Canadian 08ers! Howdy!

<p>becksy2002, don't worry, you're not the only one.</p>

<p>Stressful as you may be, you are gonna miss some of these memorable "stressful days" once you actually get in. After I had been accepted, I felt quite empty and unfocused, as if I had just lost my sense of direction, and I was always asking myself, "where should I set my goal next?" Trust me, it's a very peculiar feeling. </p>

<p>As for the admissions process, I'm sure you guys have already done lots of research after all this hysteria on CC. Just to sum it up, there are several things that are of vital importance (you've probably heard of them a million times already, but I still want to place some special emphasis on them): </p>

<ol>
<li>Difficulty of your current and past course load in comparison with your peers</li>
<li>High School GPA from grade 11 and first semester/term of grade 12</li>
<li>Class rank</li>
<li><p>SAT </p></li>
<li><p>Commitment/effort/time you've placed into your EC activities</p></li>
<li><p>Meaningful accomplishments that've resulted from your ECs</p></li>
<li><p>Any special achievements</p></li>
<li><p>Essays (very important, and could potentially influence the final outcome)</p></li>
<li><p>Also include an "activities sheet" that includes a brief description of various kinds of special achievements and outside activities you've done. Organize them in a neat, fun-easy-to-read format, be casual, and do not exceed 2 pages (sort of like a resume that show cases your ECs and personal interests)</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks <a href="mailto:JIMMY@KILLARNEY">JIMMY@KILLARNEY</a>. I'm still skeptical as to whether or not to include an activity sheet... it seems like most of that info has already been stated elsewhere in the application.</p>

<p>And a question: anyone been to Shad Valley?</p>

<p>Honestly, there's no way one can possibly squeeze years of EC experience into the 8 tiny rows they usually provide on the common application. There, I highly recommend an activities sheet, simply to give a more detailed (but brief) description of any principal activities you've done.</p>

<p>Hmm yes I think I should do that... thank you.
So I can just pick the activities I want to elaborate one and explain them in more detail? Should I also include summer activites, since some schools don't have that on their supplement? And is it ok if some of the information overlaps other parts of the application, such as the EC's or the academic honors?</p>

<p>I'm including an activity sheet just outlining my responsibilities and achievements with each role. Many of the organizations are local groups or specific to my school so they require further explanation.</p>

<p>That was great information. Thanks Jimmy.
I'm planning on including an activity sheet, but I dont really know how to format it? Is there a specific way?</p>

<p>And...
you placed the SATs in 4th place in the ranking of importance? Are they not as important to admission officers? (in comparison to applicants applying from US high schools)</p>

<p>Bump... Can anyone answer becksy2002's questions?</p>

<p>Hi everyone! I'm from BC, Canada, and am planning on applying to a few American schools. So far my plan is: American: MIT, Harvard, Stanford; Canadian: UBC, UofT, McMaster, Waterloo.</p>

<p>MIT is easily my #1 choice if I'm fortunate enough to get accepted.</p>

<p>I have to agree that the American application process is much more stressful and complex than the Canadian process appears to be.</p>

<p>Also, I'm planning on majoring in Mechanical Engineering.</p>

<p>Umm, for becksy's question on the SAT, I think different schools view the importance of SAT differently. For example, I know that Cornell really doesn't care about the SAT score, at least for internationals because we are not used to the American testing system, but for Penn, they love high GPA and SATs to boost up their rankings and such. So it really depends on the school.</p>

<p>Do Canadian applicants need to fill out the International Supplement to the Common App??</p>

<p>If you are Canadian you are not required to fill it out. You still could if you wanted to though.</p>

<p>Ok thanks!</p>

<p>I'm an 08'er. I'm soo nervous! Being a homeschooled international who is applying to some top schools , I feel as though my chances are slim. </p>

<p>I've gotten a lot of those comments menuetto. It's always "why do you want to go to the states for? we have world class universities!"</p>

<p>How's everyone doing?</p>

<p>Yeah I know!! I get those comments too. Especially my parents... they don't really support me applying to the States. I'm glad most of my friends and teachers are rooting for me though!</p>

<p>ya....i get those comments a lot</p>

<p>my guidance counsellor was like--
U of T is ivy! it's also cheap! it's better than ivy! better!...........@_@</p>

<p>my god...lol ....</p>

<p>i doubt she even wants to fill out my GC forms for US unis@_@</p>

<p>Yeah counsellors are a joke.</p>

<p>I'm glad mine's somewhat supportive... she did help last year's valedictorian get into Cornell.</p>

<p>I like my counselor...</p>

<p>Oh, I have a question for BCers.
If I'm applying to schools in the states, do I need to write provincial exams?
I know that they are optional and everything, but from what I heard, provincial exam marks are only used for BC universities (UBC, SFU etc.) for admission evaluation, but not for OOP universities like McGill and UofT.
I've also heard that the universities in the states will revoke my application if I have unwritten provincial exams. Sooo can anyone answer this questiiion :D</p>