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 Could I get into Waterloo?
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Reality Check




PostPosted: 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.
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HeavenAgain




PostPosted: 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
Clayton




PostPosted: 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.
haskell




PostPosted: 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.
rdrake




PostPosted: 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.
haskell




PostPosted: 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
Skynet




PostPosted: 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.
Mazer




PostPosted: 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.
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PaulButler




PostPosted: 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.
rdrake




PostPosted: 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.
allrace1337




PostPosted: 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?
Skynet




PostPosted: 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)
Reality Check




PostPosted: 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.
McKenzie




PostPosted: 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.
iluvchairs112




PostPosted: 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?
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