Computer Science Canada

Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Author:  Clayton [ Sun Nov 30, 2008 1:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
It's getting close to University selection time, and already (and in the past as well) we're seeing people that are completely stressed out over getting into a University. The first thing you need to do, is step back, and calm down. Stressing over this will do nothing to help you. If you have an average at 80%+ you will most likely get into the program you selected at pretty much any school, with a couple of exceptions like med school at U of T or Journalism at Carleton. If you have that average, stop stressing, and just do the (e-)paperwork, submit it, and leave it be.

To put this into perspective, I will demonstrate an example that I have noticed here:

There are 3 students in my calculus tutorial that are consistently stressed out about the class. I know them all personally and all are brilliant mathematics students, capable of acing this course, and are certainly better than me. However, I have a considerably higher mark than all of them. Why? Because they either cannot or will not stop stressing about every single mark they can get. They literally start shaking during tests, and are furious with the TA when they find out they lost one point for some thing or another on that test. I on the other hand take things in a relaxed, composed manner, do the work, and remain stress-free.

The point is, worrying without cause is only going to hurt you, both in the short and long term. So don't.
Author:  octopi [ Sun Nov 30, 2008 1:47 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Well said, I would just like to add,

It's important for students to keep in mind, that even if you don't have a mark in the 80's, you can still get into a school somewhere. My average was in the 60's, and I got into a school. Sure I didn't stay in that program, but once your in the school you have the opportunity to switch programs, personally I wasn't ready for university, and I ended up switching a few times before I found one I liked (Computer Science and Economics Dbl. Major)

Even if you don't get into school, there are still opportunities for you, such as starting a small business. (I'm in that process right now, and I really wish I wasn't in school as well, as its very difficult to balance both--you pretty much have to devote ALL your time to starting a business--even when your out with friends, you constantly thinking about how you can improve)

If your not ready for school, and you can afford it, perhaps you should consider traveling, it'll give you a chance to relax and figure out what you might want to do in the future, and it'll probably be the last time you actually have time to get away for more than a week.
Author:  rdrake [ Sun Nov 30, 2008 5:05 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Best of luck with this thread. I tried sharing my experiences and getting others to do the same, but it was promptly ignored by the people making hordes of threads asking about Waterloo.
Author:  Dan [ Sun Nov 30, 2008 5:29 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
I agree with octopi, even if you get rejected from one school it is not the end of the world. Almost all universitys in ontario (if not canada) have great CS programs and if you put the effort in to it you will be just as well off as you would have been going to any other school.

Alot of users seem to be cought up in the waterloo hype. It's a good school with alot of rep however it's not the only school and just going to waterloo is not going to make you an expert in computer science. How much work you put in to your studys and your willingness to learn will matter honderneds of times more then the university you get in to.
Author:  SNIPERDUDE [ Sun Nov 30, 2008 5:31 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Haha, I am officially the noobiest one in this thread.

Anywho relaxing can do wonders not only mentally, but physically too. These days people stress over far too much, it seems almost trivial really.

As for plans, I wished I had the time to travel. I was going to, but then I finally figured out what the heck I want to do (not computer science, I do that as a hobby).
Author:  Horus [ Sun Nov 30, 2008 5:42 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
so ur saying with 80.6% avg i can make into waterloo.

If I didn't make it you owe me $1000000.

But i'm seriously freaking out... especially that I had promised my parents that i'll be in waterloo.

I'm trying everything I can to get accepted now by joining more clubs.

And I'm going to upgrade my old gr 11 computer project to make it better and send it to university.
Author:  Zeroth [ Sun Nov 30, 2008 6:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Why on earth does he owe you money? I'm getting sick and tired of people saying they deserve that, or you owe me this. Its frankly a juvenile attitude. Waterloo is a good school yes... but one thing that is always forgotten is one simple fact: University is not for everyone, and it is not the end of the world to not go to school.

Money is not and can never be an adequate measure of success. What about Donald Knuth? He makes pretty much his professor's salary, and royalties from his book. He's not rich, but he is successful, in that he's made a meaningful impact on the field and the people joining it. People like Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, etc, they all succeeded because of business smarts which are closely related to common sense.

Relax, take a deep breath, and stop being materialistic.

/The Final Word
Author:  implosion [ Sun Nov 30, 2008 11:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Don't forget, there are people on this site who still have no idea what they want to do with there lives. Like me, i know i want to go into technology but can't decide between: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics or Software Engineering (the computer field is so wide). It is true that it's not the end of the world if you don't make it into a certain university but its strange, I'm not sure if this is for everyone but i understand it's not the end of the world and realize it, but can't get your head around it. I know its the stupidest thing to freak out about, but its just human nature for some. (just to back up the other side)

All in all, yeah i do agree we stress waaaayyyyy too much about it, but it is a big step in life, true? Going to a university and then realize your not in the program or w/e you wanted it sets you back a year or so and like $10.000. Also a lot what the people around you do affects your decisions.

I've realized now that its not the end of the world if i don't make it into waterloo and accepted it, but my other two options are McMaster and Toronto and still not sure if i am able to make it (math: 77. Chem:77. Phys.: ~70) and then to make it worse i don't know what i want to do with my life.

On another note, what do you guys think about Gr. 13.
Should they have kept it ? -- Students not being mature enough to go on towards post secondary or was it a right move ?
Author:  Clayton [ Sun Nov 30, 2008 11:57 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Horus: I had considered a reply to your post, but have decided simply acting as though it doesn't exist will suffice. You are demonstrating the exact attitude that I am trying to show you is unhelpful in just about every imaginable way. Not to mention it's just outright rude.

@implosion: Yes, moving out for months at a time for the first time is going to be a big change. As to how much, I cannot attest, as I am used to spending extended periods away from home, never being home for summers due to extracurriculars, even more so because I would be staying in college residence during those times. However, there is still no need to get completely freaked out by the notion of entering this stage of your life. What you need right now more than ever is a rational thought process, making decisions based upon your needs and wants, not others.

On the subject of Grade 13: In my opinion, it should never have been removed from Ontario's school system. That extra makes a big difference, it allows time to think about future options, take those few classes that were put on a back burner to burn up those prerequisites for a possible future course etc. It also gives you a full other year to mature and grow. While it may not seem like much, it is. I see it all the time across campus. The difference between first and second year students can be astounding, and I believe it has to do with the average age of first year students being a full year younger.

/rant
Author:  Tony [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 12:05 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
@Horus: I'm largely with Clayton on this one. You are heading in the wrong direction.

As for grade 13 -- it's a tough call. Personally I couldn't wait to get out of high school. Though I could agree with Clayton that a bulk of the students could have used that extra year of a controlled environment to grow up a bit.
Author:  SNIPERDUDE [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 10:51 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
As for grade 13, I'm not too sure. Tony brings up a good point about getting the heck out of there, but then after grade 12 most people have no clue what to do, or feel too pressured to make such a huge step. I personally took an extra semester just to cool down and think about my future (working the second semester for the funds). I can really say that it has helped significantly. Not only that, but one's maturity is more developed at that point. Which just reminded me of another major point I've noticed, by pushing everything back it has made an extremely hard transition academically for requirements. I was really into math when they made this huge shift, so I really felt like I missed an entire year when I went on to the next course. So, I guess the 13th year would be greatly important, although we may not want to at first.
Author:  changturkey [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 2:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
I am in my 5th year currently. Both pros and cons. Personally, I would have left, but another year is not the end of the world.
Author:  Horus [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 2:59 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
I apologize for being rude, I didn't mean to, I'm just seriously freaking out over my marks.

It's 80.0% avg now (it was 80.4) cause I messed up this test (not because i'm freaking out, it's because I didn't study enough)

Last year I had high 70s avg at the beginning of school, it dropped to low 70s at the end just because I didn't really care.

So if I chill now i'll end up like last year.

I know those great universities are not for everyone but they are for the ones who try harder than others.

In other word, I can't just sit back, I have to try harder if I want to get into Waterloo.
Author:  Zeroth [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 3:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
There is a big difference between relaxing, and apathy. I personally have a big final on wednesday. Lots to cover. But I'm relaxed. I enumerated what I knew, and what I didn't, and have been working consistently to fill in the gaps. I take constant breaks so I don't get tired. I keep focused. But I also don't get worried. I am relaxed, and 100% in control of my learning progress. I've found, from personal experience, this works so much better than furiously and vigilantly studying, while freaking out. The stress has been shown, experimentally, to lower your capability to learn and to remember.
Author:  Tony [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 3:10 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Yes, but you have to try harder in areas that matter. Concentrate your efforts on having a solid average in core courses. Not on building up a list of clubs you claim to belong to (because really, you could write down anything) or putting effort in a non-required course that you are already doing well in.
Author:  implosion [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Okay, i got a question. you said if you have an 80+ average that you don't need to be stressing about getting in and that you have a good chance of getting in ?

I'm thinking of going to McMaster for engineering since it has a general first year. The admission for it is 80% - 82%. Right now i have Chem: 77 Adv. Functions 77 Physics: 70. I'm pretty confident that i can bring my math and chemistry mark to 80% and physics to at least 75. Although, McMaster only wants Calculus, Chemistry, Physics and English +2 others (CS + CE). McMaster accepts 820 students. I figure i can pull off a 79% average (aiming to do better) but should i be concerned ?

On another note, when i was on the campus tour for McMaster they said since engineering is general first year i could have a class size of ~ 600. I really like the high school atmosphere of not having a 1 way lecture and having the class interact and class sizes <100. I think I'm a slow learner; it takes me some time to learn the concepts. For first year engineering how hard would the courses be? Oh and are tutorials mandatory to go to ? (i do plan to go to them).

Oh and for the first year general engineering do you know how it would work (Anyone) from what i've heard at UofT they have a class or something that they teach you an introduction to each of the core 8 engineering programs.
Author:  Tony [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 8:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
implosion @ Mon Dec 01, 2008 8:05 pm wrote:
I figure i can pull off a 79% average (aiming to do better) but should i be concerned ?

Just be realistic. Do apply to McMaster, but consider other schools as well. It sounds like you might enjoy yourself more in a smaller classroom, so there might be another school that's a better match to you.
Author:  implosion [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Tony wrote:

implosion @ Mon Dec 01, 2008 8:05 pm wrote:
I figure i can pull off a 79% average (aiming to do better) but should i be concerned ?

Just be realistic. Do apply to McMaster, but consider other schools as well.


Yeah i am applying to other universities as well, Toronto(low to mid 80s class size 150 [Track One]) and Waterloo(Individual selection from mid 80s.. class size 120 i believe.), although i'm not sure if i should even try waterloo.

One of my main concerns is that i don't know what field i want to go into; Computer science, computer engineering, software engineering or mechatronic engineering.
Author:  Horus [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:54 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
I know a friend in RL who's 1 year older than me, last year he applied for computer engineer in waterloo, toronto and mcmaster with a 83% avg. In the end he got rejected from both waterloo and toronto and made it into Mcmaster. I'm not so sure about the specific detail of what's each of his mark, and his other extra curriculum activities but he wouldn't really tell me.
Author:  Roman [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 10:45 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
While it's hard to make a decision, it's also not the end of the world if you make a "wrong" (in quotations) decision. University isn't limited to the study of a particular field, such as CS, and especially not in Undergrad. It's as much, if not more, about growing yourself, learning to learn, sticking with something or other for four consecutive years and gathering life experience that will help you transition from youth to adulthood. I personally am interested in Film just as much, if not more, than in CS, but I decided to go to Math/CS regardless because in the context of university it seemed like a more interesting choice. Your future isn't and shouldn't be restricted by the degree you select when you're 17 =]

I totally agree with the no-stressing-out proposition. It brings no benefit and is energy better spent doing something about your problem. Like studying for the upcoming Exams Very Happy
Author:  implosion [ Tue Dec 02, 2008 12:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Hey i was wondering if you guys could make a suggestion for me, like i've said like 100 times before i can't decide between: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering and Software engineering. I enjoy to program (though i'm not very good at it), and i enjoyed using the bread boards last year during CE. I want to do something that involves programming and hardware (not sure what kind of hardware, ipod maybe?) also working with robots i think would be neat too. I like playing video games (who doesn't) and think it'd be cool to work with stuff like that. I've read for computer engineering that its low level coding, could someone expand on that ? Oh and how much do you think it would affect my chance to get in if i put on a form that i got the computer science award in gr. 11 ? As well what sorts of jobs fit in with Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering and Software engineering?
Author:  Zeroth [ Tue Dec 02, 2008 12:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Go into either robotics, or system development. Both are close to the hardware.
Author:  implosion [ Sat Dec 06, 2008 3:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
i couldn't find anything for robotics on electronic info, so i'm guessing mechatronics ? :S... i was wondering. is there anyway to apply to a university without applying to all the fields ? ex. applyng to waterloo for computer engineering, software engineering, computer science. I want to apply to UofT, Waterloo, McMaster to all these fields.. hopeing by mayish i figure out what i want to do with my life... but i don't want to spend 35$ each for each additional selection. I heard there was away to put down more on the OUAC or something.
Author:  [Gandalf] [ Sat Dec 06, 2008 4:44 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Nope, you have to choose those programs you most want to go to. Everything else you have to apply for, or hope for an alternate offer from the university or some such.
Author:  Segmentation Fault [ Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:13 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
@Horus - It is not the end of the world if you don't get into Waterloo. Waterloo grads may have a few extra opportunities but if you're good at what you do and you can manage an interview you will have a successful career... if that's what you're worried about.
Author:  yoursecretninja [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 6:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Quote:
@Horus - It is not the end of the world if you don't get into Waterloo. Waterloo grads may have a few extra opportunities but if you're good at what you do and you can manage an interview you will have a successful career... if that's what you're worried about.


I'll second that. It really doesn't matter a whole lot where you go to school. What matters is what you learn and what you do with it. Mind you, I didn't go to school for computer science nor do I work in the field - though I am going to go back to school for CS. Still, I went to a local community college for business and have had two great jobs in marketing since I graduated. I didn't rely on where I went to school to get a job. I studied hard, I worked on practical projects and I joined school clubs. After school, I continued to study, work hard and join local business clubs/groups. I built a portfolio and a network and used these to get ahead. Where I went to school is secondary.

So my advice... definitely go to school, but don't fret so much about where you are getting your education. Just make sure that when you get there (wherever that may be) that you work hard, apply yourself, make friends and connections, and learn how to learn, socialize and network. Build a portfolio of projects you have worked on and demonstrate their practicality and return on investment. Build a network - that's key to finding a good job. A lot of people feel entitled to a good job because they got a degree from this or that institution. But the fact of the matter is there are a lot of smart, talented and personable individuals out there competing for a job - your degree means little in the overall context of things - it's who you become as a person, what you can do and who you know that matters; and you can excel in those areas pretty much anywhere as its you who makes that happen.

Cheers!
Author:  ghostanime2001 [ Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:51 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
what if u went to a good/well respected university because from observing and socializing the graduated students there they developed an excellent personality and also built a strong foundation for their careers. So would going to an exceptionally academic university also mean bringing out the best personality out of you and at the same time using that to become "successful"
Author:  saltpro15 [ Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:35 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
My plans are finishing gr12, 1 extra class during summer school or perhaps a sem of gr13, though I'd prefer not to. And hopefully Waterloo after that (just because it's the closest, I'm not a fan boy Very Happy), I've heard great things about the co-op CS program, anyone have any experience in it?
Author:  DemonWasp [ Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:46 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
Yes, I'm currently in co-op CS at UWaterloo. It's great - the jobs are generally interesting, in your chosen field, and pay well. Job interviews are usually conducted on-campus (those that aren't are within a quick walking distance or are via phone).

There are downsides, but they're relatively minor compared to the job hunt. These include: you pay an extra $500 per term in co-op fees (which pays for them to liaison with employers and so on), and you have to do the Professional Development courses (you need to do 4 of the 7 courses to graduate) and you need to complete 4 work term reports.
Author:  petree08 [ Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:54 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
I've noticed that there hasn't been any mention of college in this thread. I got accepted last week to all 5 schools I applied to (marks were deffinaly not stellar) decided to go with Computer Programing Analysis program (say that 10 times fast) at Fanshawe College in London, 3 year course, has a job placement/co-op later on,

point is there are still good opportunities if you can't get in to University,
Author:  Sniper4Life [ Mon Apr 13, 2009 2:06 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
haha i could never go to college Razz

i dont see college as EVER being right for me...
and i got all of highschool plus this year to figure out what i wanna do Razz
Author:  hannibal423 [ Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
I am honestly freaking out over universities and im still in grade 11.i think ive searched up"university of (toronto or waterloo) admission average" like 50 times in the last month on google.i got 91.4% average first term(90% if social studies 11 doesnt count but think it does) and worried that might not be good enough as toronto is THE best university in canada :/ little advice or encouragement please?
Author:  huskiesgoaler34 [ Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
hannibal423 @ Mon Jan 16, 2012 9:52 pm wrote:
I am honestly freaking out over universities and im still in grade 11.i think ive searched up"university of (toronto or waterloo) admission average" like 50 times in the last month on google.i got 91.4% average first term(90% if social studies 11 doesnt count but think it does) and worried that might not be good enough as toronto is THE best university in canada :/ little advice or encouragement please?


Honestly, a 90 average will give you a VERY GOOD chance to get in to either U of T or UWaterloo.
Author:  hannibal423 [ Mon Jan 16, 2012 11:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
so would you say i do not need to be stressed and freaking out everytime i get one question wrong on a test? Smile
Author:  Aange10 [ Mon Jan 16, 2012 11:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Take a Deep Breath and Calm Down.
hannibal423 @ 16/1/2012, 10:48 pm wrote:
so would you say i do not need to be stressed and freaking out everytime i get one question wrong on a test? Smile



Definitely.

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