I recently ran across a blog posting with suggestions for home-schooled applicants to Waterloo. Overall, it was quite informative and had good information, with one exception. That’s where it propagates the myth that Waterloo expects to be the applicant’s #1 choice, implying that if Waterloo is not #1 it will somehow insult us or affect the application. Continue reading
How Not to Apply to Waterloo Engineering
In recent weeks staff have come across a few applicants submitting fraudulent documents, like modified unofficial transcripts. I guess some people are desperate and willing to do anything for admission. Once detected, the consequences are serious however. They certainly won’t be admitted to Waterloo, now or ever. In some cases, this information may be circulated to other universities for them to take whatever action they think is appropriate.
Our staff seem to be quite good at detecting fraud. They have extensive training and various cross-checking systems that continue through the application process and even into the Fall when the new students are starting.
It seems unlikely, but it’s hard to know if maybe a very few still get through the screening process. But in the end, if they are really not academically qualified they will soon fail out of our program anyways. We would just prefer they not take up space that a more qualified applicant could have had, so we carry on with scrutinizing documents as best as we can.
Co-op Students and Stem Cell Research
There’s an interesting article about two Nanotechnology Engineering co-op students who spent a work term doing stem cell research, an area I don’t work in but like to follow when I get a chance. It’s all the more interesting, because they were working with a Professor at the University of California, Irvine campus. What a great place for an undergrad student to be!
At the risk of repeating myself many times in future posts, I’m frequently amazed and impressed by the opportunities that our students have, if they’re motivated and adventurous enough to take advantage of them (which many clearly are). And this is certainly not the first time I’ve seen co-op students spending a work term in research labs at other universities. The article sidebar also gives another example from Harvard/MIT. An odd situation in some ways, if you think about it.
Last minute decisions
Last Saturday we had our You@Waterloo Day, where applicants holding offers to Waterloo Engineering (and other programs) can visit, ask questions, and take tours. I met some very nice, bright young people and their families. Some have already accepted our offer and are just taking a look around to get prepared for September, clearly excited about the idea.
Others are still weighing their options, and it’s certainly a tough decision to make. Different programs to compare, different universities, different cities, pros and cons, etc. We usually try not to “convince” anyone to come to Waterloo, even though we obviously think it’s a great place. That’s a very personal decision, and we know Waterloo is not the best choice for everyone. If we can simply answer their questions as openly and completely as possible, that will give them the information they need to make the choice that is right for them.
Is it 2013 already?
Many of our newest students haven’t quite finished high school yet, but we’re already working on the Fall 2013 admissions. Brochures are going to print, events are being scheduled and international outreach activities are being planned.
I don’t forsee any significant changes in admission requirements, but competition for the limited number of spaces will likely continue to be strong.
A Professor in Waterloo Engineering 