Biological Science at Ontario Tech University

Colleen (Year 2)

What did you wish you knew before going to your university? What made you choose this institution over all others? What are advantages and disadvantages of your institution or campus? List any advice for incoming first-year students about your university. 

I wish I knew more about going to job fair as a first year student rather than thinking it is for upper year. Advantage of the institution is that it is smaller than that of the larger universities which gives you a better chance of interacting  with professors and being able to connect with them. If you want to go to medical school I suggest getting to know your professors so that they can help with research for your admission. The earlier you start the better it is for you. 

What did you wish you knew before choosing your specific program? What are the advantages and disadvantages of your program?  List any advice for incoming first-year students about your program of study.

I wish I knew that I would only get 1 elective and courses are already given. Labs are also time consuming. The program is really great but as far as research opportunities it's not really known for that but some professors will help you out in that region. Reading ahead helps to understand the course better, taking around 30 minutes to do a quick run through the slides and write down questions or highlights context you don't understand. 

What was your favourite university experience? 

Orientation Week, that's where I met all my friends. Oddly I enjoy all my Bio labs so I'd put  it in my best experience

What was your least favourite university experience?

Staying up late to  study for midterms. Exams are the worst because being sleep deprived isn't fun.

What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?

Staying on top of assignments. In the beginning it was hard but scheduling is the ultimate saviour. Write down all your due dates, check your calendar daily, form study groups and take breaks. Remember your mental health is important and stressing won't help you, it will cause you to become sick and then you will be totally useless.

If you were able to take electives, what was your favourite elective? If you were not able to take electives, what was your favourite course and why?

BIOL 1000U is my favourite course. The professor is heaven sent as she takes her time with the course and makes sure you understand. Courses are set before hand and you'll have once choice for your elective

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