SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
McMaster University is located in Hamilton, and comprises 57 buildings, 122 programs, and over 21 500 students [1]. It was first established in the year 1887 and is split into six different academic facilities: Degroote School of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science [2] . They’re known as the McMaster Marauders with their mascot named “Mac the Marauder.” The institution is home to over 300 student organizations and clubs, however, they do not recognize any fraternities or sororities [2]. Their main academic policy is known as the “McMaster Model,” which focuses on a student-centred, problem-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning which has been used since the 1960s [2]. Only 3700 students live in twelve on-campus residences with a range of building sizes and dormitory styles [1]. Finally, McMaster University is a member of a group of research intensive Canadian universities known as the U15 [2].
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
McMaster University is located in Hamilton, and comprises 57 buildings, 122 programs, and over 21 500 students [1]. It was first established in the year 1887 and is split into six different academic facilities: Degroote School of Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science [2] . They’re known as the McMaster Marauders with their mascot named “Mac the Marauder.” The institution is home to over 300 student organizations and clubs, however, they do not recognize any fraternities or sororities [2]. Their main academic policy is known as the “McMaster Model,” which focuses on a student-centred, problem-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning which has been used since the 1960s [2]. Only 3700 students live in twelve on-campus residences with a range of building sizes and dormitory styles [1]. Finally, McMaster University is a member of a group of research intensive Canadian universities known as the U15 [2].
Check out McMaster's official socials...
RA
NK
IN
GS
#
72
72
IN THE WORLD
#
4
4
IN CANADA
According to the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Check out McMaster's official socials...
RA
NK
IN
GS
#
72
72
IN THE WORLD
#
4
4
IN CANADA
According to the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
1
Can you describe your program?
I am in the Engineering Science program at the University of Toronto. For those that are not aware, the Engineering Science program provides students with two years of foundational studies, which involve a holistic approach to engineering, science, and mathematics. In the last two years of the program, students can specialize in one of seven Majors, some of which include Aerospace Engineering, Machine Intelligence, and Biomedical Systems Engineering. This program is known to be quite academically demanding and
rigorous, as well as for having a stellar reputation for attracting some of the brightest students.
3
JUICY
QUESTIONS
For an Engineering Science Student at UofT
2
What is some advice you would give high school students when applying to your program?
One advice I would give is to reach out to as many students as possible of the different programs you are applying to. Getting first-hand insight into the courses, clubs, and other activities that take place at an institution
are imperative to determining if you will be an ideal fit in such an environment. The Engineering Science program, as much as students are attracted to its academic
rigour, is not a suitable or efficient learning environment for everyone. Part of the first-year experience involves analyzing your performance as a student and identifying instances where you may be struggling
to determine if the program is the right fit for you. Students in the Engineering Science program have the option to switch into Track One (after the Fall term) or the Core 8 (after the Fall term or completion of the first year). As a result, there is certainly no harm in giving it a shot.As for the application process, it is nothing special. Be sure to highlight your non-academic experiences and strengths as much as possible as they are indicative of your interests, skills, and
personality.
5
Why did you choose your program? What makes it unique to you?
I chose Engineering Science because of the initial two years of foundational studies. Coming out
of high school, I was in no position to make a decision on what field of engineering I would like to pursue
a career in. As far as I was aware, I loved solving problems and learning new things. The initial “general”
two years would introduce me to different fields of engineering, allowing me to identify the things I
enjoy the most.
How would you describe the workload and work-life balance?
The workload is definitely overwhelming. However, time can be found to participate in clubs
and/or hobbies. Once again, if you are commuting, more of your time spent during the day will be on
travelling. With residence, the commute to classes is usually of walking distance, saving you time that can then be used for other activities. Also, living on-campus makes it easier to attend any club meetings or workshops since a long commute is often discouraging when it comes to going to campus for non-academic purposes.
4
What do you think is special about the UofT campus life?
There is a lot of support for students (contrary to popular belief). For Engineering Science, the professors are great and keen on providing as much academic aid to the students as possible. There are a variety of much needed clubs as well, along with student support (in the form of counselling and
workshops throughout the year).
6
How would you describe residence? Would you recommend someone live on-campus?
I did not live on residence for cost-saving purposes. I was able to commute as I lived fairly close
to the St. George campus. Some of my friends did live in residence. They described residence as a
necessary experience as it is easy to make friends and collaborate with peers. There are a lot of group projects during the year. Living in residence is definitely an advantage as some of your peers will be in close proximity. Nonetheless, there are a lot of commuters as well.
A very special thank you to our interviewee...
RUSAN SHARMA
Hi, my name is Rusan Sharma and I am a student in the Engineering Science program at the University of Toronto. I love to read and enjoy spending as much time outdoors as I possibly can. I am always open to any questions from students looking to know more about the Engineering Science program, the University of Toronto, the application process, or university in general! Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn.