A bunch of questions about being accepted to UW

[Badsniper]

1. I am currently a grade 12 student whose average has went from 87 (grade 9) to 90 (Grade 10 & 11). I am hoping to get into Waterloo for software engineering.

2. Marks. This is probably the most frequently asked question, and I understand that it may annoy some of the "veterans" on the site, but I have to ask!

last year (grade 11) my marks (that matter to what I am applying for) were:

Physics 11: 87
Chemistry 11: 89
Math 11: 91
Programming 11: 98
Chemistry 12: 87
English 11: 90
English 12 : 91

As you can see, I have completed 2 grade 12 courses.

In my grade 12 classes now, I am aiming for 92-95 average.

Question is: the website says 'Individual selections from the mid-80's" but does that mean if I have a 90 average, I will be guaranteed entrance?

3. How much do extra curricular activities help my chance of being accepted?

I am on the reach for the top team, Senior Band, Model UN, Percussion Ensemble, and I tutor math twice a week.

I also attempt to write as many contests as possible (Chem 13, SIN (Physics contest), Euclid, and the CCC.)

Also, I have done some projects in Turing, so would that help?

Thanks!

[Tony]

It's never a "guarantee", but if you keep up those marks, then there'd be little reason to not select you for the program of your choice.

See if you can find a copy of last year's AIF (Additional Information Form) for the program(s) that you are interested in. That's the kind of stuff that improves your chances of getting in.

[Sur_real]

Some AIF questions from last year's soft eng app (there are some missing obviously but those are just like filling out extra-curriculars/clubs/etc and not paragraphs) :


Main Page:
Question 1: Reasons for choosing your program and Waterloo
Please tell us about your educational goals, your interest in your chosen program(s), and your reasons for applying to the University of Waterloo. If you have applied to more than one program, please discuss your interest in each program. (900 character limit)

Question 3: Extracurricular Activities - additional information
Provide any additional information about anything in the above table. (300 character limit)

---------------------------------------------

Engineering Page:
Question 1: Engineering Interests and Goals
Briefly explain why you are interested in engineering and particularly in the program to which you have applied. Comment, for example, on your interests and abilities; your career goals; exposure to engineering through school-related and other experiences; and discussions you have had with engineers, teachers, current or past Waterloo students. (900 characters)

Question 2: Reading Interests
Discuss a book or a written article that you particularly enjoyed or that has had an impact on you. Preferably choose a book or article that was not part of a course at school. (900 characters)

Question 3: Programming Knowledge (btw this isn't really a paragraph question either but I remember there was a question about programming knowledge)


you're welcome

[AL13N]

lol my marks are pretty much the same and the extracurriculars are sorta the same (you got a few more contests and reach for the top)... i'it'll be quite competitive this year (i'm also going to apply for Waterloo software eng for Fall 2012). I think what will really boost your chances is showing off what kind of projects and development experience you have had. Also, if you live in BC, Waterloo reps will be at the Hilton Hotel near Metrotown on October 8th, 2011 to do a presentation (sign up before sept 30 on their findoutmore website).

On another note, try signup for AP computer science A for this year. It'll definitely help out. If your school doesn't have it or you can't signup for it at your school, you can also try doing the course online (I know a few people who did it) and take the test at your school or at another school that offers it.

[knowthyself]

This forum should be renamed from Student Life to "Will these marks get me into Waterloo?". Seriously, doesn't anybody read old posts or look at the stickies (the posts at the top of the list)?

[Turbocom]

You should be fine.