when researchers have other researchers do their research

Hello, I am an high school student wanting to go to UofT for Physics, but I’m not too sure about my chances of getting in. From what i’ve read the averages for getting in are mid 80s or maybe high 80s. I can’t even remember any more, I can’t even remember where I found that info from.

Well I’m interested in getting in to the program but my math mark isn’t really the best. I’ve gotten a 85 for my advanced functions course. I noticed also that when applied I had to apply to “Physical and Mathematical Sciences” so does that mean my math mark would have to also be high?

Also suppose I’m good enough for UofT but not for the college I applied to, would they take longer to accept me because they would have to find a college. I’m just worried I’m not going to get in. And my biggest question is grade 11 marks. I didn’t do too poorly then but english and American History were my lowest marks with 80 and 75 respectively. Would this affect anything?

I’m really interested in Physics and would like to hopefully pursue a career in research. I occasionally visit the university to attend the colloquiums that are held in the McLellen? Physics bldg. And even though i barely know what they are talking about, it always just drives me to want to know what they are doing and do something like that one day myself too. I just want to learn more so I can know what they are talking about and then discover something of my own.

So for my final question, how hard is it to get into grad school, I understand that grades are a big factor but what is the best asset to have in succeeding in becoming a researcher? Not only including into getting into grad school but to get a position at a university. And I’m not one of those kids who have done experiments since I was a kid.

I hope I get a response 😀 thank you for all your time!

?????????

Okay so:

• Yes, the minimum entry grade for Physical and Mathematical Sciences is something in the mid-80s, so yes, naturally, your math grade should be high. Your 85 is good but entry is always competitive, so it wouldn’t hurt to aim higher.
• If you aren’t accepted into your first college pick, you’re pushed onto your second college pick.
• Honestly, your individual grades aren’t everything. Fine, you have one grade 11 mark in the mid-70s, but if your overall average is high enough, then there you go.
• Grad school is hard. Very hard. Not sugar coating that.
• And lastly, you want to get into university and maybe even find a career there doing research. Sure. Fine. But the key assets to a good research are brevity and organization. There’s nothing worse than a research paper loaded with unnecessary tidbits clouding up the main points or questions. Ahem.

Phew — actually managed to get through that one!

Cheers!

aska