I'll be going into second year next year and am currently off campus. I am considering going into res next year. However, I would like to be in Mary Keyes or Bates since they are apartment style. What is the likelyhood of a Second year getting into either of these?

I'd say you are more likely to get into Keyes or Bates (considering you rate them the highest) than a double room at a traditional rez, let's say, since they have the highest concentration of upper years on campus. Even if you don't, upper years usually get a single room.

To get a guaranteed place in residence next year you have to be on the Deans Honour List. Even with this you'll be placed in a lottery and you might not get your preferences. Keyes and Bates are in really high demand among everyone applying to rez so it's hard to get in.

If you're not on the Honour list you'll placed in the lottery and may get put on a waiting list.

Apply anyway and find out

I'm just guessing but most upper years stay off campus and since 20% of places are reserved for upper years the likelihood of getting into residence isn't that bad. I got in this year and I'm in second year. Whether you get into Bates or Keyes remains to be seen but you should get a single room regardless. I have a single room in Whidden and it's nice and pretty large for one person, I like it. Residence is so convinient, I'm glad I applied for another year.

I heard that getting a high average (like 11+) can guarantee you a spot in Keyes. Even though officially room assignments are on a lottery system.

I think that's because it's not pure lottery. First, everyone is ranked by seniority and then grades in descending order (i.e. people with 12 averages get top pick and then 11.9, 11.8...etc.), and then I guess there is some sort of lottery between people of the same average maybe? And that's why people with higher averages are more likely to get into Keyes, which is a popular pick.

Citation:
"I'm a returning resident and didn't get the room I asked for. Why not?

The room was probably assigned to a student who was higher on the priority list for room assignments. Student staff and IRC Reps are assigned rooms first, then student on the Dean's Honour's List according to year and academic average, and then students by lottery number."

http://housing.mcmaster.ca/Residence..._FAQ.html#16_1

Keyes & Bates are very popular amongst upper years, so I would also say you are less likely to get in, and much more likely to get a single room.

Hmmmm....Thanks for your help everyone. I think I'd be ok with a single room if need be.

When I toured the university last May the only residence I looked at was Wallingford, so I didn't see any of the newer ones. Will I have a chance to tour them before choosing my residence?

You can sign-up for a tour through the student liaison office at any point throughout the year. I'd check out their website for more information. They will take you on a tour and you'll get to see one of the residences..
There are open house days where all of Mac is open up for tours. There is May @ MAC where you take a self-guided tour and all of the residences are all open for tours as well as lecture halls, etc. Thre are also a lot of other events and informational booths set up.
There is another day similar to this in August called Welcome Day.

Has anyone been on rez for 4 years of their undergrad at Mac? And is that even possible? (That is, considering that money isn't a problem. Let's assume that.)

I know a few people who have..

Originally Posted by mumbojumbo

Has anyone been on rez for 4 years of their undergrad at Mac? And is that even possible? (That is, considering that money isn't a problem. Let's assume that.)

It is possible. I know a bunch of people who have.

I do as well. They did it for convenience.

I however think they're nuts...there are too many rules in res I don't agree with. And having some dietary issues...I hate the meal plan.

Well I've decided to apply to residence, but I'm still debating which one. Ive read the articles on here about the Pros and Cons of each as well as 'How to Choose a Residence', but I'm still having trouble.

The problem for me is, I'm very shy in person and find it hard to put myself out there and meet people. So I want a residence with a layout that gives me the opportunity to meet people in more natural ways. That's why I thought Bates would be the best because it has apartments with a small number of people in each. However, in light of the new prices it's now too expensive. Any suggestions?

I would probably recommend applying to a traditional residence if you're looking to meet more people. They don't have a 'two-door barrier that bates or keyes has (ie door to apartment + door to room).