Hello, TotoSmith.

No worries; I still peruse the forums on occasion. I get the odd private message.

Arts and Science is a faculty at the University of Toronto, housing a multitude of programmes. So, I can't say conclusively whether it's a decent programme, since it's not a programme!

That's the beauty of Mathematics and Economics. It's not tied to any particular career. With a firm grounding in Mathematics, and an understanding of Economics (which has applications in a variety of fields), the better question is what careers can't I do? That was a corny response, I know. But it is true - the combination of those two programmes has applications in both the private and public sectors; from an individual to an economy-wide level. It's a difficult and intensive, but very rewarding choice.

I wouldn't recommend it for the sake of a career, though. To get through such a programme with your head still screwed on tight, you need to have a fascination for the subject matter. Otherwise, it can be quite depressing!

I hope this helped!
~ MattUK

Hi, I was hoping you could possibly tell me your thoughts on the level of difficulty of UofT's Calculus course?

thanks

Hello mnborka,

I can comment on the entrance course. Due to a recent change in the programme director, MAT135/136 and MAT137 have become quite similar in terms of course and test content - I study with students from both courses, although I'm in the former.

I have a 4.0 in MAT135/136 at the moment, so I have been finding the course reasonable in terms of the challenge it poses. That being said, you're going to find the content in lectures (in the derivatives section) not dissimilar from the content in MCV4U, although perhaps slightly more rigorous. The difference (and it is a large difference) appears in the expectations demanded in tests and assignments.

You will be expected to understand the material thoroughly; you cannot even pass with just memorisation. The questions on tests and assignments will challenge you to translate and apply knowledge from lectures and homework questions on a much more rigorous level.

It's not impossible to get high marks, but the tests have a visible point where the class average is expected to be (which is usually low to mid-sixties). You'll be writing the test with ease, and then the change in expectations will just hit you - there's no transition. Getting past that point is where understanding is of utmost importance, versus just knowledge or memorisation.

Well, I hope this helped!
~ MattUK

Thread immigrants taking my job!
But on a serious note, I live in residence, so I couldn't have commented in a meaningful capacity. Xiaohaha's post sounds quite useful and informative, so I'd take his advice!

Cheers,
MattUK

Hi i am really interested in taking commerce in the fall but my average is only around 86 and my english is at 80. i know that their minimum requirement for admission is low to mid 80s but do you think i'll have a chance of being accepted? if not, what other universities do you think i should consider for commerce? thanx a lot!

which email account should I send to? I emailed them about an application problem before but they never replied..

thank you btw~

Hi, I was wondering what you think about Sociology at U of T?

Hey,

I just have a general question. I just got accepted and I was wondering about scholarships? It didn't mention anything on the website, just that I was accepted.

Will it have the info in the mailed package? What happened with you?

Thanks

Hello, ceranatasha.

Ummm... I don't have any first-hand experience with Sociology as a programme, but I understand that there's a wide selection of courses and topics available.

A degree in Sociology can be undervalued because of the general saturation of the pool of humanities graduates, but if you have a specific and attainable career goal in mind, I'd go for it. Otherwise, it might be best to pursue a more marketable degree.

If Sociology is truly your passion, then I'd make sure you understand the risks entailed in terms of employability (and take all opportunities to get involved in field research and experience; networking, etc). It's unfortunate, but with school being so expensive, and the number of graduates being churned out so high, you don't want to waste your time or money there.

I hope this helped,
MattUK

Welcome back, janetteaq.

For me, I distinctly recall receiving my acceptance letter separate from my U of T Entrance Scholarship letter. And I found out about the college-based scholarships in the beginning of my first year, well after acceptances had been fired out.

So, you will receive a mailed package and e-mail beforehand if you've been granted any scholarships. Sometimes they're in the acceptance letter, but it's not a rule.

I'd just wait and see. Keep in mind, if your average was above 94% (92%?), you're guaranteed at least $2,000 (in the form of the Entrance Scholarship). You can just calculate your marks to know that one, although I'd double-check what the base mark is - it's slipped my mind.

I hope this helped,
Matt UK