Which are usually the most difficult to get into and exactly how competitive are they?

Also, how are grades measured? You guys always post numbers but I don't know what they mean. How do those "numbers" compare to percentage grades?

Thanks

Which faculty?

Originally Posted by mike_302

Which faculty?

His profile says he's in Arts & Sciences.

Anyone in ArtSci that can help?

Originally Posted by mike_302

Which faculty?

his post actually asks about engineering programs.

Depends on exactly which one. I hear something like Civil is more difficult than Computer, so check with the Eng Faculty.

Required grade to get into the different streams change each year based on demand but from what I've seen, Mechanical and Civil(Structural) are usually 1,2 in marks needed to get in.

As for the numbers, Mac uses and 12-point gpa scale which can be seen here http://careers.mcmaster.ca/students/...nversion-chart

Getting in is calculated on a points system. (Mark * # of units) / sum of all units.

Programs entrance vary year to year. Last year most people got in with 4 into what they wanted.

Originally Posted by SciMania

his post actually asks about engineering programs.

Good call.

In which case, I suggest you (DDBB) check the recent history. The "numbers" are based on your cumulative average.
(Check the "similar threads" links shown above your post in this thread)

Say you get

Term 1
1aa4: 0
1ab3: 5
1ac3: 6
1ba3: 12
1ba5: 12
1zz1: 4
4ty4: 3

Your C.A. would be:
[ (4 x 0) + (3 x 5) + (3 x 6) + (3 x 12) + (5 x 12) + (1 x 4) + (4 x 3) ] / SUM(credits)

Originally Posted by DD88

Also, how are grades measured? You guys always post numbers but I don't know what they mean. How do those "numbers" compare to percentage grades?

The numbers are the grades you get. You don't get percentages.

Like the others above have said, it varies from year to year based on demand. One year there may be a huge demand to get into civil another year alot of students may want to get into mechatronics lol. imo if you got an 8 average then you should have a very very good chance in getting into your first choice.

Originally Posted by DD88

Which are usually the most difficult to get into and exactly how competitive are they?

Also, how are grades measured? You guys always post numbers but I don't know what they mean. How do those "numbers" compare to percentage grades?

Thanks

I'm fairly certain that the guidance people in BSB can tell you, I know they told me what the cut-offs were for the Bio specializations so it might be on their database.

Originally Posted by DD88

Which are usually the most difficult to get into and exactly how competitive are they?

Also, how are grades measured? You guys always post numbers but I don't know what they mean. How do those "numbers" compare to percentage grades?

Thanks

You should be good to get into any program+ society/management with a CA of 7-8. I've never actually heard of anyone NOT getting into their first choice of program.

Originally Posted by Geek

You should be good to get into any program+ society/management with a CA of 7-8. I've never actually heard of anyone NOT getting into their first choice of program.

Really? So like this isn't something to worry about then?

I'd be entering from highschool with an 82-83% average which is just above the cutoff for engineering. So I'm guessing that I'll be near the "bottom" in terms of grades compared to the rest of the engineering students at the end of first year.

Currently, I'd say I'm most interested in Civil.

Originally Posted by DD88

Really? So like this isn't something to worry about then?

I'd be entering from highschool with an 82-83% average which is just above the cutoff for engineering. So I'm guessing that I'll be near the "bottom" in terms of grades compared to the rest of the engineering students at the end of first year.

Currently, I'd say I'm most interested in Civil.

High School grades only go so far.

What really matters is how much effort you put in in first year (unless you are a foreign student who did all of this material 5 years ago)
If you come out of high school with mediocre grades, I suggest you convince yourself to work hard first year. There is a LOT to do at Mac, and in first year you might try to do a bit of everything, I suggest you focus on just getting decent marks first, then let the other stuff fit in. My first year I was actually involved in EVERYTHING. Almost got kicked out of engineering. Got scared enough to actually work hard, brought my CA up almost 2 grade points (3.9 -> 5.6) in second year.
My point is, if you want something like civil, don't stress now, but work hard during the year, spend some time learning good study habits if you don't already have them.

To return to my comment on foreign students... because much of the material is just review, I see a lot of the smart kids coast through first year. If you don't work to build a study habit in first year, there is a good chance 2nd year will kill you.

every time a section of a unit is finished in class, do some questions in the textbook on it until you understand what is going on. make sure you know it. once midterms come, they dont stop! they just keep coming! by going over each unit and section as they come in class, studying for the midterms will be much easier and you will not get burned by the first chem test.