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Rank: Senior Student
Joined: 1/25/2011
Posts: 99
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lookatme wrote:pupil wrote:lookatme wrote:Just like Aeria, I'll be happy to help with supp apps too if you guys need input. =)
And those who worry about not getting a 95 average with a low English mark, don't worry. My top six average was 95.5 and my English mark was only 88, so it is definitely not impossible! This is true lol. Does McMaster only look at the top six marks that you provide? The following is from the McMaster site, so can the sixth mark submitted be from any course? • English (ENG4U) • One of: Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus & Vectors (MCV4U), or Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U) • Biology (SBI4U) • Chemistry (SCH4U) • One non-math or non-science 4U or 4M credit Thanks! Yup, the sixth mark could be for any course, but it has to be either 4U or 4M. Excellent — easy-course-that-boosts-my-average here I come!  University of Guelph - Class of 2016
Bio-Medical Sciences
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Rank: Student Body President
Joined: 12/13/2010
Posts: 1,054
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lookatme wrote:inthemaking wrote:pupil wrote:What is the atmosphere like in the Health Science program, and what qualities does it cultivate in the student? I'd love to hear a response from someone currently in the program :)
It's very much a collaborative and teamwork-based environment. Because of the number of group projects we have to do, everyone gets really efficient at working in groups. The admin try to make it so that you're never in the same group with the same person more than once. Because of this, you develop close friendships with many of your peers (since you'll spend easily up to 50 h together in one semester during group meetings). When it comes to studying for exams, people post up their own notes on LearnLink, set up lab times to go into the lab together, share past midterms they found etc. For example, I took immunology last year (a 3rd year health sci elective) and the exam was a take home exam with 8 essay questions. Health scis who were taking this course started dividing up into groups, each group took on 1 question and we all shared our answers afterwards. We also made it so that only people that contributed to the answers received the other answers (to be fair). This cut the workload by at least 70% since all I had to do for the rest of the questions was read them over and make sure they were correct rather than spend the time to write out 8 essays on my own. Thanks for the information. Definitely looking to group work now! :) In first year, we have less than 20 hours of classes/labs per week. Around how much extra time do we have to allocate for group work? And for your immunology example, the prof was alright if everyone submitted the same essays? 1st year inquiry isn't that intense, 2 h/week should probably do it. You'll have the legacy TRIPSE group project in 1st year cell bio though (in 2nd sem) and that will up quite some time..probably at least 4-5 h/week for group meetings (plus individual research) for March and April. 1st year psychobio involves 2 group essays and a wiki, so there's a fair amount of time you'll have to dedicate to the project, especially for group essays (~5-10 h/week). It's not exact though, since some weeks you may not even meet with your group and then there are others where you meet 2-3 times in one week. We didn't submit essays, we still had to write the exam (we were given 8 essay questions but only 4 showed up on the exam and we didn't know which ones, so we had to memorize all 8 of them). So I doubt the answers were exactly the same unless people managed to memorize the group answers word for word. McMaster Bachelor of Health Sciences 2011
U of Guelph-OVC Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 2015
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Rank: Frosh
Joined: 8/8/2011
Posts: 42
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I would be highly cautious when it comes to giving strangers copies of your supp app. This isn't directed to any one individual, but in general.
He who claims to be a 2nd year health science student may be a gr 12 health science hopeful. They also might have friends / family who are applying.
Just be cautious. There are so many bad scenarios.
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Rank: Student Council  Joined: 1/4/2011 Posts: 346
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A very good point. I don't quite understand the motivations of a gunner 'stealing' a supp app, as it wouldn't do you many favours in having your application stand out from the pack, but I see the danger. McMaster 2015
Bachelor of Health Science
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Rank: Senior Student
Joined: 3/6/2011
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Hey guys my grade 12 English mark is only an 85 (took it in summer school). Is there a set English mark that Mac HealthSci wants or is an 85 alright? (added I get 95+ in all my other courses).
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Rank: Frosh
Joined: 2/12/2011
Posts: 41
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ManUtd123 wrote:Hey guys my grade 12 English mark is only an 85 (took it in summer school). Is there a set English mark that Mac HealthSci wants or is an 85 alright? (added I get 95+ in all my other courses). There is no set English mark required but your Top 6 average has to be 90 or more. I'm assuming that is the case. Then you're good. McMaster University Bachelor of Health Sciences '15
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Rank: Senior Student  Joined: 1/27/2011 Posts: 218
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mikemike wrote:Hey for everyone that is in the program right now, I have a question about the third question in this year's app. The question asks to describe the most difficult situation and how you handled it but do you guys take it more as a difficult situation in the sense that you made the wrong decision and learned from it or in the sense that it was just difficult by definition...
Thanks,
Mike I'm pretty sure they're looking for anything you can come up with that fits under "difficult situation." From my experience, I've learned that those who mark the supp apps are not looking for a specific answer or a specific way for you to answer the questions, but they want to see what you can come up with. With that said, I'm sure either one of the situations you mentioned are fine. Just remember when you're answering your questions, don't write down what you think they want you to say, but write down your true thoughts. The reader can tell if the writer is being sincere or just trying to impress the reader. Bottom line: it doesn't matter what the situation was, whether it was something serious or something you may encounter in everyday situations, they want to see what you make of it. McMaster University Bachelor of Health Sciences 2015
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Rank: Valedictorian  Joined: 12/24/2010 Posts: 624
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fxoqxc wrote:Thanks for the informative answers.
I was really hoping to get in with low 90s, but I guess I'll have to work extra hard to get that 95 average. I already have a 90 in English which means I have to get 96+ in everything else, lol.
Also, I fast-tracked chem and bio last year, and did horrible in both but decided not to drop. If I manage the 96+s this year, it won't have any effect, right? I know the mac website says they take the higher of the repeated course, but there's nothing fishy that goes behind the scenes (considering this program is really competitive)? For Health Sci in general, I don't think it'll have much of an impact. I don't think Mac would snake their keen applicants like that either. However, for other programs, you might be denied early acceptance. This is because universities will look at your top 6 perhaps before you've finished all your courses. This means that your top 6 average before second semester would include both chem/bio, which if you haven't repeated yet would be bad! If possible, try to take those courses in the first semester (or at least chemistry, you NEED chemistry). P.S... do you play SC2? Or is your name just conveniently named after fxoqxc... The University of Western Ontario
Class of 2015
BMOS with AEO Status
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Rank: Valedictorian Joined: 12/24/2010 Posts: 624
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fxoqxc wrote:
What do you mean I "NEED" chemistry in first semester? If I didn't care for early acceptances, does it matter? I'm asking this because I already asked guidance to put those two courses into first semester but they can only do so much. I get my schedule soon but I'm preparing for the worst.
I play SC2 (main reason I lul'd chem and bio.. making sure I never touch that hell of a drug ever again) but I'm not fxoqxc.. I'm just a lame poser :(.. although I did play him in GM league a couple months ago which inspired me.. lol.
Well, you don't "NEED" chemistry, it just helps tremendously. In the Ontario curiculuum (which I'm going to assume you're a part of), much of grade twelve bio relies on grade twelve chem knowledge. Obviously, people don't always take chemistry before biology, but I can imagine how much it would help you. Taking it concurrently is fine too I suppose. Personally, I had bio second semester and chem first semester, and I'm very glad it happened that way. It's not the end of the world if you don't get that schedule, it's just my recommendation. And LOL, I think I just nerdgasmed. If you're at fxoqxc's level, why are you even pursuing health science? You should've been at Raleigh tearing up face... I'm going to PM you now to avoid scandalous insults against my nerdy side. The University of Western Ontario
Class of 2015
BMOS with AEO Status
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Rank: Senior Student
Joined: 1/2/2011
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I took bio in sem 1, and chem in sem 2, and it never negatively impacted me in any way. Sure, I can see how bio and chem are related, it doesn't mean it's going to help you understand the concepts in gr12 biology any better. As well, I actually think it's not a good idea to take them both in the same semester because of the workload (I don't know about your school though) but the science courses are usually the most rigorous courses in grade twelve. McMaster Bachelor of Health Sciences 2015
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Rank: Senior Student
Joined: 1/2/2011
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fxoqxc wrote:^well I already know all the content for advanced functions and I already took chem and bio so.. I basically already know everything. I just have to make sure I get better marks this time =D. I'm just hoping I get chem and bio in first semester.. seriously have to get 97s on that crap so I gain confidence in myself again =_= onlymatthew wrote:fxoqxc wrote:
What do you mean I "NEED" chemistry in first semester? If I didn't care for early acceptances, does it matter? I'm asking this because I already asked guidance to put those two courses into first semester but they can only do so much. I get my schedule soon but I'm preparing for the worst.
I play SC2 (main reason I lul'd chem and bio.. making sure I never touch that hell of a drug ever again) but I'm not fxoqxc.. I'm just a lame poser :(.. although I did play him in GM league a couple months ago which inspired me.. lol.
Well, you don't "NEED" chemistry, it just helps tremendously. In the Ontario curiculuum (which I'm going to assume you're a part of), much of grade twelve bio relies on grade twelve chem knowledge. Obviously, people don't always take chemistry before biology, but I can imagine how much it would help you. Taking it concurrently is fine too I suppose. Personally, I had bio second semester and chem first semester, and I'm very glad it happened that way. It's not the end of the world if you don't get that schedule, it's just my recommendation. And LOL, I think I just nerdgasmed. If you're at fxoqxc's level, why are you even pursuing health science? You should've been at Raleigh tearing up face... I'm going to PM you now to avoid scandalous insults against my nerdy side. I care about my future, lol. Can't really make a living off sc2 unless you're at huk's level. Good luck on getting 97s in bio and chem. Your confidence shouldn't be dictated by how high or low your marks are. McMaster Bachelor of Health Sciences 2015
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Rank: Senior Student
Joined: 1/2/2011
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^ nope, not sarcastic. I myself never gotten 97s in bio and chem. It's really really hard. :P That's why I said good luck! :) McMaster Bachelor of Health Sciences 2015
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Rank: Senior Student
Joined: 12/31/2010
Posts: 143
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Oh god, you '94ers are keeners to the max. I didn't start stalking or stressing until Oct-Nov. Yea, it's good to get a head start thinking but don't start stressing too much because your grades will be affected greatly. I know from first hand experience because in Oct my stress level was through the roof and I barley could focus. Anyways that my two cents. Btw, fxoqxc you a Westmountie? And can't wait to see u guys during Frosh Week, and andrew promise me u'll make us food? One more thought, Rosie = omg she's an encyclopedia. Bleeding Blue with the McMaster Health Science Class of 2015
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Rank: Senior Student
Joined: 1/2/2011
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Bowchickawowwow wrote:Oh god, you '94ers are keeners to the max. I didn't start stalking or stressing until Oct-Nov. Yea, it's good to get a head start thinking but don't start stressing too much because your grades will be affected greatly. I know from first hand experience because in Oct my stress level was through the roof and I barley could focus. Anyways that my two cents.
Btw, fxoqxc you a Westmountie?
And can't wait to see u guys during Frosh Week, and andrew promise me u'll make us food?
One more thought, Rosie = omg she's an encyclopedia. LOL YES! Agreed. I didn't even think about health science (or any University program for that matter) that much until I had to apply in like, December. :P Bowchickawowwow, would you tell me who you are in real life? You're in the FB group, right? :P PM me! McMaster Bachelor of Health Sciences 2015
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Rank: Senior Student
Joined: 1/25/2011
Posts: 99
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fxoqxc wrote:^thanks
btw, to anyone that's in health science/hoping to get into health science, did you take any AP courses? I didn't since it would be easier to achieve the 90/95+ average, but I'm starting to think I made the wrong decision.. (helps with uni?) I am not able to take AP courses as no schools in the area offer the classes. It is really a shame as I would have been far more challenged and would have had the opportunity to transfer some of the credits and lighten my university load/ be more prepared come next September. I have I feeling I will fall sorely behind in the science and math courses upon entering university :/. University of Guelph - Class of 2016
Bio-Medical Sciences
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Rank: Frosh
Joined: 5/15/2011
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Whoa, the questions are so random. Writing an answer to the question 'what defines you as you' is the most challenging one for me...don't know how to word my answer. Applying to:
-McMaster Life Sci
-McMaster Health Sci
-Waterloo Life Sci
-Queen's Life Sci
-Western Biomed (Hopefully AEO status)
-UofT (St George) Life Sci
-UofT (Scarborough) Psych
-York Life Sci
-McGill Life Sci
-Waterloo/Laurier Double Degree
...if I get the marks. If you are in these programs or have been accepted, please PM me. I would greatly appreciate it.
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Rank: Senior Student
Joined: 1/25/2011
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Does anyone know whether we are assuming that, upon preserving the four letter word of our choice, it's presence/ meaning in our world is also preserved? :P University of Guelph - Class of 2016
Bio-Medical Sciences
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Rank: Senior Student  Joined: 12/20/2010 Posts: 268
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So many have tried, yet so many have failed...including myself!  'McMaster University 15'
Bachelors of Science
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Rank: Student Council Joined: 1/4/2011 Posts: 346
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pupil wrote:Does anyone know whether we are assuming that, upon preserving the four letter word of our choice, it's presence/ meaning in our world is also preserved? :P Interpretation is left for interpretation. I never even thought about that, I guess I just assumed the Orwellian version, destroy the word and destroy the thought. McMaster 2015
Bachelor of Health Science
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Rank: Senior Student
Joined: 1/25/2011
Posts: 99
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andrewk512 wrote:pupil wrote:Does anyone know whether we are assuming that, upon preserving the four letter word of our choice, it's presence/ meaning in our world is also preserved? :P Interpretation is left for interpretation. I never even thought about that, I guess I just assumed the Orwellian version, destroy the word and destroy the thought. Yeah, that's what I assumed seeing as the question would be a little flat otherwise. Nevertheless, nice to clarify and thanks for the response! University of Guelph - Class of 2016
Bio-Medical Sciences
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