Computer Science Canada

Could I get into Waterloo?

Author:  Reality Check [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Could I get into Waterloo?

I'm sure this question has been asked but I'd really appreciate the input. I haven't been able to get a straight answer from anyone really.

Anyways, I'm starting my grade 12 year and I love Programming and computer theory in general. My eventual goal is to help or be part of some sort of game or game engine but I know a CS degree is a good start to this goal.

So, I also love Math (always been great at it) and Physics.
My average last year was 91%. I'm pretty sure I can go higher this year since its best 6 courses and I don't have certain courses bringing me down. I've participated in the CCC and am aiming to do much better this year.

My biggest concern is in the community and extra curricular component. I was an idiot and have yet to complete my hours. As it stands I have 0 (I know this is bad). I'm working on getting it done but I really don't want to go past 40. I want to do it and be done with it. Does it effect my chances at all if its not more than 40? Also, in terms of extra curricular I'm in a couple of clubs but thats it really. I'm signing to be a Math tutor though so I'd assume that'd help.

I get really high in my computer marks. I got 95% in programming and 97% in engineering. I got 93% in Math and 83 in Physics. However, I whole heartedly blame my teacher for the low mark...I get physics fully its just my teacher sucked. I'm sure I can get higher this year. Chemistry is my worst subject. I got 80 and in English I got 81. I'm sure I can improve on all this year.

I've also heard something about low-standing schools and that effects it or something? How do I know if my school is low-standing or not. I go to Langstaff SS.

One final question, what can I get in terms of scholarships if I keep the 90 average (I'm sure I will). I know I'm a lost cause when it comes to community involvement scholarships though. I think my workplace give scholarships as well. I know its long but thanks to anyone who answers.

Author:  HeavenAgain [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:04 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

well, for one thing i know ill do its to check in with guidence, and also, there is a university fair coming up next friday September 28th, im sure you'll get a low of informations from those two sources

Author:  Clayton [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:23 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

The University Fair is totally dependant on your school board and area. For the Upper Grand District School Board for instance (aka my school board), the fair is on October 1st. It's best to talk to Guidance, and see if you can get to a seminar at your school, and, find out when the University Fair for your area is, and make sure you go so you can ask University representatives any questions you may have.

Author:  haskell [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

All your answers and more are available at the Waterloo website O.o.

http://findoutmore.uwaterloo.ca/admissions/requirements.php
http://findoutmore.uwaterloo.ca/financing/scholarships.php
http://findoutmore.uwaterloo.ca/programs/full_description.php?program=Computer%20Science
http://www.cs.uwaterloo.ca/prospect/faq.shtml

Quote:
1. How high do my marks need to be to get in?

The short answer is that admitted students usually have marks in the low- to mid-80?s or higher. The longer answer is that the Mathematics Faculty pays particular attention to the Applicant Information Form (AIF). Recommendations by teachers, extracurricular activities, and participation in Waterloo math competitions can all increase your chances of admission. Admission cut-offs may vary for different programs.

Author:  rdrake [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Could I get into Waterloo?

First things first, you're pretty much guaranteed a spot in almost any program with that average. Secondly, if your high school is horrible it won't matter. Hell, they didn't care that I came from the high school I came from.

Do the following:

  • Settle down, Waterloo is great and all but it's not the impenetrable fortress some people make it out to be. You should have no problem getting in.
  • Get your community hours. Seriously, get them ASAP. I doubt they'd care if you have your 40 hours when you apply or not... especially since you can't graduate and go to any university without them anyways.
  • Join a club or two. Not only will it look good on your AIF, but it'll be better for you.

Author:  haskell [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:42 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

http://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/navigation/Prospective/requirements_chart1.shtml

Pffft... University is easy to get into if you have either:
a. A General Learning Gift
b. A good work ethic

Both is the best... And yes, calm down. University is easy peasy to get in.

Oh... And:

http://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/navigation/Prospective/requirements_chart1.shtml

Author:  Skynet [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Could I get into Waterloo?

Reality Check @ Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:56 pm wrote:
Does it effect my chances at all if its not more than 40? Also, in terms of extra curricular I'm in a couple of clubs but thats it really. I'm signing to be a Math tutor though so I'd assume that'd help.

It doesn't hurt, but more community service and extracurricular activities will help on your AIF.

Reality Check @ Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:56 pm wrote:
I've also heard something about low-standing schools and that effects it or something?

If a reasonable amount of students from your highschool have entered UW recently and came through first year with marks which comparatively better than their peers, your effective entrance average will receive a small nudge up.

Reality Check @ Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:56 pm wrote:
How do I know if my school is low-standing or not.

Graduate, start working in university admissions - that's probably the easiest way. They're not really open with the information.

Reality Check @ Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:56 pm wrote:
One final question, what can I get in terms of scholarships if I keep the 90 average (I'm sure I will).

For plain entrance scholarships, that depends on how your marks compare to the rest of the people who are entering the program with you. It's usually between $500 and $2000. There are other scholarships available, but I'm not in CS and can't comment on them.

In general, your AIF is meant to help you, not hurt you.

Also, if you spend your time between now and then studying math or learning more programming languages with the express purpose of 'getting a leg up' on studies ahead of time, you will be crushed by a comically oversized anvil. Really. I'm not kidding. 'ACME' written on the side and everything.

Author:  Mazer [ Tue Sep 25, 2007 6:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Could I get into Waterloo?

rdrake @ Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:39 pm wrote:


  • Join a club or two. Not only will it look good on your AIF, but it'll be better for you.

This is a good idea, except that if you join a club specifically so that you might impress someone I will kill you.

Author:  PaulButler [ Tue Sep 25, 2007 9:24 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

I wouldn't worry about getting in if your mark is in the 90s. I think the absolute minimum (for CS) is somewhere in the high 70s. I got in (late acceptance and without coop) with a mark around there. I was an odd case though, because I had a handful of math, computing, and science prizes, so I'm not sure how much that counts for. And that mark doesn't include an independent study I did through UW to satisfy the High School calculus requirement; I'm not sure if they include that in the average but if they do my accepted average would actually be a bit higher.

Author:  rdrake [ Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:33 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

I had an 80 something when I applied with a half decent AIF and absolutely no prizes from their contests. Got into co-op.

Oh yes,

Mazer @ Tue Sep 25, 2007 6:14 am wrote:
rdrake @ Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:39 pm wrote:


  • Join a club or two. Not only will it look good on your AIF, but it'll be better for you.

This is a good idea, except that if you join a club specifically so that you might impress someone I will kill you.
I wasn't suggesting he join a club purely for the fact that it'd look good on the AIF. Joining clubs that interest you generally helps you out in general.

Author:  allrace1337 [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

If you do the contests, probably you could get in even if you suck at it. They mainly look at if you do them or not. COMC is soon, and you should write that. Then Euclid in April. Your marks are fine and finish your hours as soon as you can.

But can I get into MIT?

Author:  Skynet [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

allrace1337 @ Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:31 pm wrote:
But can I get into MIT?

Well, you need to write your SATs...and a term's tuition is just shy of $35,000 USD. I don't think I've spent that yet on my education.
(as a note, UW's co-op is better...and that's paying off as well)

Author:  Reality Check [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 6:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Could I get into Waterloo?

Thanks a million guys. I was really worried a while back since their all saying how the cut off for the faculty of math is like 90 (even though they say 80) and how its bad if you only did your 40 hours and how its tough to get in. I went to the fair and I was really impressed with UW. I really think this is the school for me.

I'm much more confident now especially since I found out that co-op pays off a HUGE chunk of your tuition. Anyways, for my hours I plan on doing Red Cross club (15 hours), R.A.C.E (15 hours), and the 30 hour famine (10 hours). On top of that I have 2 hours for Math tutoring, 2 hours from my Math teacher for helping with tennis club as well. I'm also joining the math club (which was made to prepare you for Euclid).

I will be writing both the CCC and the Euclid so I hope that helps. Also, I got the Tech award from my school (if that helps with scholarships?). ONE LAST QUESTION GUYS (sorry lol). For a reference letter does it have to be like someone you work with or can it be any teacher? I'm pretty sure my programming teacher will write the reference letter.

Author:  McKenzie [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 9:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Could I get into Waterloo?

Your teacher is a perfectly acceptable source for a reference letter, just always make sure the course they taught you, or club/team makes sense for the reference. So, even if TIK2O is your highest mark ever, it looks bad to use someone who hasn't taught you since grade 10.

Author:  iluvchairs112 [ Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:01 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

you mentioned that you got the tech award and I'm also curious about that ... I've gotten math and comp sci awards (subject top marks) and will that help with scholarships?

Author:  Ultrahex [ Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Could I get into Waterloo?

If you work hard you can pretty much go to any university that you wish, some are just harder to get into then others. Overall though if you have 85% average and above you can get in pretty much everywhere (except crazy universities that are not that good to go to anyhow). I am currently attending University of Waterloo and I would say there is a fair bit of people here at waterloo in first year that should not even be in the program they are, but what can you do. Just make sure you are well trained before heading off to university (try cutting down on procrastinating, doing assignments in advance, getting work done, and most of all get sleep before exams/midterms/tests!) I have only been here for ~ a month, and that is basically how it goes!

I hope you good luck in your education choice,
Alex Riedler

Author:  milton.ignites [ Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Could I get into Waterloo?

as a current cs student in uw, i would say ud probably get an early acceptance. (if u do and u already have 90+ avg u dont need fill in aif unless u want a higher scholarship)

P>S i signed up to this site JUST to respond to ur question, so u better apply to loo hahahha

Author:  Tony [ Sun Nov 04, 2007 10:14 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

heh, thx for taking the effort Milton.

Though I think it would be foolish to skip out on the AIF. Depending on the school, your 90% might not be weighted the same as someone else's 90%.

Author:  Zeeshan.Quireshi [ Wed Dec 26, 2007 12:32 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

Guys , same question here .

I am an international student and i totally love Computers .

My CS average is 99% whole of my life and math average is 90%+ but i really suck at chemistry .

I've won many awards this year and last year totalling to 9 in the last 2 years .

I also have an award for Having All Country Rank of 9 in National Level Computer Quiz , for that i got an iPod Nano as prize too :p

So my question is , if i get around 70-80 in chem whill i be able to get in .

I scores 109 in the TOEFL and 2080 on the SAT .

PS: i'm not really the studious type , it's just that i like computers n math so i get good marks in them but i don't dedicate any time to chem n very little to physics coz i think chem will be useless for CS and i can't find any ratinoal thinking behing chm reactions , you just have to mug em up and that i can't do

Author:  Tony [ Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

Zeeshan.Quireshi @ Wed Dec 26, 2007 12:32 pm wrote:
i think chem will be useless for CS

Chemistry provides some scientific foundation for Computer Science. And the reactions have to do with structure, strength of bonds, etc. There's a lot of science behind chemistry, but that's not the point here.

I don't know if University of Waterloo has any special considerations for international students, but it sounds like you are doing well. So just apply and see what their response will be.

Author:  CodeMonkey2000 [ Wed Dec 26, 2007 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

What's the National Level Computer Quiz? Are you referring to the CCC? If you placed 9th at the CCC then you should have been invited to stage 2 at UW, and should have no problems getting accepted.

Author:  Tony [ Wed Dec 26, 2007 9:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

CodeMonkey2000 @ Wed Dec 26, 2007 8:31 pm wrote:
What's the National Level Computer Quiz? Are you referring to the CCC?

I'm pretty sure that he's not referring to CCC, seeing as how Canada doesn't have SATs Razz That, and I haven't heard of CCC giving out iPods.

Author:  CodeMonkey2000 [ Wed Dec 26, 2007 9:57 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

Ah. I thought he was Canadian and wrote the SAT to apply to American universities to increase their options.

SIDE NOTE: Who here is going to apply to MIT? Now getting accepted there through merit is a true challenge.

Author:  iluvchairs112 [ Wed Dec 26, 2007 9:59 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

I'm hoping to get into Waterloo (for software engineering) - 89 average so far (English is only an 80 so math and computer science are boosting up my average) and I've got quite a few extracirriculars and I participate in the math contests HOWEVER I haven't won many awards or anything besides the top mark awards at my school (for quite a variety of subjecs though) - will that make a big difference?

Author:  Tony [ Wed Dec 26, 2007 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

Ah, MIT - the Waterloo of United States...

iluvchairs112 - the awards should be considered under AIF. If you haven't placed high, but participated in a variety of subjects and have strong extracurricular, I don't think that will make too big of a difference.

Author:  Zeeshan.Quireshi [ Thu Dec 27, 2007 1:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Could I get into Waterloo?

Tony @ Thu Dec 27, 2007 1:59 am wrote:
Zeeshan.Quireshi @ Wed Dec 26, 2007 12:32 pm wrote:
i think chem will be useless for CS

Chemistry provides some scientific foundation for Computer Science. And the reactions have to do with structure, strength of bonds, etc. There's a lot of science behind chemistry, but that's not the point here.
Nah man , i know that much Chemistry , we studies all that in Grade 10 but Grade XII chem is mostly organic and stuff Like Volumetric Analysis n all it's useless for me .

I Get the scientific part of Chemistry but Learning all Those Organic Chem Equations by heart just plain Irritates me .

Besides , i Specifically want to get into Bachelor of Computer Science(BCS) and NOT Software Engineering .

CodeMonkey2000 @ Thu Dec 27, 2007 8:27 am wrote:
SIDE NOTE: Who here is going to apply to MIT? Now getting accepted there through merit is a true challenge.
Nah not mE . Although i could apply and possibly be selected .

But i'm specially applying to waterloo bcoz i want a much more friendlier environment where i can share and learn and not just have a rat race to the top as is seen in big univ such as MIT n Stanford .

Author:  Reality Check [ Thu May 22, 2008 8:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Could I get into Waterloo?

I know this is kind of late but I just wanted to let everyone know that I did in fact get in! I got into both Software and Comp Sci but I'm going to Comp Sci for sure. Thanks to everyone who answered and reassured me during my time of stress. I got an early acceptance so I've been accepted for a while now and as expected my marks raised. Boosted my physics and english up to a 91, my math up to 95, and my comp marks up to 98 each. My chem went down to 77 though (just not my subject I guess). I got a 2k scholarship and my hours were just the bare bone 40 hours but I joined a lot of extra clubs.

I got 3/5 on the CCC (meh...procrastinated doing any real practice) and a 60 on the Euclid (once again, this was my first Math contest and I was too lazy to study Sad ). I have, however, developed a serious problem with procrastination as EVERYTHING is left to last possible day. I must stop this for loo! In the summer I plan to do some practice with Math and proofs as someone suggested I do that. Thanks guys!!

Author:  Reality Check [ Thu May 22, 2008 8:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Could I get into Waterloo?

By the way, this dream is probably way out of my possibilities (especially with my low work ethic) but I'm hoping to be able to get into MIT for grad school after my years at loo. I'd like to say I will work very hard (because I think I can make it if I do) but I always say that and I end up slacking off. At least at loo I can't get distracted as easily as I do at home Smile.


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