Waterloo Computer Science Co-op

[The Invention]

Hi. I would like to hear about my chances of being accepted at Waterloo:

English: 94
Advanced Functions: 84
Calculus: 78

Other high marks:

Portfolio: 96
Visual Arts: 95
Communications Technology: 93

My midterm marks were recently sent in:

Calculus: 86
Computer Science: 91
Physics: 80

I also wrote the Canadian Computing Competition for individuals as well as the Euclid contest, albeit the score isn't very high.

I read somewhere that there is a negative 1% penalty for retaking a class, but I felt I had no choice but to redo Calculus.

I also heard that if I don't get accepted into co-op then they will consider me for the regular program. Is that true?

Because it's the beginning of May, I'm a little anxious, so whatever information that pertains to this would be greatly appreciated.

[Tony]

That's an impressive English mark. Though I'm not sure what marks you are applying with, as admissions consider your top 6 (including required courses), and you've listed 8.

There are a bunch of things being considered, including (as you've mentioned) retaken classes, but also AIF, the school you go to, etc.

Yes, I think you would automatically be considered for regular CS, if you don't make the cut for the co-op version.

[apython1992]

I'm jealous of your english mark. Tony is right, you will be automatically considered for regular if you don't get into co-op. As for retaking calculus, it is a really good idea. Don't worry about any deductions from your applying average, because if you can substantially improve your calculus grade, you'll end up benefiting in both the number on your transcript and your knowledge of foundational math I doubt that they will care about your marks on Euclid and CCC - it seems as though they like to see that you've written them. Just work really hard to get the best marks you can, and retake any courses that you didn't do well in, and things will probably be okay.

[The Invention]

I posted my midterms just in case they have any relevance. I'm afraid they will look at my physics and question my work ethic (but I admit, it can be a tough class!). I'm glad it's not a required course for CS.

I sent in an AIF in March, making sure to make the deadline as well.

So only my 6 highest marks, including English, Calculus and Advanced Functions, will be considered. It looks like I just have to keep working hard to maintain them.

Thanks for the quick responses!

[apython1992]

Make sure that you are meeting all of the CS requirements, and that what you consider to be your top six courses are all 'U' level.

[RandomLetters]

Can't they also be M level courses?

[apython1992]

I think up to two of your top six can be "M" level.

[The Invention]

Great news! My status on Waterloo's QUEST site has updated to Conditional Admit, and for Co-op as well. It won't be long until I receive the official Offer in the mail. I'm glad the majority of my worries are over, as least for now.

Thanks again for your insight.

[z_cross_fire]

Hehe, I got cond. admitted too, although the OUAC website hasn't updated yet...

About the conditions....Do they list it in the documents sent through mail?

[Sur_real]

I think conditional just means that they will need to look at your final mark in June before actually accepting you.
http://www.findoutmore.uwaterloo.ca/thenextstep/admitted/conditions.php

(Got both soft eng and CS coop ^^)

[Fasih]

Lucky!!! I'm still waiting for Soft Eng and only got the regular CS. Not Co-Op
Idk why I didn't make co-op. I had a 87+ avg and had decent extra currics. Just didn't write any contests

[z_cross_fire]

@Sur_real: I am jealous of you! o.O

@Fasih: Yea, i guess writing contests does help. I have about the same average as you, but I participated in a lot of contests

[Fasih]

If only I knew where I wanted to go before... Didn't know I wanted to go to Waterloo till grade 12

[Tony]

Fasih @ Wed May 11, 2011 7:30 am wrote:

Didn't know I wanted to go to Waterloo till grade 12

Better than figuring this out during the 2nd year of University

[oncelowfall]

Got into regular not co-op

"Congratulations! You?ve been admitted to the University of Waterloo for fall 2011 in Honours Computer Science, Regular. You?ll note that your offer is not for the program you applied to. Competition for places in that program was especially high this year. However, given your academic record, we?re confident that you?ll be successful in your studies and will find the Waterloo experience rewarding. We hope you?ll be interested in this alternative offer and will give it your serious consideration."

To think i wasted 12 years of school to not get into the program i wanted.

Wonder why they just dont accept more co-op positions.
Considering that all together it will cost ~$2200 a year in regular comp sci X 4 years = $88000
As if anyone can afford that without co-op helping to pay.