r/OntarioUniversities

In other words do universities here vary in terms of their rigour and grade inflation? Like for example (reportedly) Mac and Queens undergrad for example are feeder schools for medical school as in the school hands out high grades to their students basically (I’ve actually read this a lot of places). This method of inflating grades is getting more common and the value of 4.0 seems to diminish more. Other institutions such as Waterloo and Uft aren’t known to inflate grades though is it much harder to get a higher gpa etc. so my point is for grad admissions is the institution rigour of any value when they make their decisions (along of other key factors ofc).

I’ve gotten into UofT Engsci, Waterloo Mech Eng, McMaster Eng free choice, and Western Eng. I am dead set on going into aerospace (yes I know that it is difficult without US citizenship) but I don’t know whether to go to UofT or Waterloo.

content:

UofT has more appealing courses but they are all in 3rd/4th year and idk if I want to learn stuff that I will most likely never use for the first two years.

Waterloo: less aerospace related courses, but I can take electives in 3rd and 4th year related to some aerospace topics

Clubs:

they both have rocketry and FSAE teams, but I have heard that UofT’s are more fleshed out/reputable

Co-ops

UofT has PEY co-op which ive heard is pretty hit or miss since it locks you into 16 months with a single employer, but from some other posts I’ve heard that the amount of aerospace co-ops/connections are relatively abundant compared to other unis

Waterloo has a notoriously good co-op but I’m worried that it is just focused on industry/silicon valley/ tech startup, not stuff like aerospace

Campus

I like the look of the UofT campus, but I feel like it would be a pain to get around. Plus, the cost of living would be very high

Waterloo’s campus looked really depressing when I visited, but it seems easy to get around because all the Eng buildings are near each other

Post-grad

UofT has UTIAS which I believe is easier to get into with an Engsci undergrad, since UTIAS profs teach lectures in engsci

If I go to Waterloo, I would hopefully be doing a masters in the US, but it would be difficult to apply because of the difficulty of maintaining a high GPA, plus I believe Waterloo has less opportunities for research projects compared to Engsci (correct me if I’m wrong)

Difficulty

I’ve seen and heard of how Engsci is notoriously difficult, with students usually needing to pull all-nighters and overall having very little social life, not that Waterloo is much better in that aspect, but I’ve heard that it is easier by a decent amount.

Sorry if this post was long-winded or if I’m making a big deal over nothing but the deadline is coming up fast and I’m stressing so much about where to go

TLDR UofT Engsci or Waterloo mech Eng for a job in aerospace

Title

I have been accepted to both McMaster Life Sciences and McGill Biological, Biomedical, and Life Sciences, and I’m torn between which program to choose for undergrad. My ultimate goal is medical school, so GPA is a very important factor in my decision. I’ve always wanted to go to McGill, and I’m really drawn to the environment there, especially the research-intensive nature of the program since I’m interested in specializing in neuroscience. I like that McGill is one of the most research-heavy universities in North America, with strong connections to major hospitals and institutes, and the ability to go into more defined streams like Neuroscience, Physiology, or Pharmacology.

At the same time, I’m starting to question whether it’s worth potentially sacrificing GPA when I could likely achieve a higher one at McMaster Life Sciences, which I’ve heard is more manageable and less intense in terms of grading. McMaster also seems more interdisciplinary and broad, which I’m slightly less interested in compared to McGill’s more specialized biology paths.

Both seem strong for research and med school preparation, so I’m stuck between choosing the school I’ve always wanted and the research environment I prefer vs what might be the more strategic option for GPA and med school. Any advice?

Hi everyone,

I’m asking on behalf of my younger brother, who is finishing first year Mechatronics Engineering at Ontario Tech. He originally chose Ontario Tech because he is very interested in cars/automotive engineering, and Ontario Tech seemed to have strong automotive-related facilities, industry connections, a hands-on feel, and more of a focus on mechatronics/automotive compared to some other schools.

Academically, he is doing well so far. He has around a 3.5 GPA after first year. The issue is more about fit and lifestyle. He is finding the commute and Oshawa environment pretty draining. He drives about an hour each way, and he feels like the campus/city environment is not very motivating for him socially or mentally.

We are now trying to compare three options:

1. Stay at Ontario Tech for Mechatronics
   • Pros: automotive/mechatronics focus, hands-on feel, facilities, possible industry ties
   • Cons: long commute, does not really like Oshawa, lifestyle/social environment feels draining
2. Transfer to York University for Mechanical or Mechatronics
   • Pros: much closer commute, easier daily life, could save a lot of time and energy
   • Cons: not sure if automotive/mechatronics opportunities are as strong as Ontario Tech
3. Transfer to TMU for Mechanical/Mechatronics
   • Pros: downtown environment, he likes Toronto more, potentially better student life/networking
   • Cons: commute would still be significant, and transfer credits may be an issue

For people in engineering, especially mechanical/mechatronics/automotive:

• How much does Ontario Tech’s automotive/mechatronics focus actually matter for co-op and future jobs?
• For Mechanical/Mechatronics students specifically, do York or TMU students realistically get similar co-op/interview opportunities in automotive, robotics, EV, manufacturing, or mechanical design compared to Ontario Tech students, or does Ontario Tech’s automotive focus make a noticeable difference?
• Is Mechanical Engineering better than Mechatronics if he is interested in automobiles?
• How risky is transferring after first year in terms of losing credits or delaying graduation?
• Would employers care much between Ontario Tech, York, and TMU?
• Is it smarter to stay where he is already doing well, or prioritize a better commute/environment?

We are just trying to figure out whether Ontario Tech’s automotive/mechatronics advantage is worth the commute and environment, or whether York/TMU could lead to a better overall experience and similar career outcomes.

Any advice from current students, grads, transfer students, or engineering co-op students would be appreciated.

Hi everyone, I recently received offers from McMaster and Western for accelerated nursing and I've been struggling to decide which one to go to. I'm trying to choose the program which would prepare me for the NCLEX and give me the best opportunity to get a higher gpa in. I will most likely have to work, therefore I'm trying to figure out which program is traditionally easier. I would have to move out anyways for either program so that's not really a factor tbh. If anyone can provide any insights on this I would truly appreciate it 🙏

I got an offer for tmu btm, however I did get charged a bit after my 18th birthday, I was just wondering if I should still go to university or if I should stick to trades since I don’t know if I can get a good job even with the degree, any advice appreciated.

https://preview.redd.it/rft3u5a0u62h1.png?width=459&format=png&auto=webp&s=e9bd871f45be442dfe0959d39587af64aba3960d

HELP!!!! I’m trying to decide between going to UofT for Civil Eng (PEY) or going to bWestern Eng and I genuinely can’t decide.

I first went to seneca college for computer programming and analysis and hated it. Barely passed some classes, didn't pass others. I thought that I needed to do something I cared about so I went into the greenhouse technician program with hopes of becoming a master grower in the cannabis industry. I completed both that and niagara colleges commercial cannabis program with high honors. I went into the workforce for the first time in my early twenties and was blindsided by the politics and low pay. I left a few months ago because everyone I looked at in the positions I wanted were visually unhappy. I left the industry with a bitter taste in my mouth. Now I have moved back in with my parents and need help choosing a new career. I think I'd like to make minimum 100k a year after 10 years max. I thought heavily about starting a business but don't have really enough money or any experience or ideas. Just bought into business YouTube for a period of time. It feels to me like every job that you can eventually retire in is oversaturated. How do I pick a degree when its common knowledge that very few people are being hired in any industry? People used to say learn to code (my mom still does) but i feel like everyone online says that theres no entry level jobs there anymore. I thought about being an electrician but i heard very few people are being hired there anymore either. I thought about psychology because im interested in the brain but am apprehensive and worried about empathy fatigue. I thought about nursing because people say its actually hiring but some people also say its oversaturated. Its so hard to predict what degrees are going to still be valuable by the time you actually get them. Any thoughts? I don't know much about engineering but would be open to it if theres money and hiring.

Hello everyone!

I'm not super active here on reddit but I've been having a crisis about my university decisions lately and wanted some feedback from hopefully people that have first hand experience or opinions!!

I am graduating next month, and I got into all of my university options: UofT St. G, UofG, Western, MacMaster, and Brock. I applied to humanities (but more specifically classics). I unfortunately had to rule out Western, Brock, and MacMaster because while my parents said its okay to do residency, we aren't super financially stable for that. That leaves me with UofT and UofG, but I am so stuck on choosing between the two.

I am about 40 minutes from UofG, so I would drive to campus for school. I toured the campus and didn't mind it, talked to the lady that runs my program and she was nice, but my program (classical and modern cultures) that I applied to just isn't exactly what I thought it would be since they didn't have classics and this was the next best alternative. Besides that downfall (which is a pretty big one since it has me doubting a lot lol), I dont mind Guelph, I've heard lots of good things about it.

As for UofT, I would drive to my nearest GO station and take a train to Union, and then take the TTC subway to the campus. This would obviously be a more demanding commute but I don't think it's something I couldn't handle. UofT did have the courses more closely related to what I wanted and the campus is pretty, but I am really worried about it being very academically demanding. I am a good student with good marks, but I don't know how much I could handle lol. I spoke to a friend that goes to UofT for history, so closely related to what I am doing, and she loves it but I feel like she is more academic than me (she also took AP classes unlike me).

Overall, I would say I am more drawn to UofT but at the same time I don't want to sacrifice my grades just because of that.

This dilemma is leaving me so stressed especially with the upcoming due date for acceptance!! I apologize if this was written poorly I tried to whip this up quickly haha, if anyone has ANYTHING at all they could say, I would greatly appreciate it, thank you :)

I cant decide between going to UTM life sci with a 10k scholarship first year and 3k scholarship yearly or going to Mac for life sci with a non renewable 3k scholarship.

I would have to live on res for Mac which would cost so much money, while on the other hand, UTM is nearby and I can commute easily and first year will be competely free. I want to go into dentistry possibly and have a high 90 average. Ive heard mac life sci is a lot easier to get good grades and have ecs, and that UTM is hard, but I have a high 90 average so I think I'll be able to get a good GPA with my study habits?? but I feel like I wont have time for ecs or things to make myself stand out for applications. im so torn because UTM would save so much money, but Ive worked so hard to get to go to a good program like Mac life sci. Anyone from UTM life sci possibly tell me how it is?

also the social life aspect at mac isnt a driving factor for me so im not considering "social life", which i know a lot of people do. I just want to be successful and happy, im sure I could make friends at either uni, but its about the future, will it be worth it to go to mac when its gonna cost like 20k more first year??

i feel bad for my parents and it's so hard trying to find a job and scholarships are so hard to get because they most times give it to someone who's more worser off (not in a bad way) in comparison to me. but nonetheless, it's still a lot of money and i feel bad. any tips?

Hi everyone! I am extremely lucky to say that I got accepted into both accelerated nursing programs at McMaster and Western. I have until the 22nd to decide which university to go to, but I’m not from Western or McMaster. I only know 1 friend at Western (not in nursing) and nobody from McMaster. Can anyone from either school give advice on their campuses, housing, nursing programs, and overall why the school is better? Thanks :)

Hi all, I am finishing up my final year of high school, in the fall I intend on heading into nuclear engineering, but I have some difficult decisions to make (good problems to have lol). Canadian Citizen

Currently I have been accepted to

University of Toronto for engineering science

McMaster Engineering (free choice) + 15-18K CAD scholarship (~1 years tuition and books etc) + 6K CAD in research experience funding

Any advice would be appreciated, the schools are equidistant for me, I can’t really decide between UofT and Mac, I know Mac has a research reactor 5MW, and guaranteed lab work in year 3 and 4 with it, but at the same time UofT Engsci is litteraly the best Eng program in the country they do have a nuclear specialty as a sub program, but idk…

EDIT: end goal would be to get CNSC licence to be a reactor operator…

My main goal is med school but just in case i end up not going i also want my undergrad to be able to be strong standing alone.

Ik western's harder, but prepares u well for MCAT. Apparently lots of people end up switching out though because of how difficult it is, im afraid i might be one of them.

Mac is overall prestigious but in terms of LS im not so sure if it's fit for med school cuz its much more general, like you learn about plants and stuff. I also heard that it's pretty tough second year. BUT you get coop, idk if the other 2 offer that.

I've heard mixed things from queens... some say it's the best for your gpa which is rly helpful for med school, while others r saying its rly tough.

And this is only thinking about if I actually want to commit to med school. Im not sure which uni would be strongest if I end up not even going to med school either...

Im planning on going into Nursing but I've been quite confused on the information given. I understand RPN and RN are different roles, RPN is given after doing 2 years in college, and can do a bridging program in a university for the BScN to get RN licensing.

My question is that while looking through programs in both university and college. There are some programs at TMU and waterloo for instance that are 4 year programs, and then UofT for instance is exclusively a 2 year bridging program.

I wanted to know what the main differences would be if I just went into a 4 year program in nursing at a university vs 2 years at college then 2 years bridging for a RN. Also wanted to know if in the 4 year program, the process of becoming a RPN is skipped considering your doing 4 straight years.

Got into both school and was wondering which one is better coop and academic wise. Guelph is roughly a 40 minute commute while western is 2+ hours and I would have to live on res all 4 years. Was wondering which would be more worth and better at the end of the day.

I am required to leave the university for 2 years due to a low GPA. Is it possible to do courses/school outside of my university? I don't know how the application works once I come back, but maybe I can use it as proof that I'm improving and learning during my leave?

McGill 100K Schulich scholarship, planning to major in Honours math. (Basically no co-op)

OR

Waterloo, planning to major in Honours Math. (Really good co-op)

I am planning to do a masters, maybe even pHD after undergrad and want to prepare myself for a very rigorous mathematics environment. Preferably I would like to do my pHD studies in the US/UK and I know a lot of good US universities know Waterloo for its exceptional mathematics program. Since Waterloo has a really good name I am more inclined towards it right now but I am not sure. Also the co-op program will be able to cover a lot of my undergrad tuition at least 50%.

Please help me choose or just give advice, after master or pHD i want to do quant finance or tech.

***And also what about if Im planning to do masters and go right into industry?***

I haven’t really decided what stream of eng I even want to do, was always set on computer or software but I’ve always wanted to do mechatronics but I heard the job market wasn’t too good

mac
- closer to home and friends
- best friend is going and rooming
- no free choice
- visited campus and liked it
- better co-op I think?

queens
- far from home and everyone
- direct entry mechatronics
- brother went to queens
- internship?
- better social life ive heard