The Fear of Halloween … and Commerce

So I’ll try to not include the entire story of my life… but basicallly:I want to get into Rotman for Business Management but my entry marks probably won’t be amazing.. compared to the dozens of high school students who are major over-achievers entering with over 95% averages, that is not me.

I actually got 66% in grade 12 English.. I missed about 50% of my classes and several major assignments. I am retaking this class so I should have at least 85% when I apply to universities.
With these marks: ENG4U-85%+, Calc. 80-85%, and 4 other grade 12 courses around 85-90%… DO I HAVE A CHANCE??? (looking at an avg. around 88% realistically)

I know re-taken courses are never a good thing.. and English is a pretty important subject. It sucks because when I apply myself I tend to get over 90% on assignments and tests, but I often fall behind on small assignments which brings my grades down. Classic under-achiever.

I also know there is a personal statement that must be submitted… What’s the deal on this?? How much do they really care about it?
I don’t have great extra curricular achievements either. I volunteered for Girl Guides 3 years ago in a town over 2 hours away for which I have no references anymore, thats a good one right?
I painted the nails of a few demented patients at a nursing home for a few weeks as well, am I selling you yet?
Besides those… I have had no success in anything really. Don’t play sports anymore, don’t play music anymore, don’t do art anymore, so I’m pretty much the opposite of what they’re asking for.
But I can write a very persuasive essay, highlighting my achievements in the film industry in Toronto. I am one of the youngest people to work in the industry in my position (I began as an office production assistant when I was 16, most of the others are at least 23) and in the summer I worked on set on several TV shows and a very large feature film basically directing extras on what to do and stuff.
Would I be able to sell myself with a charming, intuitive, business savvy personality or am I dreaming?

So please tell me, should I give up my dreams of attending Rotman/any business school? (I actually would prefer Ivey, or an American school since I am a dual citizen… But I’m trying to be realistic)
I hope you reply! If I get accepted I’ll have 20 questions for you. OH and something pretty important>>>Do you think I would be able to get into Innis College + residence?? I’ve done a fair bit of research and it is my favourite apartment style res. The idea of having a roommate, communal/coed bathroom and mandatory meal plan makes me want to vomit.

Thank you so much!!!

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Ok so before I answer this question, I think we should just take a moment to consider something else important at the present time. Halloween. Yes I said it.

So what do you guys think comes up when you search Best Halloween Costumes? Well here are a few of the best and mildly apporpriate ones:
1) a toy army man: pretty wicked, reminds me of toy story

2) chinese food: its a baby in a chinese food box, really … you can’t go wrong

3) lobster: what’s with people making their children into food? I’m sure a psyche analysis would come up with some interesting answers.

4) lego: I wonder if they can click together

5) Zipper lovin’ : You know when you pinch your chin in your coat zipper. This is what happens if you keep going.

Ok, so lets start this off with the most important part. The marks. The admissions range that the university gives out to prospective students is “mid to high 80’s”. They are the only program that also emphasizes that “Rotman Commerce will only accept first attempt courses”. So that little issue with your grade 12 English might prove to be a little bit of a pain in the ars for you.

This is what the Commerce site says:

“We welcome applications from students with excellent academic records who are involved in extracurricular activities.

All Rotman Commerce applicants must submit an on-line applicant profile as part of their application. The applicant profile gives students an opportunity to tell us more about their abilities, strengths, and interests. We believe that marks alone do not provide a complete picture of an applicant’s potential.

Students will be asked to submit a 400-word personal statement. This statement is an opportunity for students to highlight their community engagement, while also showcasing their communications skills. We will consider this information – along with marks – when making our admission decision. ”

Based on that, I would think that your involvement in the film industry will be your advantage. You can briefly state any of your ‘volunteer’ work, but it just sounds like they want to get to know you a little bit – picture, speed dating. Your strengths are most likely going to come from your invovlement in film.

In all honesty, I’m not entirely sure what your chances are of getting in. I think the least of your worries are the personal statement and the most would be your english grade if they don’t take the repeat ones. I would give commerce a call and see what they have to say: 416-978-3339

Last (finally) but not least, Innis is of the more difficult colleges to get into because it is smaller but decisions are generally based on grades and yours seem pretty good. Make sure you mark it as your number one or they won’t consider you.

Hopefully these answers will suffice and that you won’t be detered to one of those dread ivy league schools

love with pumpkins and spice,

aska