• graduation

    getting grad dates with a little google love

    May 24, 2013

    When can I request to graduate in November?

    ?????????

    Lol.

    Sometimes I wonder how people get through this world-class research institute without knowing how do the simplest of searches, so here I present you not an answer, but instead, the ~*~Official aska Guide to Using Google~*~!

    Step 1: Go to Google. If you’re like me, you may even be lucky enough to have a google search box thingie on your toolbar.

    Step 2: Type in basic words for your search. If I want to see the summer timetable for example, well golly jee, why don’t I type in “summer timetable artsci”? But since I’m trying to find when to request November convocation, let’s try something like “uoft request graduation november 2013”!

    Step 3: Look at the results. Don’t bother going to page two. Whatever you need should be on the first page!

    Step 4: Notice that the link you need is there. Click it. Well, hellooooo sessional dates.

    Step 5: Face-palm because after four years at UofT, it occurs to you that you should know that any important dates are usually on one of the sessional dates page.

    Step 6: Either read through the content or do the lazy thing and do a ctrl+f to search for “request” or “graduation.” Don’t be alarmed if the latter fails because it could just be “convocation.” Likewise, if you do “request,” there may be multiple things to request so do remember to hit the next key.

    Step 7: Find your answer and question why this took seven steps.

    And there you have your date. Two days into the sweltering month of July. Bam.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • grad school,  suspension,  UTM

    a series of suspensions – part ii

    May 23, 2013

    Hey there, I’m currently a second year student at utm who just got a notice I was put on academic suspension for a year! Yikes! I got decent grades in first year, however, second year I hit a rough patch and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety 🙁 this literally happened to me in the middle of midterm season. As a result, my marks dropped (obviously) which resulted in my academic suspension. I was wondering if maybe I should appeal the suspension? I always wanted to go to post grad school as well and I don’t want this stopping me, however I’m scared that this will completely hurt my chances. I do plan on returning and working my ass off, as of now I’m doing a lot better however, I’m still on the road to recovery. Advice?

    ———————————————

    Yo.

    Posts to refer to that can be found in the aska archives with similar/exactly the same situations:

    1) Student is suspended — But there’s a twist! She has ~*~extenuating circumstances~*~!!!

    2) But what am I supposed to do on my year off?

    3) Second year UTM student on suspension and wants to go to grad school — what now?

    Now if you’ve read those, you’ll see that my general stance on appealing suspensions is that ~*~extenuating circumstances~*~ you may have, but the university might not really… well, care. If you have medical documentation, fine, that can’t be fought, but people on suspension start off on probation and probation always comes with a lot of talking and counseling and whatnot.

    But my advice:

    If you really do have problems with depression/anxiety though, why bother fighting the suspension? It’s a GOOD thing!

    This is time to take care of yourself and really consider whether or not you actually WANT to go to university. If you’ve been depressed, well take this spare time to figure out what’s depressing you, look at your life choices, and fix them.

    And, to be clear, if you do have anxiety problems that are sparked by school, I don’t think grad school is the best place. I mean that stuff is intense soooo. Sure, you can certainly work your butt off when you come back, but do you really think adding to the typical four years is going to make you feel any better? School just gets harder as it goes by. :/

    Grad school is basically every student’s back up dream.

    Eeeeveeeeryone says they want it at one point, maybe even apply to it, but they’re tough to get into and to see through. The marks that got you on probation and then suspension will, naturally, hurt your GPA which will in turn hurt your application, but just be sure that it’s what you reaaaaally want before working towards it. I mean there are so many other options out there that are a) less expensive, b) more accessible, and c) more likely to contribute to you getting a job. For example, have you ever considered a post-graduate certificate? So much more worth it and probably less anxiety-inducing! 🙂

    Anyhow, enjoy the year off! Pull an Eat, Pray, Love and go eat a crap load of pizza or something. Or maybe some Julie and Julia-ing can be done. Or maybe just get a job! Just focus on yourself for now and getting out of depression.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • probation

    the limiting laws of probation

    May 23, 2013

    hello

    I have a question regarding academic probation. If you’re placed on academic probation by the university, can you still apply for OSAP?

    How many courses can you take in a year if you are on academic probation?

    ?????????

    Yo.

    Oh, another probation question. I assume that now that everyone is seeing their CGPA’s on ROSI and loosing their sh!t over their standings (e.g. “on probation,” “suspended for one year,” etc.), they come straight to aska > their registrar’s office — who, be tea dubs, if you’re on probation (or suspended) will probably be contacting you shortly to have some soul-searching convos.

    So yes, you can still apply for OSAP, assuming you didn’t screw up their conditions of having to pass at least 60% of your course load, particularly three courses per term. But even if you did, you’d just be on OSAP probation, which just calls for a letter with your application explaining your past problems, but that’s neither here nor there so don’t worry about it!

    And once you’re ON academic probation, the number of courses you can take is–

    Well see I’m not really supposed to disclose that. BUT, if you ARE on probation, you’ll be receiving a letter from the Dean shortly explaining what your limitations are in terms of courses et al.

    But if we had to guess, I’d assume the course limit would be soooomewhere around the typical course load or less. I’d also guess that they definitely wouldn’t let you do something as dumb as take 6.0 full credits, so there will probably be a cap there somewhere. Somewhere about 5.0. Not too sure. Like I’m not saying it’s 5.0… but I haven’t haven’t seem anyone on probation take more than 5.0. Ahem.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • UTM,  UTSC

    st. george isn’t even an option

    May 22, 2013

    Hi!

    So basically, I’ve recieved an alternate offer from UTM for psychology instead of Life Sciences, which is what I originally applied for, but I also got into UTSC Life Sciences, but the thing is that I really want to go to UTM, so would it be possible to switch campuses after I accept my offer from UTSC? Or maybe I can go to UTM and switch into Life Sciences second year? Nonetheless, UTM is where I want to go, so in your opinion what should I do?

    ———————————————

    Hey hey~

    If UTM is where you want to go, then just ignore UTSC and that’s that. 😀

    But if you DO end up choosing UTSC and then decide you want to be at UTM instead, you’re going to have to do an internal transfer, which is a bit of a process so it might be best to choose what you reaaaaally want now.

    Basically I say go to UTM, take the courses you can fit into your schedule during first year (as in you can still take, say, the basic first year bio — life sci staple that it is — assuming you have the prerequisites), and then see where the Subject POSts take you at the end of that year.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • colleges

    is there some room for me over at uc?

    May 22, 2013

    Hey guys,

    So as I applied for uoft st george campus I decided I was going to apply for Vic One.

    As the over confident student I think I am, for colleges I rank Victoria College first and don’t pay attention to what I put second and third ASSUMING that I would be accepted.

    I was wrong. And I ended up getting into New.

    Not that I have anything against New its just that I would have rather gone to University College because my dad went there and etc…

    I take full responsibility for my ranking deficiencies but I was wondering if, before I start my first year as a NON RESIDENCE student, if it would be possible to ask the UC registrar to transfer me?

    Thanks again

    ———————————————

    Hey hey

    I like you! In situations like this, people tend to whine and blame everyone and everything for their unfortunate circumstance without putting any thought into how things ended up the way they did. Look at you, Logic McGee.

    I see a good future for you here at UofT. 😀

    Now refer to this post to see the process of switching colleges for an incoming student. There are three possible places you can be — under review, pending, or admitted — and them and their college transferring issues are all addressed there.

    But the process of switching colleges for someone who’s already accepted his or her offer is quite simple: you write a letter (or email).

    You have to form a well-crafted, well-worded, and all around well-argued letter explaining why UC should take you. While the argument that your dad went to UC may be compelling, you might have to add a little bit more to that? Do they have awesome programs you’re interested in? Is their registrar’s office structured in such a way that is perfect for your anal tendencies? Are their extracurriculars perfect for you?

    Seeing as your reason isn’t going to be along the lines of “I want to be in their res” as you’re a non-residence student, your letter may actually get some consideration, so good luck with that. 🙂

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • grad school

    general answers for general questions

    May 22, 2013

    Hello,

    I was reading one of the articles on aska and I saw that you replied to one question saying that most graduate schools look at the final two years of study. Does this partially hold true for the schools that look at all 4 years? Meaning that they look at all 4 but focus on the last 2? And in particular, I’m talking about med school.

    Thank you!

    ?????????

    Hey~

    If you’ve checked out the articles on aska, you’ll also notice that when it comes to grad school questions, I tend to add the super important tidbit of “it depends on the grad school.” Or med school. Or law school. Or whatever school.

    I’m not trying to be evasive… just the problem is that what you ask is a super general question that can only end up with a super general answer.

    Basically, I bestow upon you the advice that you must look at the requirements of whatever school you’re interested in. I’d assume that since schools tend to call for transcripts, all your grades are examined, but I know that some focus mostly on the last two. Some don’t. Again, it depends on the school.

    Or med school.

    Whichever.

    I highly doubt there’s any rule that holds true for all graduate programs — aside from the “finish your damn bachelor’s degree” rule, that is. They’re all pretty damn similar, but again, look at the requirements for the one(s) you want.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • suspension,  UTM

    a series of suspensions – part i

    May 22, 2013
    So I’m a second year student @ UTM and was recently put on academic suspension because I can honestly say I screwed up. But I am unclear of some things. I’ve noticed that for some people their suspensions are only for one session? Why is that? I got an email saying my suspension for one year has now been effective May 2013. Is there any way I can get out of suspension? Or ANY WAY I can make up for my screw up’s?? I am dying here…PLEASE HELP.

    Also, once I come back from suspension, what will happen? Will I be able to continue to 3rd year? And I was planning on going to Grad school, will this suspension impact on my chances of getting in greatly?!

    ———————————————

    Yo.

    I’m not sure what you’re reading, but at UTM, if you’re suspended, that goes for either one or three years. So what you might be seeing is someone saying they’ve been suspended for an entire academic session or something like that, in which they refer to an entire academic year?

    Either way, UTM seems pretty clear when they say it’s a one year thing — assuming you haven’t fallen so far as to be kicked out for three years.

    Now can you get out of this? Well… probably not.

    If you’ve looked into the aska archives on suspension, you’ll notice one or two student who think that they definitely don’t deserve to be on probation and that they’ll try harder and yada yada yada put me back in school for I am a special snowflake. I’m not trying to be mean/cynical/harsh, but if you get put on suspension… well first you were put on probation. You had a year of promising yourself and your registrar that you’d work harder, right? Very rarely does the university sympathize with people who’ve been suspended.

    But good for you! 🙂 The steps to coping with suspension always start off with accepting that you screwed up. Then we move forward!

    So yes, you can make up for your screw ups — just after a year.

    You can spend your time off making money, traveling, starting a blog, or whatever suits your fancy, but once you get back, you just start the year off again back on probation and dealing with the same circumstances as your previous probation. However, this time the threat is that if you plummet a second time, suspension lasts THREE years.

    And depending on your credit count, yes, you can carry on to third year. I mean you can be in your third year of study technically, but the university considers you third year when you have 9.0 to 13.5 FCE.

    As for grad school… well, grad school apps tend to come with a serious of extra requirements like letters of reference, transcripts, personal statements, and so on, meaning it’s possible to explain away the little mark of suspension on your record.

    However, keep in mind that letters of reference typically come from profs whose classes you totally rocked, and transcripts let potential schools see eeeveeerything. So if you really are serious about grad school, make sure that when you get back to school, you actually work on things this time. Hopefully that helps your odds for entry.

    Until then, enjoy your year off.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • Chestnut,  computers

    desktops in demand?

    May 22, 2013

    Hi,

    I’m a new international admit at UToronto’s Innis College! I’ve accepted my residence offer at Chestnut Residence.

    I want to run a desktop PC in my room during my time in college, and I want to buy the computer after arriving in college. I also might want to make other purchases online later on.

    Am I allowed to receive courier/postal mail or parcels directly in residence? If not, where can I collect them? Also, does the residence accept parcels or mail for me if I am out attending classes?

    Thanks,
    newadmit

    ———————————————

    newadmit,

    Your answer:

    After finding nothing and just wanting to be sure, I did a little undercover work (read: contacted Chestnut — the people there are so helpful btw!) and was told that for mail can be received at the res and your giant packages will be kindly held at the front desk.

    But some extra:

    And daaaamn a desktop? In university? Are you suuuure that’s what you want to do?

    Most students use laptops just because they’re nice and portable. If you ever have a giant lecture at con hall — looking at you SOC101Y! — you can see luminescent apple after luminescent apple on the laps of many a hipster.

    Also, if you’re living at Chestnut, you’re going to be a bit of a walk away from campus. While I get that that’s totally a valid reason to want a desktop > laptop, don’t you want to be able to take your laptop with you to lectures? To the library? It can be quite a pain to get a computer at Robarts during the day, or any other library for that matter.

    Except the Innis Library — that’s basically the best place to go if you’re looking for a quiet working space and free computer.

    Likewise, since you’re an international student, you’re going to have to think about where you plan to store that thing for the four months of summer, assuming you don’t extend your stay with a couple of summer courses or whatnot. Granted, you could probably start a May lease for where you stay in your second year and keep it there…

    Eh, up to you.

    But either way, I totally recommend taking a look at what the UofT Bookstore has to offer in terms of electronics. They’re usually nicely priced and pretty accommodating to we poor student folk.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • dean's list

    a dire desire for the dean’s list

    May 21, 2013

    Dear Aska,

    I finished 1st year with 4.5 credits and a 3.58 GPA. I eat, sleep, and only think about getting on the Dean’s List. Since I won’t be considered now (as it requires 5 credits) is there still a chance for the summer session? I’m taking a 1 credit course now, and say I maintain my average, will I be on it for the end of the summer session?

    Sincerely,

    Trying to get dhat paper.

    ———————————————

    Paper lover,

    Seeing at your summer session is where you’ll earn your fifth credit, yes, if you meet the 3.5 requirement June or August, you’ll get to breathe the sweet scent of that dean’s list, as incredibly creepy as that may sound.

    So make sure you maintain your average and you’ll get the sheet of your dreams!

    xoxo,

    aska

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  • admissions

    all roads lead to… uoft?

    May 21, 2013

    Hi ASKS!

    I am a transfer student and have been offered admission to the Humanities and Social Sciences at St George campus last night! The email says i am admitted to the Humanities and Social Sciences category but OUAC gives me an alternate offer in Honours Bachelor of Arts. I was wondering are they the same thing? I have indicated that I am a transfer student and my program when I applied on OUAC. I am really confused…What should I do now?

    Thanks!

    ?????????

    Hey hey

    Don’t worry — there’s nothing you need to do. 🙂

    Basically, when you’re initially admitted to UofT you’re usually put into a stream. But yeah, anyone who comes in for Humanities or Social Sciences will end up with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, so no need to worry.

    Essentially, they both mean the same thing.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • innis

    getting into innis at the last possible minute

    May 21, 2013

    hi,

    I’m an arts and sci student. I will graduate this june. I am not an innis student. Is it possible to transfer to innis college now? I am willing to postpone graduation for this.

    Thanks,
    Hashem

    ———————————————

    Hashem,

    If you plan to graduate this June, then no, this little transfer is not doable. Or well, it’ll be very hard. I spoke to the head honcho over at Innis College and he says that if you’re reaaaaaaally eager to join the Innii (what is the plural of Innis…), to come over and maybe have a chat with him and he’ll see what can be done.

    However, the problem is that, well, the grad booklet thingies are being printed already annnd you won’t really be in them. Sounds silly, right?

    But if you plan to postpone graduation for the sake of getting into Innis, you’re kind of crazy! In this case, fine, yes, it’s possible, but consider whether or not that that’s reaaaaally a good idea. A PRACTICAL idea.

    If you firmly believe that it is, then you’ll have to write the college a lovely little letter explaining why Innis is your one true love and why you deserve to be taken in by the Innis Folk.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • GPA

    just give me my gpa already

    May 21, 2013

    Hey aska,

    So I have all my final marks, but my cGPA isn’t on ROSI yet. I know I am going to be suspended next year due to poor grades but I’m already past that and am planning for the future. I need to be officially suspended (have my cGPA calculated and so on) so that my one year suspension can start. I was planning to be able to register for courses next summer but my GPA isn’t out yet and courses for this summer already started so most likely I won’t be able to register for the first semester next summer. Long back story, sorry, but I just really need to know approximately when my cGPA is going to be calculated.

    Thanks,
    HJ

    ———————————————

    Hey hey!

    Some fun facts about the University of Toronto: St. George has about 56,000 students. UTSC has about 11,300 students. UTM has about 12,500 students. Pardon my awful rounding, but this fantastic university has about 80,000 students if you combine the undergraduates and graduates.

    Meaning ROSI has a grand total of 80,000 students. And, not to evoke the whole but-am-I-just-number-at-UofT fear felt by the majority of UofT students, you really are just 1 in like 80,000.

    ROSI tends to screw everyone over here and there, but seriously, give it a break!

    It takes tiiiiiiime for your grades and GPAs to finally come up.

    But anyway, I don’t know if you’ve checked your ROSI since you last, but you should be able to see your CGPA now. Likewise, if you’re suspended and enrolled in summer courses, you may find that you’ve been removed from them because of the suspension.

    Which doesn’t have to be bad I suppose. I mean it’s summer. It’s absolutely beautiful outside right now despite the forecast of thunderstorm after thunderstorm. So go check your ROSI, confirm your suspension, and let your new plans begin. 🙂

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • residence,  st. mike's

    live in loretto or stay in st. mike’s – part ii

    May 21, 2013

    Hi,

    I’ve spent wayy too much time today going through your archives.. makes for a good read for procrastinators.

    Anyways, I’ve been accepted at St. Mike’s college so I’m thoroughly confused about the residences. I’ve been through your blog and found no comparisons of the residences within St. Mike’s (so I’ve done my research) 🙂

    I was wondering if you could give me a general response of the students staying at Loretto’s college vs. those staying at SMC? My parents say they’d be comfortable with me in Loretto’s for the first year, but I don’t want to miss out on the freshman fun and if coed > than loretto’s then I’d have to talk to them about reconsidering.

    Thank youu 🙂
    PK

    ———————————————

    PK,

    I’ve actually answered this exact question before and was met by this one totally awesome response.

    I’m hardly a pro on St. Mike’s residences and don’t know a lot of people who’ve lived in them so sorry, I can’t quite give you any accounts, but the general consensus seems to be that if you’re choosing between the those two…

    (Note: Kind thanks, @vikkitokkz, for your hilarious reply to my tweet.)

    Likewise, from my own experiences of visiting Loretto, it just wasn’t my favourite place. Very… long. Great bathrooms though! I actually quite liked the bathroom situation that went on there.

    But yeah, I say you should just go to St. Mike’s. If the problem for your parents is the whole co-ed thing, just point out that while the res is co-ed, floors are single-sex, as are the shared bathrooms — meaning they can relax, there won’t be any hanky panky. Sort of. Whatever.

    Cheers!

    aska

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