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Jasmine (Alumni)
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 made smarter decisions when doing some course selections. I did not have to take the harder course for my pride but I should have been more strategic and taken the easier option. Look up the syllabus online and choose courses with evaluation formats that fit you (big final exam vs many assignments/projects). However, I’m glad I really chose electives that reflected my passions. I also didn’t know how little I would be going home and didn’t know how much I would enjoy being on campus/in town. Western is super big so it was very important to have a hobby or specific passions in order to find like minded people. Make friends in different years because they will always help you out. The people are what will make or break your experience.
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 found the career assistance to be not as great for BMOS, however I found all my jobs on my own. But as a BMOS student, don’t be worried about not being in Ivey, they aren’t as much of a big deal as you think they are. In the end, you will most likely be in the same workplace in similar roles (only distinct advantage of Ivey is if you are looking for a Finance investment banking role or consulting for the big 3).
What was your favourite university experience?
Meeting my best friends and finding my circle of people who I will be friends with forever.
What was your least favourite university experience?
Not getting into Ivey but it all turned out just fine.
What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?
Learning all the accounting exemptions and tax laws. Most important for studying was actually doing the exercises and lots of repetition. With uncooperative team members, you just have to be prepared to do their work and check-in with them early so they won’t be telling you they don’t have their part the day before the project is due. You will always get a sense if they will do it or not so don’t be surprised. Also, accept the fact that YOU WILL BE CRAMMING FOR YOUR EXAMS. We all know that we shouldn’t but it’s going to happen. Maybe you won’t be cramming for all your exams but based on your exam schedule, you will always have to cram at least one.
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?
Many Faces of Harry Potter, Geography of Tourism, Forensic Geology.
Additional Comments
For first year, your Sophs will be a great help and way to learn about Western. Also, don’t stick with your high school clique and branch out. University is the place you choose your tribe and can really make friends you will know for the rest of your life. If you are open and go for everything you want, you will make your experience better.