on my application.? If I pick life science (which I intend to do), will I not have any computer science courses in my first year? Will I have to start computer science courses only in the second year, making it necessary for an extra year as an undergrad student?? How does this whole double major system work?
    Thanks

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

    Hey my little biochemical robot friend,

    Finally I don’t have to break someone’s poor heart by telling them their dreams are unlikely.
    WINNER WINNER

    ‘biochemical robot cooooome on down to your double major’

    You choose a program of study when your applying, but you don’t ‘declare’ your majors until after you have completed 4 full credits (ie after 1st year). Here’s information on that shiiiz if you want to see for yourself.

    It’s actually kind of expected that you choose one discipline and add others. As a an undergrad, you are required to declare either, two Majors, one Major and two Minors or one Specialist. What I’m saying is that:

    first year courses are not limited too severely so you can probably take some for both subjects and that you can definitely graduate in the four years with a double major.

    You’re good to go! Double Major and graduating on time, just the way to make father U of T proud.

    With kind thoughts,
    Aska

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  • psychology,  subject POST

    see you suckers!

    September 23, 2010

    Hi there,
    I am in my first year and I was accepted into psychology at UTM. I am currently hating psychology and I’m wondering if since first year is a general year, can I drop it? If so, what would I have to do? Just go on ROSI and drop it?
    Thank you in advance!
    -Alicia

    ———————————————

    Hi Alicia,

    You’ll be happy to know that if you haven’t officially selected a subject PoST on ROSI yet (which you can do at the end of your first year), then you’re not enrolled in any major at all! The program that you applied to on OUAC is just a designation for enrollment categories, but it doesn’t restrict you for taking other courses or choosing another major. What will restrict you is not fulfilling the requirements for the your new desired subject PosT. Instead of psych, do you have any idea of what other program you would like to do instead? Please look at the calendar’s requirement to apply for a subject PoST and consider things like first year courses and grade point averages. Your registrar will able to suggest new programs of interest and help you meet the requirements.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • subject POST

    my specialist says i’m special, right?

    September 17, 2010

    Hi,
    I am going to be beginning studies at U of T next fall and I was wondering how the Specialist programs work? Is it possible to do a double specialist and if so would both programs appear on my Degree? I know my partner did a specialist and a minor and only the specialist appears on his degree.

    Thank You,

    Jenn Lee

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

    Hi there. Congrats on your solid plan for next fall. (That gives you a year to buy enough turtleneck sweaters to adequately prepare.) Sorry to disappoint, but it’s basically impossible to do a double Specialist at U of T. While people have done it, a Specialist is considered a minimum of 10 credits. As an incoming student, you also have to fill five mandatory Breadth Requirements, and while some courses could double as degree/breadth requirements, it would not be enough to complete two unique degrees plus the mandatory classes.

    Some programs however are offered as a double specialist. I know that English and Philosophy used to be offered as a double specialist, as well as English and Drama – but the calendar seems to have done away with them. If you examine the calendar in your particular field of interest, you might just find something. You will probably have your hands full with completing just one specialist, however.

    Please keep in mind that in order to graduate from U of T, you need to complete a Specialist (10 plus credits), a double Major (seven plus credits), or a Major and two Minors (four credits max). If you graduate with a specialist, or major – no matter what you minor in, only your main concentration of study will show up on your degree. Not that it matters! You can write whatever field of study you want on your resume, which is why mine says that I minored in “player hatin’ & bootycallin’.”

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • philosophy,  subject POST

    what’s my major again?

    August 26, 2010

    Hey aska,
    Am I missing something?? If I’m majoring in criminology and philosophy (second year), and then become a specialist in criminology (which apparently can only happen in third year?), what happens to my philosophy major? Am I wasting my time taking all these philosophy courses this year? Please let me know if theres some huge obvious solution that I’m totally missing. Thanks!

    ———————————————

    Hi there!

    Basically what happens in a nutshell is that your specialist will cancel your other degrees out. To graduate you need a specialist, two majors, or a major and two minors. So if you apply for (and complete) your specialist in Criminology, your philosophy major, even if completed won’t count as the degree you finish with. By all means, complete your major (that’s seven full courses in philosophy), but you will graduate with a criminology specialist.

    You dig?

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • graduation,  subject POST

    that’s a degree with a lot of “bs”

    August 9, 2010

    Hey hello! I was just wondering about something I read in one of the U of T course guides, when I was in first year. It said that Arts and Science students can decide if they want to graduate with an Honours BSc or an Honours BA.

    Is this true? and if so, Is it possible to get the BSc if I am doing an economics and psychology double major? ( the psych is science and eco is social science)

    Is it also possible to get the BSc if i do the Eco major and poli sci and psych minors?

    Please let me know! Thanks a lot 🙂

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

    Why it’s true! Isn’t that so great? U of T will give you the sexy, exhilarating option of choosing between a Honours BSc or Honours BA if you have the same amount of courses for both majors. It’s like choosing between chocolate and vanilla! Both are so delicious! Here is the calendar backing me up as proof:

    Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

    Effective for all students registered for the first time in a degree program in the Faculty of Arts & Science for the summer 2001 session and thereafter, the St. George Campus of the Faculty has discontinued the 15 course (three-year) B.A. and B.Sc. degrees. Students registered in a degree program in the Faculty before Summer 2001 may still choose a 15-course (three-year) degree; these students should consult their college registrar?s office.

    Students with a B.A. or B.Sc. who return to upgrade that degree to an Hon. B.A. or Hon. B.Sc. must exchange the B.A. or B.Sc. for an Honours degree. A B.A. leads only to an Hon. B.A.; a B.A. CANNOT be upgraded to an Hon. B.Sc., and a B.Sc. CANNOT be upgraded to an Hon. B.A. Students who upgrade to an Honours degree are not eligible to attend the convocation ceremony for the upgrade.

    Different degree regulations apply to students who first registered in the Faculty before Winter Session 1992; these students should consult their College Registrar.


    Since the economics and psychology majors both require seven courses to obtain, you are good as gold, my friend. However, if you do the economics major with a double minor in poli sci and psych, you will be stuck with a plain old Honours BA, which as everyone knows IS MADE FOR SUCKERS.

    It’s your choice. Have your degree your way.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • choosing,  humanities,  subject POST

    what should i major in/do with my life?

    July 5, 2010

    I have a question regarding choosing what to specialize/major/minor in. I have completed first year and I feel lost. I’ve decided that I definitely want to specialize or major in Criminology it’s something that interests me and I do have my sights set on becoming a criminal lawyer. With that being said, I was not particularly enthused about other courses most law school hopefuls take History and Politics. I f I have to spend the next three years studying either of those, I will definitely make it through with good marks, but I may just develop severe depression. Or turn grey.
    A course I immensely enjoyed was Psychology 101 but I didn’t take calculus or advanced functions in high school, so that road is definitely closed for me. (I know there is the option of taking high school courses online, but there is a reason I stayed FAR away from math in grade 12.)
    I’m left with Sociology and English. As much as I enjoy reading, I feel like it should remain a hobby – I like having the power to occasionally read something by Stephen King or perhaps a Harlequin Romance without realizing the full extent of the mindlessness of it.
    I slightly enjoyed Sociology 101, but I’m not jumping with enthusiasm at the thought of delving deeper into it. I hate this apathetic feeling I don’t want my undergraduate experience to be something I just want to get through.
    Society, Ethics, and Law is another minor I have briefly considered.
    What would you recommend?
    Thank you very much for the help!

    ———————————————

    Bro, neither I, nor your mother, nor your career counselor, nor anyone else can tell you what you want to major in. Some people never know! Some people don’t care. It all depends on what post-secondary or career options you envision for yourself upon graduation. Here’s a shocking secret: it mostly doesn’t matter.

    You say that you like the criminology classes being offered by Woodsworth, but you’re not too jazzed about taking History or Poli Sci classes. But did you know that Trinity offers an Ethics, Society and Law program? And that New College offers this neat pseudo-Jungian Paradigms and Archetypes class, that offers all of Psychology’s teachings, with none of the calculus?

    You’re just going to have to take some classes by trial and by fire, and go with your gut. U of T has a ton of classes and a huge variety of programs, so it’s simply a matter of fishing through the calendar and timetable, and making a course schedule that works for you. It seems like you’re interested in the humanities, but don’t rule out the small language based programs where you can do a class in Italian Cinema, or “The Sensuality of The French.” Study the calendar and see what interests you. Then build a program from there.

    Also as a rule, classes don’t really get interesting until third year when they get smaller and more seminar-based. You might feel burned out because of taking giant Con Hall classes and the frustrating anonymity that comes with that. The smaller classes in the smaller programs (also awesome: African Studies) won’t make you feel like a rat in a cage and might improve your marks. Think about it.

    xoxo, Askastudent

    P.S. Somewhere in some midwestern university, a grad student is writing a thesis on Harlequin Novels in conjunction with Steven King’s “Carrie.” Academia is crazy like that.

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  • arts & sciences,  courses,  subject POST,  trinity college

    switching from engsci to IR with first year credits to spare

    July 5, 2010

    Hi Aska,

    I have just been accepted to UTSG, Faculty of Arts and Science. For the past two years, I was an Engineering student at U of T. The Transfer Credit office granted me 4.0 credits for 100 levels, and 0.5 for 200 level. How exactly does “no more than 6 100Y courses” mean? I plan to do a major in International Relations and another major in something else. Would a programme admission consider an Extra for programme requirements?

    ———————————————

    Basically in your 20-credit life as an arts/sci undergraduate at the University of Toronto, here are the rules to live by: no more than six 100 Y credits, at least six 300 + courses, with no more than 15 classes with the same program title (ENG, INI, etc.). There’s also some junk about breadth requirements and stuff that’s gets a little tricky when it comes to Specialists and Majors, but it’s all detailed on pg. 23 of your Calendar.

    You can, of course, do more than 6 100 classes, which given your switchover from Engineering to International Relations might be necessary if you haven’t fulfilled the first year introductory courses for the program. (These look to be either ECO 100/105, HIS 103 or of TRN 150/151 or two of VIC 181H/183H/184H/185H, an introductory language class or MAT133Y/137.) And we’re not even talking about your mysterious second major!

    You can take as many first year classes as you want, but only six are going to be counted towards your degree and your program. In the interest of completing your degree before you are 40, and not spending more money than you have to, I’d recommend meeting with your college registrar to advise you on picking the best classes for your program. You can contact the International Relations department here. Tell them do something about that stupid G20 ridiculousness we just endured, will ya?

    xoxo, Askastudent

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