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...
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#
72
72
IN THE WORLD
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4
4
IN CANADA
According to the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Check out McMaster's official socials...
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72
72
IN THE WORLD
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4
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IN CANADA
According to the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
WESTERN UNIVERSITY
The University of Western Ontario, or Western University, fits its name, and is located in Western Ontario, more specifically in the city of London, and was established in 1878 [1]. This installation currently holds 25,000 students, contains 132 programs [1], and is divided into 12 faculties, some being the Faculty of Information & Media Studies, the Faculty of Law, and the Faculty of Science [2]. Western has an extensive list of Mens, and Womens sports that range from curling, to swimming, to volleyball, and are led by their mascot, JW the Mustang [1]. Some notable alumni are Roberta Bondar, first female Canadian in space, and Kevin O’Leary, President of ‘The Learning Company’, and television personality [2]. Western teaches students from over 100 countries [1]. Finally, Western University is a member of a group of research intensive Canadian universities known as the U15 [2].
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According to the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
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201
201
IN THE WORLD
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10
10
IN CANADA
For more information, check out the official Western links below...
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For an Ivey Business Student at Western...
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What's one misconception about Western?
The biggest misconception about Western is its status as a party school. While this belief isn’t entirely unjustified, it paints a one-dimensional portrait of the school. Western is one of the top research schools in the country, a destination for international students from around the world, home to fantastic professional schools like Medicine and Law, a beautiful campus, student support, and so much more. Western consistently flaunts its motto of “the best student experience.” While this is sometimes hyperbolic, it finds solid foundations.
How would you describe your first year at Western?
My first year at Western, which feels like both yesterday and years ago, was fantastic. I was placed in Delaware Hall, one of Western’s three traditional-style residences, where I met hundreds of amazing individuals, some of whom are my closest friends today. The student experience was supported by the Orientation Week Team, the University Student Council, Sophs (a uniquely Western experience), and all the other frosh. Community is found in different places – floor, residence, faculty, clubs, and classes to create one of the best student experiences in Canada. Academically, Western has many
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Why did you choose your program? What makes it unique to you?
I chose to pursue Ivey at Western University because of its case method curriculum, international regard, and proximity to home. The HBA program at Ivey is unique because it takes place in the third and fourth year of study, allowing students of all educational backgrounds to contribute their unique perspectives. This diversity of thought is one of Ivey’s many advantages. I started at Western in the general business
program in the Faculty of Social Science. I chose this because I had developed an appeal to business and economics but wanted to stay away from the more theoretical and research-based side of the latter. The Ivey School of Business offers an Advanced Entry Opportunity to high school graduates attending Western. This Opportunity allows for a streamlined route into the business school over other applications. This status allows students at Western to know the entry conditions to the business school, regardless of their prior program.
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What is some advice you would give high school students when applying to your program?
Pursue an undergraduate degree that interests and motivates you. Whether you have a passion for sports medicine or software engineering, Ivey’s HBA program allows students to select a five-year dual-degree option. With this, students can graduate Western with their HBA and another bachelor’s degree – making them extremely competitive in today’s workforce.
Ivey also offers streamlined routes to adding a law degree or a master's in business. While the prospect of a postgraduate degree, let alone an undergraduate degree, may seem far out for many high school students it is important to stay flexible and keep your options open. Your interests will change – and that’s a good thing.
How would you describe the workload and work-life balance?
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The workload and work-life balance at Western and Ivey varies. The workload will be high if you spend all day working and it will be low if you shun your work. The important aspect is the balance. Western and most other Canadian universities have tremendous student support systems – both formal and informal. Countless departments and people are dedicated to the student experience in all ways: academic, social, mental, and physical. Friends and faculty can provide immense support as well. To sum it up, the students at Western as a whole recognize the importance of community.
professors who have received awards and distinction. They are always willing to talk to new students after-lecture, at office hours, or if you happen to catch them around campus.
I became involved at my residence, joining the Resident’s Council and becoming the Floor Representative for my residence floor. Both were unique experiences I will not be quick to forget.
QUESTIONS
JUICY
A very special thank you to our interviewee...
HENRY McMANN
Third-year Ivey Business Student
Hello! I am a third-year student at the Ivey School of Business at Western University. I am interested in capital markets, political sciences, and so much more. At Western, I am one of the executive members on the Triathlon Club and an Off-Campus Advisor with the Western Housing team.
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For another Ivey Business Student at Western...
Can you briefly explain the difference between BMOS & Ivey for those who don't know?
The biggest difference I would say is the teaching style. BMOS is Western University’s business program, whereas Ivey is separate from Western. BMOS starts in first year and teaches through
lecture-style learning. Ivey starts in the third year and teaches through a case study method. You can be in BMOS for the first two years and apply for Ivey in the third year if you wish to study business before Ivey as well.
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Why did you choose your program? What makes it unique to you?
I chose Ivey for two main reasons. First, the opportunity to explore other programs for the first two years; this provides you with the opportunity to learn more about the passions you have
outside of business that you are interested in, which I find is very unique to Ivey. Secondly, the case study method. This I believe is truly unique to Ivey. The case
method allows you to learn how the topics you are learning applies to real-life business scenarios. It also allows for discussions within your class, which is something I knew I wanted in my learning environment.
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What is some advice you would give high school students when applying to your program?
Don’t stress. There is no “right extracurricular” that Ivey is looking for. They are looking for well-rounded students, who contribute to their community and are good leaders. Be involved in your community as much as you can in an activity you enjoy, reach out to people to learn more
about the application process, and be yourself in your application.
What was your favorite elective in the first year?
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I, unfortunately, cannot answer this question as during my first year I took all mandatory science courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus) and chose Psychology as an elective.
However, Psychology was a prerequisite for a potential upper year program I was interested in, and thus I didn’t really have an elective course. However, my friends have recommended BUS1220 if you are interested in Ivey as it better reflects Ivey and its teaching style is taught in a
case study method style.
QUESTIONS
JUICY
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What do you think is special about UWO's student life?
I think it has a perfect balance between social and academics. I found that a lot of other universities solely focus on academics while Western tries to provide experiences that
allows you to further both your academics and social life. The first week of first year at Western is called O-Week (orientation week). The overall goal of O-week is to make students feel a sense of belonging and feel as though you have a community in this new environment. I think that says a lot about Western’s effort to make student life special.
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For a BMOS Student at Western...
Is there a supplementary application for your program? If yes, can you briefly explain what the supp. app entails & any advice for those who don't know?
When I applied there wasn’t a supplementary application for BMOS, however, the program is a popular choice for people pursuing Ivey. Keeping that in mind, it’s important to complete the Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) application which emphasizes exhibiting the Ivey values. One important thing to note about entering Ivey through BMOS is that you won’t be able to do a dual degree because there isn’t an option to do an HBA dual degree with BMOS.
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Why did you choose your program? What makes it unique to you?
Back in high school, I felt unsure about what specific career path interested me. I figured that I had a general interest in business but didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do within the business field. As a result, I decided to pursue BMOS and I found that if you have the slightest interest in business, BMOS would be a great program to consider. The program is designed to give you a basic understanding of business concepts and the program will help ease you into finding your niche interest within the business field. Essentially, you’ll learn more general stuff in the beginning and then transition to a specialization after the first-year (finance, accounting, consumer behaviour, etc.). Besides, it also acts as a good transition to Ivey after second-year (if you don’t want to complete a dual degree), so it keeps a lot of options open! For me personally, I decided to pursue my CPA designation and BMOS has made that process very easy through the accounting specialization stream, where all the mandatory CPA courses are clearly listed!
Finally, what's the workload and work-life balance like in BMOS?
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The workload and work-life balance in BMOS changes from year-to-year and also differs between MOS program streams (accounting, finance, consumer behaviour, aviation,etc.). In general, the course load in the first two years of the program allows you to explore your interests through electives. Afterwards in third and fourth year, there’s an emphasis on compulsory courses required by the module. As a result, the work-life balance tends to be better in first and second year -- allowing you to get involved on campus and pursue extracurriculars. However, in general, when comparing MOS to other programs -- the course load is a lot more manageable and because of this, I think MOS gives you a great opportunity to work on other aspects (like recruiting, developing social connections, school clubs, etc.) of university life aside from just school work!
QUESTIONS
JUICY
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What do you think is special about UWO's student life?
Before experiencing university, I always thought that university/campus life was very daunting. The idea of change and being unsure of fitting-in was uneasy, however, UWO’s community is exceptional at offering different opportunities to build connections with different groups of people. I feel like I grew a lot as an individual because of my experiences at multiple clubs and I honestly believe that you’ll enjoy your experience at university so much more if you become involved. What makes it even better is that if you are someone who wants to get involved, the UWO community will happily ensure that you’re able to do so. Furthermore, there’s such a wide variety of people at UWO and a plethora of school clubs that will connect you with people who have the same interests, which will ultimately help you
transition comfortably to university life. As someone who was once in your shoes and had a lot of fears coming into university, I want you to know that UWO’s campus life should not be something you should fear, as it has since turned into an aspect that I’ll always be thankful for and will cherish for the rest of my life.
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What is some advice you would give high school students when applying to your program?
Back when I applied, there was a lot of emphasis on maintaining the competitive average required by Western on their admissions page. There’s less of an emphasis on extracurriculars for BMOS in particular, but of course, they are nice to have. In terms of my stats, I had an average of 91% coming into university and my extracurriculars mainly revolved around sports, DECA, and tutoring.
A very special thank you to our interviewee...
JASON XIE
Fourth-year BMOS Student
Hello! I am a third-year student at the Ivey School of Business at Western University. I am interested in capital markets, political sciences, and so much more. At Western, I am one of the executive members on the Triathlon Club and an Off-Campus Advisor with the Western Housing team.
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For a Health Sciences Student at Western...
Are there many research opportunities? And does Western Health Sci prepare you well for post-graduate studies?
Yes! Just as there is at all universities western does have research programs! You just have to search for them by emailing profs & so on! I’m still in first year but I have heard from many successful upper years that western provided them with all the resources needed to be successfully post grad.
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Why did you choose your program? What makes it unique to you?
I chose western Health science because I loved how it was such a flexible program- there are 5 modules to chose from! This program focuses on health and wellness through interdisciplinary education and analysis of these concepts in current society. There are focuses on health promotion and the social contexts of health among the population, making for very thought-provoking content. I loved how this program focuses not only on the medical processes of the human body but also the social aspect of health care, which I found to be very interesting.
What was your favourite elective in first year?
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I’m currently in first year of health sciences & working towards a health sci with bio degree, because of this we only get a 1.0 elective. I chose math 1229 & woman studies 1020g. This semester I only had math and I’m so far really enjoying it. It’s a very simple math course and the content is very easy to learn/self-teach. The quizzes are easy to good in if you complete all the homework!
QUESTIONS
JUICY
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What do you think is special about UWO's student life?
Unfortunately, this year I am not staying on campus since everything’s online. However, I have heard from my friends that are staying there that it is a very friendly place, it’s easy to make friends and everyone is always very supportive of each other.
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What is some advice you would give high school students when applying to your program?
Put all your effort into your pre-reqs and make sure to chose simple elective courses in high school! You need at least an 88 to get admitted. I also wanted to say that for science, western sends out offers pretty late, so don’t be bummed out if it’s April and your offer still isn’t here. Mine came early June!
A very special thank you to our interviewee...
PRIYANKA ROHRA
First-year Health Sci Student
Hello my name is Priyanka Rohra. I am a first year Western Health sciences with biology student. I have dreamt of going to western university ever since the 10th grade and I was ecstatic when I finally got my acceptance. In my future I’d like to become a pediatric surgeon & hopefully work at the Sick Kids hospital in Toronto. Helping others has always been my passion, which is why I chose this field & exactly why I am doing this interview! I hope you all find my interview helpful & please feel free to dm me on Instagram if you have any questions! @priyankaa.r
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For a Biology Student at Western...
What do you think is special about the Western campus life?
I would say the friendliness at Westerns campus is an advantage. Everyone is really friendly and are respectable to each other. They have libraries spaces that can be utilized as great study spots. The university community center is a great place to hold study groups, or meet up with friends and chill, sometimes between classes. A lot of club meets are held there, and there a lot of pop stores that come and go throughout the year, for example like the poster sale. The university community center also has a lot of great restaurants with many options for food.
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Why did you choose your program? What makes it unique to you?
In grade 12, I had chosen to go into the Kinesiology program at Western. It was a nice experience but after my first year I realized that it wasn’t the right program for me. I actually wasn’t sure what I really wanted to do at that point because I thought I had a clear-cut path that I wanted to follow. Instead, I took my second year being undeclared and figuring out what was the program that I fit into. Now I am a third year in Biology, I really liked the program for the leniency. It provides you many areas and path that you can take and a variety of different career options.
How would you describe the workload and work-life balance in your program?
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I would say the workload is a lot more in high school. Sometimes it’s hard to balance the work-life in your program, especially during exam season. Personally, I’ve spent most of years studying in my room or the library. I would say my program is very time consuming because you do have a lot of things to learn. Since I spend most of my time studying, I’ve really only had a couple of fun experience. I do however want to mention that the balance between work and life is completely dependent on the individual and their way of learning. I know a couple of my friends that spend most of their time having fun, and only a couple of hours of study and are able to achieve great grades. On the other hand, I know some that do the complete opposite. So the work-life balance mostly depends on the type of learner you are.
QUESTIONS
JUICY
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What advice do you have for high school students applying to your program? (this can include advice on extracurriculars, grades or any supp. apps)
My advice is it’s ok to fail. It might sound cheesy, it really is actually, but failing actually opens doors for you to rethink and strategize new ways and path to reaching your goal. It also helps to perfect individual development skills. Another thing, I would say is focus on learning rather than memorizing and grades. Don’t get me wrong grades are important, but post-secondary gives you the chance to perfect learning and adapting skills, and everything you get better at those skills the grades follow.
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What was your favourite elective in first year?
My first year comprised of science course and kinesiology courses, which only left 1.0 for electives. My elective in first year was psychology 1000. Although I can’t say it was my favorite. It was a great experience but psychology was just one of those courses that I truly did not enjoy as much. It did have great topics that you could explore and provides tons of fields within psychology. The professor was really nice and lenient which was a plus, but I found the content itself not very engaging or enjoyable. Also, I want to mention that psychology is a time-consuming course since you have a lot of readings to do. My one advice would be to listen to yourself and choose courses that work for you and your strength. You know yourself better than anyone else.
A very special thank you to our interviewee...
LESLIN MATHEW
Third-year biology student at Western
Hi, my name is Leslin, and I am a third year biology student at western university. Hearing experience from other student in your programs of interest is a great stepping stone to immersing yourself into the campus life and and program. If you have any questions about western please feel free to contact me on my Social medias.