Gr 11 Marks
Functions - 51%
Finance - 93%
International Business - 93%
Chemistry - 70%
Computer Science - 95%
English - 87%
World Religions - 95%
Accounting - 98%
Grade 12 Marks (Expected Averages)
Advanced Functions - 90%
Calculus - 90%
Computer Science - 95%
English - 87%
Advanced Accounting - 98%
Philosophy - 95%
That 51% in functions is very concerning. Which programs did you apply to?
I am looking to apply to both U of T’s and uWaterloo’s Computer Science Programs.
I was just wondering if there is still a chance for me. Some people say Universities take both Gr. 11 and Gr 12 marks, some say they only take top 6 Gr 12 marks and glance at Gr 11 marks for confirmation, some say that Gr 11 marks are for early acceptance only etc etc.
I just want some clarification. I understand all of my mistakes in Functions, I realise that the 51% in that course is a huge blow towards my academic reputation, but since then I have gone over all of my tests and mistakes, I really do understand the course inside and out now, and I believe I will be able to crack it in my Grade 12 year.
Will that mark hold me back?
Waterloo CS admissions says that they use individual selection. It really depends on what the committee is looking for or doesn’t like. If your AIF is excellent, it might get you in even if they look at the Functions mark. Your AIF probably matters a lot more than that grade. Waterloo CS is very competitive. The acceptance rate is around 10%.
U of T CS also gets a LOT of applications. AFAIK they admit purely on marks. Once they get your preliminary grade 12 marks, which should have happened within the past 2 weeks, your grade 11 marks shouldn’t matter. However, the rumour last year was that they admitted so many people based on grade 11 marks that they didn’t have much space for people they considered with grade 12 marks. Admission to U of T CS doesn’t guarantee admission to the CS major though. There is a secondary hurdle of getting high first year marks that students must clear in order to be admitted to the CS major or specialist. Fewer than 50% clear the hurdle. For this reason alone, I don’t recommend U of T CS.
If I repeat functions in summer school to bump my mark up to a 71%, in the eyes of admissions is tht really any better than a 51%?
For Waterloo CS mainly
Not really.
The admissions dean for engineering at Waterloo (I know it’s a completely different faculty), Bill Anderson, has a blog in which he explains what they look for when they make admissions decisions. Now, the faculty of math which houses CS, may do it somewhat differently than engineering, but the blog is helpful in understanding Canadian STEM admissions. Dr. Anderson says that if you retake a course, they deduct around 5% from your overall average, which means you’d have to get at least an 81% in a functions retake in order for it to make a difference. Because it’s a blog, CC won’t let me provide a link.
Did you explain your low functions mark on your AIF? You could always write one up, email admissions and nicely ask them to add it to your file.
I’m a Canadian student, and here’s what I know:
Your whole credit summary will be sent to all of these schools. That means all of your marks from grade 9-12. However, this is just meant to review and ensure that you have completed all of the graduation requirements to attend the school.
What really matters are your grade 12 marks. YOU get to choose your top 6. Grade 12 English + any course requirements for the program must be included in this, but the remaining spots can be filled in by your top marks, or most related courses. For Canadian schools, the average in your top 6 is what matters.
The marks that you send in when you apply will be your gr 12 semester 1 midterms. They will then receive your final marks for these courses before accepting you. They will understand if you haven’t completed certain courses in your top 6 yet, if they fall in the following semester.
The only time that they would consider your grade 11 marks is for early consideration.
That being said, there are rumours that Waterloo does look at your gr 11 marks, so be aware of that. Although I personally suspect that this may not be true.
Don’t bother redoing functions. It is clear that you understand its concepts from your Advanced functions mark. The AO should recognize this. However, writing a justification for the low mark and sending it to the AO wouldn’t hurt, as the above commenter stated.
I’m not sure if you’re a Canadian student, but if you are, isn’t this information given to you at school? If not, it really should be.
Based solely off your grade 12 marks, I think that your chances of being admitted is pretty average. There will definitely be applicants with better academics. Have you done any of the Waterloo math contests (and scored well)? This will look good on your application.
Unfortunately, most science programs in Canada don’t weigh extracurriculars as heavily, but your ECs would still be a good way to make your application stand out.
Good luck!