I recently went to my local university night and the mcmaster rep said that first year residence is not guaranteed and you have to have a certain average, could somebody explain what chance i have of getting into residence?

Residence is not guaranteed to all first year students.

Those accepted to McMaster who meet the Residence Admissions cut-off average (82%* for the 2012-2013 Academic Year) are guaranteed a residence space provided they meet the application and deposit deadlines.
* The cut-off average is subject to change for future Academic Years


First year students who do not receive a guarantee are welcome to apply to the waiting list, and are not required to make a deposit until contacted and instructed to do so.

Non-guaranteed students applying to residence before the application deadline will be placed on the waiting list in descending order based on admission average. Applications received after the deadline will be ordered on the waiting list according to date and time the application is received.

What are the chances of getting an offer for residence? This is difficult to predict as an offer can only be made when spaces becomes available. There is no way to determine the timing of cancellations/withdrawals.

alright thanks!!

The average isn't that high, most programs have admissions cutoffs well above this. Regardless, if you meet the minimum average, you are guaranteed residence and you don't need to worry about what your "chance" is. If you have below the minimum average and you apply on time, as was said above you're put on the waiting list based on your average...so it's not really a "chance", it depends what your average is. if the cutoff is 82 and you have 81.9, you will probably get a spot. if you have 77, I'd make other arrangements.

Just do night school, summer school or pay for your marks from a private school like everyone else seems to fucking do.