wendiz Posted November 8, 2006 Report Share Posted November 8, 2006 i m just wondering... i m currently at U of T right now.. and god it's one stressful school especially the life sci program. I m worried that i might not acheive the GPA required, so is it better to go to a less stressful university.. and get better GPA? I was thinking Waterloo, since i have friends there who 's getting stellar marks.. while doing the same amount of work that i do here at UT. so anyone has any advice or suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiel Posted November 8, 2006 Report Share Posted November 8, 2006 i m just wondering... i m currently at U of T right now.. and god it's one stressful school especially the life sci program. I m worried that i might not acheive the GPA required, so is it better to go to a less stressful university.. and get better GPA? I was thinking Waterloo, since i have friends there who 's getting stellar marks.. while doing the same amount of work that i do here at UT. so anyone has any advice or suggestions? Do what feels right. If you feel you can not show your full academic capabilities at U of T, you yourself should decide whether or not to transfer. A good GPA is essential for recieving an interview for medical school. That alone might answer your question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimmyMax Posted November 9, 2006 Report Share Posted November 9, 2006 Hey, I say transfer to Waterloo if you think that you will have a better time there! Medical schools don't care where you did your undergrad- a 4.0 GPA at U of T is equal to a 4.0 GPA at Brock is equal to a 4.0 GPA at Western, etc., just as there are no special points given to students who get D- grades in courses at U of T just because they are U of T students (despite what U of T professors may say!). Good grades are good grades and so long as they are from an accredited Canadian university, they're taken at face value. There are no bonus points awarded for prestige or reputation of the university you attend. Anyone who thinks otherwise is sadly mistaken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendiz Posted November 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2006 hmmm so if i transfer elsewhere, say waterloo, will my current year (first year right now) count toward the cumalative gpa required for med? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gadzillar Posted November 9, 2006 Report Share Posted November 9, 2006 Depends on the school, but probably. I wouldn't just let everything slide, if that's what you're asking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirsteen Posted November 9, 2006 Report Share Posted November 9, 2006 i m just wondering... i m currently at U of T right now.. and god it's one stressful school especially the life sci program. I m worried that i might not acheive the GPA required, so is it better to go to a less stressful university.. and get better GPA? I was thinking Waterloo, since i have friends there who 's getting stellar marks.. while doing the same amount of work that i do here at UT. so anyone has any advice or suggestions? Hi there, The place where you complete your university education, especially if within the same province, will have little to no bearing on your medical school applications, re: any potential source of bias. I'd heed the advice above re: completing your degree at the university where you would be most comfortable and happy. Cheers, Kirsteen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackers Posted November 9, 2006 Report Share Posted November 9, 2006 It also depends on the program you choose. Life sci at U of T seems like the best choice for meds because of its course offerings, right? Well, about 2200 people have the same idea, and since the average number of those interested in med school who get in any given year is 1:5 or 1:7, it gets pretty competitive. If changing schools isn't an option or a desirable one, then find a niche program for you that suits your interests, and thrive in that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Law Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 All schools (I'd imagine) are fairly challenging. I don't think escaping a school because you think the program is too hard, and will be easier else where is the right frame of mind. I'd evaluate your learning strategies for your classes, how are you preparing for exams? My first ever exam in university, I STUDIED like no tomorrow and I did really badly. It's not that I didn't study or work hard... it's just that I didn't approach it properly. You learn these things as university goes on. If you're not happy with the program, that is when I'd consider transferring schools or programs. Be aware though, that sciences are difficult. It's not going to be easy. You are going to have to work hard to earn the marks. No matter where you go. I don't know really know much about other schools. I'm in Western's med sci program (which I highly reccommend, by the way). It is a really tough program... lots of work always to do... and a lot of competition just to stay in the program. Just as I'd imagine you have a lot of work to do at UofT's Life Science program... so you see, I'd really just evaluate my motives for wanting to switch schools. I wouldn't simply switch because my friend is getting good marks elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiel Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 All schools (I'd imagine) are fairly challenging. I don't think escaping a school because you think the program is too hard, and will be easier else where is the right frame of mind. I'd evaluate your learning strategies for your classes, how are you preparing for exams? My first ever exam in university, I STUDIED like no tomorrow and I did really badly. It's not that I didn't study or work hard... it's just that I didn't approach it properly. You learn these things as university goes on. If you're not happy with the program, that is when I'd consider transferring schools or programs. Be aware though, that sciences are difficult. It's not going to be easy. You are going to have to work hard to earn the marks. No matter where you go. I don't know really know much about other schools. I'm in Western's med sci program (which I highly reccommend, by the way). It is a really tough program... lots of work always to do... and a lot of competition just to stay in the program. Just as I'd imagine you have a lot of work to do at UofT's Life Science program... so you see, I'd really just evaluate my motives for wanting to switch schools. I wouldn't simply switch because my friend is getting good marks elsewhere. What program did you find really hard to adapt to study for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Law Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 What program did you find really hard to adapt to study for? You can't really not adapt to an entire program, I think it's more some courses are harder to get yourself oriented to than others. It's not that hard though... you'll eventually find a way after the first few lectures. Everybody learns differently, so it depends on the person (and the class). Some classes, I find that I learn just by going to class and that I don't have to read the textbook... other classes I find that even if I go to class, really, I just have to teach myself the material. Depends on how good the prof is, and what the material is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiel Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 You can't really not adapt to an entire program, I think it's more some courses are harder to get yourself oriented to than others. It's not that hard though... you'll eventually find a way after the first few lectures. Everybody learns differently, so it depends on the person (and the class). Some classes, I find that I learn just by going to class and that I don't have to read the textbook... other classes I find that even if I go to class, really, I just have to teach myself the material. Depends on how good the prof is, and what the material is. I have heard the line "I was getting used to the work load" many times from different people. What is your take? Is it that hard to excel in university? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebird Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 I'm currently enrolled @ Waterloo and although many of my friends complain daily about their massive workload at UTSG, the midterms and tests don't seem considerably harder by any means. The midterm averages for classes have also, in most cases, been comparable. However, this should not deter you if you're not happy in your current environment. Happiness breeds productivity and motivation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Law Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 My friend goes to UTM and she's doing very well. Her first year, she didn't do so well... but she has attributed that to not working as hard as she could have been. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talon01 Posted November 12, 2006 Report Share Posted November 12, 2006 Med schools don't care where your got your undergrad (or from what program). Do whatever you like, where ever you like! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cclawfjj Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 does your undergrad institution still have no bearing whatsoever? I know that many McGill graduates have gone to Ivy League institutions for their medical education. Students with undergraduate degrees from other schools are not as 'successful' - as in lower % of students make it- from my uderstanding (i will look for sources...i saw this from somewhere). I know, I know. GPAs, MCAT, ECs, essays, Interviews, etc. easily outweigh where you went for undergrad, in terms of their significance to the admissions, but I'd still like to know, if they are taken into account at all. I do not THINK (key_word) med schools discriminate ppl from different Canadian schools. But if it's the ivy leagues were talking about, I think it'd make a huge difference. My rationale behind such claim is because gaining admission to competitive/prestigious school (like Harvard) for undergrad, in itself, is an accomplishment, just as much as your awards, ECs or research work. I'd imagine the med schools will acknowledge such feat to a certain extent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebird Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 I've read on other boards that US schools definitely care about your undergrad institution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peachy Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 I've read on other boards that US schools definitely care about your undergrad institution.I don't think that US schools really distinguish between Canadian institutions. Even if they prefer applications from Ivy league vs state schools in the US, this doesn't necessarily mean that they distinguish between Canadian schools. In addition, I've known a fair number of York grads who have been accepted to top ivy league US medical schools. I think your particular application matters far more than the school that you attend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuantum Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 Yea, US pretty much consider all Canadian schools the same. They tend to recognize McGill more so than other schools, but not going to McGill doesn't ruin your chances. In Canada, I don't think undergrad. institution matters, it's all about provincial residency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Law Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 Yea, US pretty much consider all Canadian schools the same. They tend to recognize McGill more so than other schools, but not going to McGill doesn't ruin your chances. In Canada, I don't think undergrad. institution matters, it's all about provincial residency. Yup and even for some schools that doesn't matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiel Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 does your undergrad institution still have no bearing whatsoever?I know that many McGill graduates have gone to Ivy League institutions for their medical education. Students with undergraduate degrees from other schools are not as 'successful' - as in lower % of students make it- from my uderstanding (i will look for sources...i saw this from somewhere). I know, I know. GPAs, MCAT, ECs, essays, Interviews, etc. easily outweigh where you went for undergrad, in terms of their significance to the admissions, but I'd still like to know, if they are taken into account at all. I do not THINK (key_word) med schools discriminate ppl from different Canadian schools. But if it's the ivy leagues were talking about, I think it'd make a huge difference. My rationale behind such claim is because gaining admission to competitive/prestigious school (like Harvard) for undergrad, in itself, is an accomplishment, just as much as your awards, ECs or research work. I'd imagine the med schools will acknowledge such feat to a certain extent. My high school math teacher actually attended Harvard for undergrad...now he has a Phd in math. Anyways, he claims that Harvard really isn't that difficult to get into. He said get around an A average and do well on the SATs(no outrageous marks) and you should be able to get in. By no means am I trying to take away the accomplishment of being accepted at an Ivy League school but you definately do not have to be brilliant(ie 4.0 GPA) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nowai Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 Maybe it was easier back then but currently Harvard is quite hard to get into. I know many people with ~95% ish marks and 1550+ SATs with very good ECs were not accepted into Harvard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kuantum Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 Harvard is very selective, but not as selective as places like MIT and Caltech. To get into the top US schools, you either need well-connected parents with a lot of $$$ or you probably should be in the top 4% of your class. Why did I choose 4%? I don't know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiel Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 That's probably it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldenboy6 Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 I say transfer. We don't realize this in high school cause we are all encouraged to go to the best university for our program. But if you are planning to go to medical school that may not be the best thing to do. Although some may claim that all universities are hard, which is true, the quality of students that go there will determine your overall mark. UofT's Life Science program generally requires an 85 or above in your final year of high school to get in (my friend with an 84 got rejected). The thing is that any university you go to, they need a similar distribution of marks for each course (especially for courses with a large number of people), so the profs have to make the tests in way such there is a pretty normal distribution of marks. So going to a school where there is high competition makes it harder for you to get the grades you want. So for med school, going to a less competitive school makes a lot of sense. It's surprising to me that so many med schools in Ontario do not give much thought into the mcat, because standardized tests are a real good way to even up the playing field IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimmyMax Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 Hey, because standardized tests are a real good way to even up the playing field IMO. Interesting thought. There are, however, a lot of people who would beg to disagree with you on this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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