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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NK
IN
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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...
RA
NK
IN
GS
#
72
72
IN THE WORLD
#
4
4
IN CANADA
According to the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
For an incoming UW AFM Student...
2
What advice do you have for high school students applying to your program?
The application process for AFM consists of submitting your Top 6 average, the Admissions Information Form (AIF) as well as the AFM Admissions Assessment (AFMAA). The AFMAA includes the online interview and
trait assessment. I would recommend using the time after first semester exams in grade 12 to submit all the supplementary applications before the early offer of admission deadline. The interview questions are uploaded to the university website ahead of time for you to practice their answers. I would recommend listing down the key points to your answers ahead of time in order to make sure that the length of the answers are within the time limit. I
would not recommend writing your entire answers down in paragraphs because then you might not sound natural in the interview. It is not possible to prepare for the trait assessment as it is about how you would behave in certain situations. The AIF includes sections to list your extracurriculars and awards in high school so make sure to be engaged in your community and dedicate your time to causes you are passionate about. Your experiences do not have to be related to the business field. It is these experiences that will make you stand out in front of other applicants.
1
Why did you choose your program? What makes it unique to you?
Through various exposures and experiences in high school, I became interested in the business field, in particular accounting and finance. The unique aspect of the Accounting and Financial Management Program at University of Waterloo is that it focuses on honing students in their finance and accounting capabilities while branching out to other areas of business as well. The AFM program also enables students to develop
solutions to real-world business issues through case-based studies which I found very valuable. University of Waterloo’s co-op program is very reputable and has various opportunities for their students to obtain valuable experience in the business industry. It interests me as it provides opportunities for students to build strong connections with potential employers. I also plan to work towards a CPA certification in the future. AFM will provide me with the foundation and experiences for it. It will be the direct and easier route to help me obtain my CPA designation.
JUICY
QUESTIONS
A very special thank you to our interviewee...
IRENE HU
Hi! My name is Irene Hu and I am an incoming first year Accounting and Financial Management student at University of Waterloo. I enjoy volunteering at community events, working with student-run organizations and going on road trips across Canada! Feel free to connect with me if you have any questions
1
Why did you choose your program? What makes it unique to you?
I chose Waterloo’s Accounting and Financial Management program for many reasons. The major reason is, I decided I wanted to pursue a CPA (Chartered Professional Accounting) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation after I finished undergrad and Waterloo’s AFM program could get me there faster. The program has a co-op
component which provides real job experience. The school also offers a Master of Accounting program that I could do after I finish my undergrad and it would allow me to skip many major CPA exams and just complete one final CFE exam.
For another UW AFM Student...
MORE JUICY
QUESTIONS
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What do you think is special about Waterloo's campus life?
There are a lot of people that have come from all over to Waterloo. Since Waterloo is not a commuter school, there is always something going on and campus never feels empty. There are tons and tons of clubs so there is
something for everyone. Laurier University is also nearby and many students take classes at both universities and form large clubs.
How would you describe residence? Would you recommend someone live on-campus? If so, what advice do you have for them?
Living on residence is a great way to ease into the university student life. Everything is close by, so you will not have to worry about catching buses every
morning. If you choose to stay in the dorm style residence, you will have a meal plan. There are tons of options to cater to your diet, and you won’t have to spend time cooking meals. Also, I personally found it convenient to be able to meet up with friends and peers in just a few minutes and study together for tests and exams.
2
What advice do you have for high school students applying to your program?
When applying to the program I was worried because I was unable to take grade 12 accounting and I was going into an accounting program. In first year though everyone had to take an intro to accounting course and I did well. So, if you want to go into this program but have not taken accounting before, do not worry! Also, when doing the interview and filling out the AIF form don’t just talk about business and accounting, they want to get to know you more.
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How would you describe the workload and work-life balance?
Work life balance varies from person to person. However, for my program I would say that the majority of first year students were able to manage the workload and still have fun. Our instructors say that for every hour spent in class you will probably spend two hours outside of class if you wish to do well. With that said you will probably spend around 40-45 hours working. That is about as much as a full-time job so I would say that is reasonable. Imagine working a 9-5 and then the rest of the day is your time.