U of Guelph vs U of Toronto?

[eleventyone]

Hi all,
I'm a grade 12 student, and I applied and got into Guelph and UofT for entry into the molecular genetics programs in both this coming September. My eventual goal is to be accepted into the OVC , and I plan to apply in my 3rd year of studies, not finishing my degree.

I am having a great deal of trouble deciding whether to enrol in Guelph or Toronto. I live in Toronto right now, I love the city and the residence I was accepted to (apartment style vs dorms at UoG) and just how big UofT is and the opportunities of the city. In addition, my boyfriend lives here and goes to UofT and I'm trying not to let this influence my decision, but its hard . I want to pick UofT (not just because of him ), but I know that UofG is probably the smarter choice because a) from what I've read it seems I can obtain better marks b) the OVC is right there and c) I will be around more like-minded people (in terms of becoming a vet). 

My main thought right now is that since getting into OVC is very mark-based, and at UofT I may just not be able to attain a high enough average (my 1st term report this year was 93, I applied with a 91 taking bio, chem, phys, calc, adv. functions) but at Guelph I may get better marks, I should apply to Guelph. Then again I am a hard worker, designated Gifted, and managed to pull off a 90 with relatively little effort. 

Does anyone have any input or suggestions? Anything is appreciated 

[OVC19]

It certainly sounds like you've already made your choice, and if your only reason for coming to Guelph would be to get better grades, I don't think it's good enough to come here over a school you seem to love.

Something to keep in mind is OVC only takes the last two full time semesters and your 8 prerequisites for grades, if your aiming on applying after 3rd year that gives you 3 semesters to transition from high school to university, and have your grades up where you'd like them to be. University is going to be harder then high school where ever you end up going, but you'll have time to figure it out, and how you study best in time for you to have the average you need for OVC applications.

I was also faced with a choice like this when I was in high school. Between Mac, Queens, UoT and Guelph. I was accepted to all of them but I put 0 thought into any other schools because Guelph = OVC. I'm really happy I came here and it's a really great school, but once I'm finished my DVM I'll have been here for 8 years, and I do wish that I could have experienced other schools. Also people form other schools seemed to have a much healthier relationship with vet school applications, and fulfilling there dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Simply because they didn't have to see the vet students (ant their jackets) everywhere, and because there wasn't 1000 other pre-vets who only wanted to talk about vet school and getting into vet school.

Good luck with you choice! You can't really go wrong with either school.

[guest129309]

give uofT a try and if u don't like it / can't keep your marks up, then transfer.

[eleventyone]

It seems like every day I think a different school is better for me. At the time of posting, I was looking at courses at UofT and thought I would be fine there, but then I read all these sites and student forums about how life sci there is death. So until today I have been considering Guelph more.

However I don't, as you said, want to pick a school based on where I think I can get better grades. I'll definitely need to do more thinking... does anyone else have any input?
Thanks so much for your replies!
Also I was thinking about how I'd be in Guelph for 7-8... which is a looong time haha.
Again thanks for your input

[UofTer]

I did my undergrad at U of T, I highly suggest not doing it there if you want competitive grades for OVC. It is very very difficult to get 90's which is likely what you will need in a few years to get into OVC. I know you mentioned you have 90s in highschool but university is totally different ball game. Majority of the courses have 60% averages in the first few years at U of T and something you should consider if you want to apply after 3rd year.

[datass]

Some schools are 100%, without a doubt, easier than others. I don't know about UofGuelph vs UofT specifically.


Personally, if professional school is your goal I would definitely opt for an easier University, whatever that University is. For me getting into professional school takes priority over pretty much everything else.


At the end of the day, it is definitely possible to get 90s at UofT. But the amount of work that it takes to go from an ~85 to a ~90 is just insane. Yes there are successful DVM applicants from UofT (and other "hard" undergrad universities) with 90s (and there are more premeds with solid UofT 90s) and it's definitely possible but why put yourself through this? Imo you are going to learn adequate study skills and have a good enough preparation no matter where you go... So there is no need for picking hardcore mode. I don't think the benefits outweigh the costs.


But that is all personal opinion.

[retireddvm]

For those obsessing over marks I would like to remind them:

Michael Thompson, a University of Chicago-trained psychologist and co-author of the bestseller, Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys. He likes to quote the old line: “School is a place where former A students teach mostly B students to work for C students.”

quoted from www.macleans.ca/education/uniandcollege/do-grades-really-matter/

[Mariampa]

I did my undergrad at UfT and I'm at OVC now. I'll give you the quick pros for both schools and hopefully it gives you an idea

UofT: yes it is a competitive school, but not hard to get good marks..you just need to put in the time and have good studying skills. this will greatly help you during the OVC program which is what I was grateful for. you'll be in a big city, have different/ and a variety of opportunities to work and volunteer. there so many programs choices and you'll stick out being diff compared to a majority of the applicants that are from guelph

UofGuelph: also competitive, due to the number of students that want to come to OVC. this is also a pro because you'll be with similar people that will motivate you, there's a lot of of vet research/volunteer/work experience beyond what you expect that is not in toronto which is great cause it gives you an idea of what you can do with your DVM after.