• engineering,  math

    Big Aspirations Equal Big … uuh …

    November 11, 2011
    Hi, aska.? I have a simple question.? I am first year student and I am taking general humanities courses and have not yet declared my major.? I recently want to become an engineer and realized that this field I have looked over is indeed quite interesting and is shaping the world.? I also fully understand this field is largely based on mathematics and science. So my question is, having not taken grade 12 science or math courses, can I
    declare my major as math.? I understand there are requirements to take courses and imagine math is no different but I can’t find that information on the Math Department’s website.? How can I declare math as my major without the necessary prerequisites.? Do I have to reapply as an adult student? I hated math but now I want to learn everything before college and when I am ready how do I start taking math at Uoft.? Any and all advice, criticisms will be greatly appreciated, thank you.

    Big Aspirations !!!

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

    Hey there Big Aspirations

    ok … so I have some super secret information for you … feel the anticipation growing. The enrolment for Mathematics only requires that you have completed 4.0 courses. It does not state that you need to have highschool grade 12 math. However, many of the first year courses have MCV4U and MHF4U as a prerequisite. Here’s the super de duper secret I have, the word on the street is that the math department doesn’t actually check prereqs for their courses. ewww lala.

    Saying that, you may and probably will suffer without that prior information. Actually how many people remember what they were taught in grade 12 anyways.

    Also … you realize a math major has nothing to do with engineering right (ok, nothing is a little strong, but they aren’t the same program).

    to the moon and back,

    aska

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  • engineering

    Getting DEEP into Engineering

    November 4, 2011
    hello,?I went to the DEEP summer academy at U of T, no one told me whether or not it would help me get in to U of T, so I would like to ask you if you know, does help your chances at all? plus my grades sre not stellar, I have a low 80’s average and would like to get into Mechanical engineering.
    ?
    Thank you

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

    Well it certainly can’t? … not …help? you. There is a personal profile that you must fill when applying to engineering and that would be a stellar extra cuurricular to include. <wink wink>

    That’s all I’ve got for you … oh … and this

    with babies and rainbows,

    aska

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  • engineering,  grad school

    an engineer in the ivy leagues?!

    May 24, 2011

    Dear Askastudent team,

    I will be studying Engineering Science for my undergraduate studies next year. I know that up to 50% of EngSci students graduate with a Bachelor’s, but I am wondering how many students (what percentage) are able to make it to top universities in the States for grad school, such as Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Yale, Stanford, Berkeley, etc.

    Thank you for your help,

    Deyu

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

    Hey Dude,

    Unfortunately, since those statistics would change every year, I nor the Engineering Faculty would really have access to those kinds of facts. However, I do urge you to contact the Engineering Program who will be able to at least fill you in on where some of the students end up.?My guess is that at least a few end up in the Ivy Leagues for grad school and become kind of?big deals? Blaze your own path and you’ll end up there too!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • engineering,  residence

    where the wild things are

    April 14, 2011

    Hey aska,

    I?m a hopeful U of T Engineering Science student.? I am in a dilemma right now on deciding what residence would be best for me.? I am thinking either 89 Chestnut of New College.? I like the hotel style rooms with your own bathroom, and the supposedly amazing food at Chestnut, but I am unsure about the walk to the campus.? Also is Chestnut mostly Engineering or Arts?? New College is really close to Bahen, but I?ve never seen any pictures of rooms, or heard anything about the food.? Is the walk from Chestnut to campus that big of a deal?? Can you suggest any other residences for Engineering Science students, and where do most of them go?? Thank you for the advice!

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

    I always assumed that Engineers at U of T lived in a dank hole in the ground where they painted themselves blue and built bridges out of popsicle sticks, but I assume I am wrong. Since it is much later than you originally proposed your question, I am going to pretend that you got into U of T and your dreams haven’t been crushed. So here is where the Engineers live on campus:

    The answer is up to Housing Services! Glamorous, right? While U of T offers a residence guarantee to any first year full time undergrad, as a professional faculty you will have to rate what residences appeal to you on their form. Then the various residences will sort through the applications of the engineers that chose them as number one and choose the top number of students by average. (Innis Residence for instance, holds 60 spots for the 60 engineers with the highest average who chose Innis Residence as their number one housing option.) It is kind of like a bizarre game show, I guess.

    There are all kinds of different residences at U of T that vary by architecture, meal plans, roommates, religious choices at all. Since I don’t know you, I don’t know what you like. So here are some questions I will ask you and then you can make up your own mind:

    Do you have lots of money or a little bit of money? 89 Chestnut is very expensive ($10,000 a year!) while Innis and Woodsworth are cheaper because they don’t come with a meal plan.

    Do you want to live a roommate or alone? Some of the classic residences like UC, Vic, New and St. Mikes still pull the old “sleep with a roommate in the same room” thing. Innis, Vic and Woodsworth offer suite style residences, with seperate rooms and shared living rooms/bathrooms and kitchens. Some single rooms are available in some residences too, with a meal plan.

    Are you religious? You should go to St. Mike’s then, where you can live with a whole bunch of Catholics!

    Do you like hip modern fixtures or an old classic vibe? Woodworth, Rowell Jackman and Innis are totally IKEA, while the residences at Victoria College and UC have that leafy greens Victorian thing going on.

    Can you cook? Do you want to live in a co-ed environment?

    89 Chestnut is about 30 minutes away, which seems like no big deal in the summer but is a serious inconvenience when it gets cold. It is also super expensive! I hear it is a fun place to live (you are living in a hotel) and has amazing food, but if you can afford something cheaper and more conveinent, I’d say go for it. If you don’t get in, you will go to Chesnut anyway.

    Here are all the websites for the college residences. Peruse them, take a tour.

    New College

    Innis

    UC

    VIC

    Woodsworth

    St. Mikes

    Trinity

    Good luck with the living, man.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • admissions,  engineering

    dubai + engineers = phallic buildings

    February 18, 2011

    Hi, I’m a grade 11 student currently and my 1st semester average was 86.5. I got mid 90’s in Math and Physics but i really screwed up in English (74). People are telling me that this mark will really affect my application because i want to apply to U of T Engineering Science next year. If by the end of this year, I bring it up to a 88 or so, will it be enough to cover the ground that i lost in my low English mark? How much exactly do i need to have a credible application? On another note, I just joined a school in Ontario this year and before that i was studying in another country. Do i now need to take TOEFL or IELTS ( i was in Dubai )? Another question, does the mark for summer school for an extra course like english (not a fail) be counted as a little bit less? Another thing, does U of T give credit for SATs?
    Plz answer my questions (i know there’s a lot). Thanks a lot!!!!

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

    Whaddup eaga-beava

    First off, lets make sure we have all the admissions facts straight. The admissions requirements that the university are looking for are from grade 12. Don’t get me wrong, they do look at your grade 11 marks but your future is not determined on them.

    Here’s what the engineers have as your requirements:

    Grade 12 Curriculum Requirements

    Candidates in the Ontario Grade 12 curriculum must be completing the Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, and the following six Grade 12 U/M courses:

    • English (ENG4U)
    • Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)
    • Chemistry (SCH4U)
    • Physics (SPH4U)
    • one of:
      • Advanced Functions (MHF4U)*
      • Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U)
      • Biology (SBI4U)
      • Earth and Space Science (SES4U)
      • Geometry and Discrete Mathematics (MGA4U)
    • 1 additional U or M course
    • Proof of English Facility
      1. Evaluate if you are required to present proof of English Facility.
        www.adm.utoronto.ca/eft
      2. If proof of English?Facility is required: If you have achieved the minimum required English facility test score and have/are taking ENG4U,?a minimum of 60% in this course is required for admissions.

    Please note that individual prerequisite courses must have at least 70% or higher. The Admissions Committee takes a look at a candidates overall academic history with emphasis on the prerequisite course average.

    * MHF4U – It is expected that all students will have completed the Advanced Functions course?as a co- or pre-requisite for Calculus & Vectors. However, in calculating the average, the?highest mark of the five elective courses will be used.

    In that long slew of information, they also answer your English requirement question … click the link … doooo it.

    Dude … i feel like your superman and Clark Kent, if you’re from Dubai/Ontario why would you have taken your SAT’s (but no you don’t get credits for taking the test)? and if you are considering retaking English in the summer, the school may consider that against you. If it comes down to a tie with you and another student who only took English once, rather then a wrestling match in pudding they would take the other person.

    Phew. I need a drink

    love,

    aska

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  • admissions,  engineering

    I want my admissions letter NOW

    February 14, 2011

    Hi
    I have sent in all the documents that U of T wanted from me…they have updated everything and my application status shows its still under review. I was just wondering till when can I get my admissions decision? I have an average over 92% and a strong extra-curricular application. I have applied to Engineering at U of T St George Campus. Please reply if you have any idea that when can i get an admission decision.
    Thanks.

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

    patience grasshopper, patience.

    Generally speaking admissions letters start to go out at the end of April and up until the last part of May. Some early admissions might be offered earlier than that.

    If you are really concerned and would like exact date I would give the department of Engineering a shout at: 416-978-3872.

    forever yours,
    aska

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  • engineering

    poor engineer/ rich english student

    February 9, 2011
    Is OSAP available for students who don’t live in ontario but want to study at the university of toronto? I mean, why does studying engineering cost sooo twice as much in ontario compared to anywhere else in canada? i have to work out some kind of financial plan… and btw, what do you think is an “average” admission average to get into the engineering faculty.
    cheers!
    too poor for an engineering education
    AND
    on the student profile form, theres an “academic enrichment” section.. what does this mean, i mean in the drop down box, theres “certification” so can you put in like first aid certication under this section. does it matter?

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

    dearest finacnially needy engineering student,

    Unfortunely OSAP is only for the financially needy residents of Ontario. Your home province/country should have their own form of student loan.

    I’m not entirely sure what an average admissions average is for engineering BUT if you give them a call (416-978-3872)?and use a seductive voice I’m sure they will be able to help you.

    oh and your second question, maybe ask engineering with that seductive voice aswell

    tenderly yours,
    aska

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  • admissions,  engineering

    If I could turn back time …

    January 28, 2011

    Hello,

    My situation has been stressing me out and I can’t get my mind of it. I was wondering if you can put my mind to rest and answer my question honestly.

    My grade 11 marks aren’t that great: 70’s average
    religion: 70
    anthropology: 71
    physics: 63
    functions and relations: 94
    english: 82
    Chemistry: 70

    I am sure you students may have some empathy to as what I am going through. These poor marks (attributed to part-time job) have demoralized me as I fear I may not get into the engineering science program at the university of toronto.

    So, my question is: if I attain a respectable average (high 80’s to low 90’s) in grade 12, would i get into the program despite having poor grade 11 marks?

    Furthermore, how significant are the extra-cirriculars?

    Please share your wisdom and how (or if) your grade 11 marks affected your entry into engineering programs.

    Thanks for your time,

    Aaron

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

    Yo Yo Aaron,

    Generally what I tell students is to just focus on getting awesome grades in their grade 12 year and not worry about their grade 11 ones. There’s nothing you can do about it now.?In the words of Cher ‘If I could turn back time. If I could find the way’ … I would get better grades.

    Here’s what the engineering website says:

    Academic Requirements

    The admissions committee encourages students to apply if they have an 80% or higher average in high school (to be competitive, students should aim for higher). We consider results from Grade 11 and 12 (or prior academic performance in other jurisdictions) and any Post Secondary education subjects(if taken), when making admission decisions. We pay special attention to grades achieved in prerequisite subjects, and do not encourage students to repeat prerequisite courses. Your first attempt at a course provides the best indication of your ability. All required courses must have been completed within the last five years. Students who have been out of studies for more than five years should contact the Engineering Undergraduate Admissions Office.

    Non-Academic Requirements

    To get a complete picture of each applicant?s skills and interests, in addition to academic performance, each applicant must submit an online Student Profile Form (SPF). This form allows applicants to elaborate on their interests, abilities and strengths through extracurricular activities. Students will receive more information about the SPF after submitting their application through the OUAC.

    Now I almost LOL’d (literally, not like when people?write that and don’t actually laugh) when you mentioned Extra Curriculars … but apparenty the Engineering department does consider them. I would say it puts you above other students if you have something a little different to offer.

    I’m? going to suggest going to talk to your schools guidance cousellor and giving the deparment of Admissions and Awards for Engineering a shout.

    NOW go study!
    just kidding.

    Love,
    Aska

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  • engineering,  probation

    1 probation, 2 probation, 3 probation, 4?

    January 14, 2011
    I am studying 2F semester in UofT Engineering faculty on double probation. May be this year also I can get probation. So as per regulation after 3rd probation my readmission will be refused in faculty of Engg. in UofT.

    My question if readmission in faculty of Engg. is refused in UofT does it mean that admission in faculty of Engg. in all other university will also be
    refused? Or, I may apply for admission to faculty of Engg. in other universities. If yes, if I am to apply as fresh student or as a transfer student.

    Another question,? if readmission in faculty of Engg. is refused in UofT does it mean that admission in other faculty of Uoft or other university will also be refused?

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

    Yo, so here’s the down low. U of T isn’t going to red?flag you from all other universities, but you also can’t hide all those dreaded marks that put you on probation … multiple times. You are required to show all post-secondary marks when applying to university or college.

    Might I also suggest you considering something else then engineering, maybe your guiding light shouldn’t be aimed in that direction anymore. There’s enough engineers in this world, why not try something else that you might enjoy more and get killer grades in.

    This is who I’m going to suggest you talk to: the engineering registrar (416-978-5896). Your best bet is to?give them a shout and set up?an appointment.?They?can look at your?marks and?show you what options are left open still.???

    Love,
    Aska

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  • engineering,  residence

    no .. NO .. please no, not chestnut

    January 12, 2011

    Hi Aska,

    I’ve read on some forum that if you aren’t accepted to your first choice of residence as an engineer, you’re sent straight to 89 Chestnut (given that your first choice wasn’t Chestnut, duh!). However, you shouldn’t believe everything you read on the internet.. so I decided to ask you (how ironic, right?).

    My situation is that I would prefer going to Innis but I don’t know if my average is good enough, as I heard it should be quite competitive for
    engineers. Also I’m an international student with grades from a weird weird grading system (something similar to the ETCS grading system.. ever heard of that? o.O), and I haven’t quite figured out how to convert these grades yet.. so I? actually have no clue whatsoever what my average is atm. Anyway my second choice would’ve been New, but I might put it as my first if my application will go directly from Innis to Chestnut (Reason: Guess I’m a just a spoiled kid, who doesn’t wanna walk 20 min to school each morning -.-‘).

    Hope you can help me, even though you’re “just” a student.

    Thanks a bunch!

    He

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

    hey hey he,

    The walk from Chestnut is a tough one in the winter. I nearly broke down and accepted defeat on my walks during snowstorms. But Chestnut does have the best food (like top notch chefs – for real), a cleaning service, personal shower, etc) So, if for some reason you do end up there, your life will not end.
    Innis is a rather small college but they do reserve a large number of spots for engineers (60 spots to be specific)

    I think the information you received about Innis is incorrect. I know that Arts & Science students are accepted into the Innis college and apply for residence and do not meet the grade requirement are placed (ever so gently) into Chestnut. As an Engineer, you receive 4 choices and I’m assuming that if you don’t get into your first choice, they move onto your second.

    Here’s the deal, call student housing services at: 416.978.8045.? Explain your situation and they can advice you as to your best options.
    I know I know … getting sent to yet another resource.

    Happy residence hunting

    Love Always,
    Aska

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  • colleges,  engineering

    Circle one T or F: Engineers smell

    December 28, 2010

    Dear Aska
    I am a high school senior from BC and I have decided to come to U of T for engineering. However, I do not fit the engineering stereotype. I’m clean, go out, and play competitive sports. I want university to be a fun experience even if I am pursuing a demanding degree. After reading college reviews, I’m intrigued by Trinity. The architechture and the atmosphere seem wonderful. I’m wondering if there is any hopes of me being accepted into the college. Will the fact that I plan on pursuing engineering jeopardize my chances? WIll I be forced into Tartu? I’m very worried about being stuck with unhygenic people for four years of my life.
    Andrea,

    ———————————————

    Heyo Danny Tanner …. I mean Andrea,

    Sure the engineers do occasionally like to paint themselves purple … which I admit doesn’t give them the greatest image. An outsider could let their minds run a little wild, but I wouldn’t say anyone considers them unhygienic.

    Actually … side bar ted
    5 Reasons for your skin to turn purple

    1) paint … dur

    2) eating too much gum when to oompa loompa’s told you not to

    3) falling into a vat of purple die

    4) getting punched just enough for it to be purple but not enough to get all gross with blood spots

    5) letting your cute little niece and nephew have those grape sharpies and not realizing that they can overpower you in numbers

    I hate to break it to you, but all of the colleges have stinky folk, lazy tards and anti-social people. Some of the funnest people are the ones who forget to shower every once and awhile (trust me, I know).

    Saying that, each college sets aside a certain amount of spots for engineers and Trin does seem like a fine choice for someone who describes yourself as “clean, go out, and play competitive sports”. They wear robes and are uptight (so probably clean) as a quite harsh, and possibly inaccurate description.
    Trin is was of the more selective colleges when it comes to their applicants, but it’s worth a shot. If you have to grades to get into engineering they are probably decently high enough

    Cheers and love,
    Aska

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  • engineering

    No sex change required to be an Engineer at U of T

    November 26, 2010

    Hi aska~
    I am a student in Alberta and am interested in applying to UT in engineering. Since I am a ESL student, I took the toefl test and got a mark
    of 106 (required 100). My average without english would therefore booms to be about 93. I do have some volunteering work, part time job or acdemic contests experience, but I’m still a little worried about the chance I can get in UT into engineering because UT does not admit a lot of girls for engineering. So do you know how likely would I be admitted? and should I try to make a higher mark in toefl test?

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

    Yo Yo,
    I want to say this in the nicest way possible, but have you followed in Walt Disney’s foot steps and been frozen for the last couple of decades and finally warmed up. Canada in the 21st century does not discriminate against females in post secondary institutions

    I … just …i’m not sure where you got your information, but its incorrect.

    Ok … your admission to the University of Toronto has nothing to do with your gender. Males and females are equally capable of becoming an engineer as long as they are willing to paint their face purple.

    So focus on your grades and not a sex change.

    BUT on a positive note … 93 is a relatively good average. Contact the department of engineering and ask them for their grade range for admission. The cutoff grade changes each year depending on the competition.

    Love Always,
    Aska

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  • engineering,  keeners

    i want to be a classy engineer!

    August 19, 2010

    Dear Whomever This May Concern,
    I am a Grade 12 student in British Columbia.
    I have a couple of questions about Double Specialist Degrees and Dual Degrees. I am a person with multiple interests, so it’s really difficult for me to actually choose what I would like to specialize in for university. I would like to to pursue Engineering and Classics at university. I checked out a couple of other universities and a few of them allow Dual Degrees between Engineering and Classical studies, which I was very excited to hear about! Would this be possible at University of Toronto as well? In other words, would I be able to pursue Dual Degrees for Engineering and Classics at University of Toronto (St. George Campus)?
    I was also wondering about Double Specialist Degrees. What subjects are approved for Double Specialist Degrees at University of Toronto (St. George Campus)? Where can I find this information?
    Please help me! I’ve been trying forever to find answers to my questions, but so far there’s been no luck. Hopefully, you can change that!
    Thank you very much! I look forward to hearing from you!
    Sincerely,A High School Student

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

    Hi there, l’il high schooler. I am psyched that you are psyched about your dual-degree future. U of T is a little bit more complicated than other schools though, when it comes to attempting double specialist degrees. While in extra special cases they are allowed, the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Arts and Science (classics) are two different schools, with two different laws.

    First off, you will have to be accepted into the Faculty of Engineering, which is a mega intense program as such. (Most students doing one degree there are swamped like crazy as it is.) Then between your engineering classes (and if you are wanting to do a Specialist, that’s a whole lot of courses), you will have to find time to register for a second degree in the classics program. Specialists at U of T Arts and Science can be anywhere between 10-plus credits, but I imagine the Engineering courses are a lot more intense. Even to do a undergrad classics degree, you will need to take your 10 classics credits, plus 5 breadth requirements. That only leaves you five optional classes – which is no second specialist dude!

    I’d recommend contacting the Faculty of Engineering at U of T to talk more about your options. You could always do a second degree in the later future? Or take a classics course or two to peak your interest? Otherwise, you might have to attend of those other schools who will allow your nerdy dreams to prosper, just like Poseidon’s empire, or whatever.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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