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Rank: Posteur Expérimenté
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Joined: 10/7/2009
Posts: 185
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Hey, so I was wondering if the program is really as hard as people say? What exactly do scholar's electives do? What are the scholar's electives floors like? If you have are/are in the program, or know someone who is, ANY info would be great.
UWO Social Science 2014
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Rank: Frosh
Groups: Member
Joined: 3/31/2009
Posts: 31
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Hi treehugger!
I'm in my first year of the Scholars electives program at UWO, and my experience thus far has been absolutely fantastic. When I had accepted the program, I had little idea of what to expect...and after experiencing it this year, I understand why the website provides few specific details about it. Everyone's experience in the program ends up being very different. In general, the aim of the program is to provide high-achieving, well-rounded students with the opportunity to further challenge themselves by conducting research and/or participating in special Scholar's electives classes. In addition, there are other perks such as a being able to live on the Scholar's Electives floor in Elgin Hall, special workshops/info sessions just for scholars, and networking opportunities with professors and Western's best and brightest students.
In the first year of the program, you are paired with a professor from your faculty and basically get to conduct research based on your own interests. You have the choice between theoretical or scientific (laboratory) research...although the scientific research is more along the lines of helping out your prof in their lab (rather than designing your own project). You meet with your professor-mentor one every two weeks, where you discuss your progress and he/she gives your guidance. For example, at the beginning of the year, I told my professor that I was interested in Health Economics and Health Policy. So, he has been sending me articles to read/analyze, and topics to research. We meet to discuss them - I present my opinions, ask him questions, come up solutions/more questions...then continue doing research. My research became more and more specific until I narrowed in on a topic for my final project. Usually, you write an essay or a research paper as your final project (which your mentor marks). I'm writing a proposal this year on health policy, which I hope to send off to certain institutions. Overall, I have found that this course is complex and challenging, but at the same time it gives you an introduction to grad-level research, real-life "outside the classroom" scenarios/problems, and a taste of problem-based learning. The time commitment varies depending on your project, but I spend atleast 5hours/week on it. My course has consisted of A LOT of reading; my friends doing scientific research spend a SIGNIFICANT amount of time in the labs. Because the program is supposed to challenge you, its important to pick some research topics that you are really passionate about - something you wouldn't mind putting in extra hours to learn about.
In the upper years, you have the option of continuing research or taking the scholar's electives classes. I can't comment much on the classes, since I'm only in first year.
Some of the benefits of the program - you get one-on-one time with a university professor to chat about something you both are super interested in! More than that, you can count on this prof for advice, for letters of reference, or employment, etc... Some drawbacks: it can be pretty challenging and time consuming; in first year, you take the course IN ADDITION to your 5 clases; not all professors are easy to work with/ accomodating of students needs (like I said, everyone has a different experience); the program has a rule that you are not allowed to take first year courses AFTER first year (unless they are necessary for your program)...so pick your classes wisely (aka, don't delay your med-school course prequisites until second year...u'll end up having to take them over the summer).
Overall, I am incredibly glad to be in this program...it is by-far my favorite course this year. I have found it challenging but very rewarding; it's difficult but definitely manageable. If you have any more specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
Acceptances: McMaster Health Science, McMaster Arts&Science, Queen's Commerce, McGill Arts& Science, Western Health Science & Scholar's Electives & AEO
The University of Western Ontario
Health Science, Scholar's Electives and AEO 2013
Western National Scholar 2009
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Rank: Posteur Expérimenté
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Joined: 10/11/2009
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Location: Toronto
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Mia wrote:Hi treehugger!
I'm in my first year of the Scholars electives program at UWO, and my experience thus far has been absolutely fantastic. When I had accepted the program, I had little idea of what to expect...and after experiencing it this year, I understand why the website provides few specific details about it. Everyone's experience in the program ends up being very different. In general, the aim of the program is to provide high-achieving, well-rounded students with the opportunity to further challenge themselves by conducting research and/or participating in special Scholar's electives classes. In addition, there are other perks such as a being able to live on the Scholar's Electives floor in Elgin Hall, special workshops/info sessions just for scholars, and networking opportunities with professors and Western's best and brightest students.
In the first year of the program, you are paired with a professor from your faculty and basically get to conduct research based on your own interests. You have the choice between theoretical or scientific (laboratory) research...although the scientific research is more along the lines of helping out your prof in their lab (rather than designing your own project). You meet with your professor-mentor one every two weeks, where you discuss your progress and he/she gives your guidance. For example, at the beginning of the year, I told my professor that I was interested in Health Economics and Health Policy. So, he has been sending me articles to read/analyze, and topics to research. We meet to discuss them - I present my opinions, ask him questions, come up solutions/more questions...then continue doing research. My research became more and more specific until I narrowed in on a topic for my final project. Usually, you write an essay or a research paper as your final project (which your mentor marks). I'm writing a proposal this year on health policy, which I hope to send off to certain institutions. Overall, I have found that this course is complex and challenging, but at the same time it gives you an introduction to grad-level research, real-life "outside the classroom" scenarios/problems, and a taste of problem-based learning. The time commitment varies depending on your project, but I spend atleast 5hours/week on it. My course has consisted of A LOT of reading; my friends doing scientific research spend a SIGNIFICANT amount of time in the labs. Because the program is supposed to challenge you, its important to pick some research topics that you are really passionate about - something you wouldn't mind putting in extra hours to learn about.
In the upper years, you have the option of continuing research or taking the scholar's electives classes. I can't comment much on the classes, since I'm only in first year.
Some of the benefits of the program - you get one-on-one time with a university professor to chat about something you both are super interested in! More than that, you can count on this prof for advice, for letters of reference, or employment, etc... Some drawbacks: it can be pretty challenging and time consuming; in first year, you take the course IN ADDITION to your 5 clases; not all professors are easy to work with/ accomodating of students needs (like I said, everyone has a different experience); the program has a rule that you are not allowed to take first year courses AFTER first year (unless they are necessary for your program)...so pick your classes wisely (aka, don't delay your med-school course prequisites until second year...u'll end up having to take them over the summer).
Overall, I am incredibly glad to be in this program...it is by-far my favorite course this year. I have found it challenging but very rewarding; it's difficult but definitely manageable. If you have any more specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Hi Mia I was wondering why you chose scholars elective at Western over Health Sci or Arts Sci at Mac (your sig says you got accepted) Just wondering 
McMaster Arts and Science 2014
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Rank: Senior Student
Groups: Member
Joined: 8/30/2009
Posts: 250
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Mia wrote:Hi treehugger!
I'm in my first year of the Scholars electives program at UWO, and my experience thus far has been absolutely fantastic. When I had accepted the program, I had little idea of what to expect...and after experiencing it this year, I understand why the website provides few specific details about it. Everyone's experience in the program ends up being very different. In general, the aim of the program is to provide high-achieving, well-rounded students with the opportunity to further challenge themselves by conducting research and/or participating in special Scholar's electives classes. In addition, there are other perks such as a being able to live on the Scholar's Electives floor in Elgin Hall, special workshops/info sessions just for scholars, and networking opportunities with professors and Western's best and brightest students.
In the first year of the program, you are paired with a professor from your faculty and basically get to conduct research based on your own interests. You have the choice between theoretical or scientific (laboratory) research...although the scientific research is more along the lines of helping out your prof in their lab (rather than designing your own project). You meet with your professor-mentor one every two weeks, where you discuss your progress and he/she gives your guidance. For example, at the beginning of the year, I told my professor that I was interested in Health Economics and Health Policy. So, he has been sending me articles to read/analyze, and topics to research. We meet to discuss them - I present my opinions, ask him questions, come up solutions/more questions...then continue doing research. My research became more and more specific until I narrowed in on a topic for my final project. Usually, you write an essay or a research paper as your final project (which your mentor marks). I'm writing a proposal this year on health policy, which I hope to send off to certain institutions. Overall, I have found that this course is complex and challenging, but at the same time it gives you an introduction to grad-level research, real-life "outside the classroom" scenarios/problems, and a taste of problem-based learning. The time commitment varies depending on your project, but I spend atleast 5hours/week on it. My course has consisted of A LOT of reading; my friends doing scientific research spend a SIGNIFICANT amount of time in the labs. Because the program is supposed to challenge you, its important to pick some research topics that you are really passionate about - something you wouldn't mind putting in extra hours to learn about.
Whats your GPA?
In the upper years, you have the option of continuing research or taking the scholar's electives classes. I can't comment much on the classes, since I'm only in first year.
Some of the benefits of the program - you get one-on-one time with a university professor to chat about something you both are super interested in! More than that, you can count on this prof for advice, for letters of reference, or employment, etc... Some drawbacks: it can be pretty challenging and time consuming; in first year, you take the course IN ADDITION to your 5 clases; not all professors are easy to work with/ accomodating of students needs (like I said, everyone has a different experience); the program has a rule that you are not allowed to take first year courses AFTER first year (unless they are necessary for your program)...so pick your classes wisely (aka, don't delay your med-school course prequisites until second year...u'll end up having to take them over the summer).
Overall, I am incredibly glad to be in this program...it is by-far my favorite course this year. I have found it challenging but very rewarding; it's difficult but definitely manageable. If you have any more specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
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Rank: Président du conseil étudiant
Groups: Member
Joined: 8/1/2009
Posts: 1,262
Location: GTA
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Thanks so much for the information, Mia! That was exactly what I needed!
UWO Biological and Medical Sciences 2014
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Rank: Posteur Expérimenté
Groups: Member
Joined: 10/7/2009
Posts: 185
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Thank you so much Mia! The program sounds amazing, basically everything I want out of University. I really appreciate the time you took to answer
UWO Social Science 2014
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Rank: Frosh
Groups: Member
Joined: 3/31/2009
Posts: 31
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No worries! I'm happy to help out. It can be hard to find information about the program online...and it always helps to get the insider deets.
@Puzzlepiece, it was a pretty tough decision to pick UWO over MacHealthSci or ArtSci and I definitely felt a bit conflicted about it. I think McMaster offers some fantastic and very innovative programs that take a non-traditional and probably better (IMO) approach to learning. However, when selecting my university, I took a lot of other factors (beyond just the program) into consideration, such as the campus, community, residences, scholarships/financial support, courses, modules, research, extracurriculars, facilities, services, leaderhip/community service opportunties etc... and I realized that Western was offering exactly what I was looking for. I felt right at home when I visited the campus, I loved the atmophere, I valued the fact that Western strives to deliver the best student experience possible, I was thrilled about the flexibility in my program, and I really visualized myself fitting in well and succeeding. I think I would have enjoyed the HealthSci program at McMaster, but in the end, I wanted something else from my undergrad experience. I don't regret picking Western at all...it's important to recognize that your success and achievement isn't determined by what program/university you are in, rather it's determined by what you do with your situation.
Acceptances: McMaster Health Science, McMaster Arts&Science, Queen's Commerce, McGill Arts& Science, Western Health Science & Scholar's Electives & AEO
The University of Western Ontario
Health Science, Scholar's Electives and AEO 2013
Western National Scholar 2009
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Rank: Senior Student
Groups: Member
Joined: 8/30/2009
Posts: 250
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Mia wrote:No worries! I'm happy to help out. It can be hard to find information about the program online...and it always helps to get the insider deets.
@Puzzlepiece, it was a pretty tough decision to pick UWO over MacHealthSci or ArtSci and I definitely felt a bit conflicted about it. I think McMaster offers some fantastic and very innovative programs that take a non-traditional and probably better (IMO) approach to learning. However, when selecting my university, I took a lot of other factors (beyond just the program) into consideration, such as the campus, community, residences, scholarships/financial support, courses, modules, research, extracurriculars, facilities, services, leaderhip/community service opportunties etc... and I realized that Western was offering exactly what I was looking for. I felt right at home when I visited the campus, I loved the atmophere, I valued the fact that Western strives to deliver the best student experience possible, I was thrilled about the flexibility in my program, and I really visualized myself fitting in well and succeeding. I think I would have enjoyed the HealthSci program at McMaster, but in the end, I wanted something else from my undergrad experience. I don't regret picking Western at all...it's important to recognize that your success and achievement isn't determined by what program/university you are in, rather it's determined by what you do with your situation. Whats your GPA?
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Rank: Frosh
Groups: Member
Joined: 3/31/2009
Posts: 31
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I can't give you an exact number since I'm taking a lot of full year courses, but it's between 3.9-4.0
Acceptances: McMaster Health Science, McMaster Arts&Science, Queen's Commerce, McGill Arts& Science, Western Health Science & Scholar's Electives & AEO
The University of Western Ontario
Health Science, Scholar's Electives and AEO 2013
Western National Scholar 2009
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Rank: Student Body President
Groups: Member
Joined: 8/30/2009
Posts: 3,150
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Mia wrote:I can't give you an exact number since I'm taking a lot of full year courses, but it's between 3.9-4.0 Geeze. Do you study a lot?
University of Western Ontario 2014Social Sciences and Ivey AEO
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Rank: Senior Student
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/8/2009
Posts: 175
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Oracle wrote:Mia wrote:I can't give you an exact number since I'm taking a lot of full year courses, but it's between 3.9-4.0 Geeze. Do you study a lot? Jesus. How does one maintain a 3.9-4.0 alongside a demanding research schedule? Mia. Describe your Western experience in term of academics difficulty.
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Rank: Membre du conseil étudiant
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Joined: 1/15/2010
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Location: toronto
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Phew, submitted the supp at 11:58, how do you guys think you did? Also, does anyone know if you are still eligible if you have a below 90 average? Offers go out in mid april, so I am assuming that they wait until mid terms. However, on their website they say that you need a final admission average of 90, so if you are close enough, will they assume that you'll get there by june? :S
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Rank: Frosh
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Joined: 2/18/2010
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Does anyone know for certain (maybe a link to website/email?) when they send out acceptances/rejections?
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Rank: Student Body President
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Joined: 8/30/2009
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madara wrote:Does anyone know for certain (maybe a link to website/email?) when they send out acceptances/rejections? I think it's late April
University of Western Ontario 2014Social Sciences and Ivey AEO
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Rank: Membre du conseil étudiant
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/15/2010
Posts: 398
Location: toronto
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says mid april on the site
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Rank: Membre du conseil étudiant
Groups: Member
Joined: 1/15/2010
Posts: 398
Location: toronto
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sveritas wrote:Phew, submitted the supp at 11:58, how do you guys think you did? Also, does anyone know if you are still eligible if you have a below 90 average? Offers go out in mid april, so I am assuming that they wait until mid terms. However, on their website they say that you need a final admission average of 90, so if you are close enough, will they assume that you'll get there by june? :S bump
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Rank: Posteur Expérimenté
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Joined: 10/7/2009
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Does anyone have an idea as to how many applicants they get? I know they only accept between 50-75 people each year, so I'm thinking this could be either really competitive or really easy to get into. I'm not sure how many people would be interested in a heavier courseload.
Any thoughts?
UWO Social Science 2014
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Rank: Student Body President
Groups: Member
Joined: 8/30/2009
Posts: 3,150
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treehugger wrote:Does anyone have an idea as to how many applicants they get? I know they only accept between 50-75 people each year, so I'm thinking this could be either really competitive or really easy to get into. I'm not sure how many people would be interested in a heavier courseload.
Any thoughts? Really competitive. I think it's like 600-800 applicants.
University of Western Ontario 2014Social Sciences and Ivey AEO
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Rank: Posteur Expérimenté
Groups: Member
Joined: 10/7/2009
Posts: 185
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Oracle wrote:treehugger wrote:Does anyone have an idea as to how many applicants they get? I know they only accept between 50-75 people each year, so I'm thinking this could be either really competitive or really easy to get into. I'm not sure how many people would be interested in a heavier courseload.
Any thoughts? Really competitive. I think it's like 600-800 applicants. Wow. Now I'm nervous.
UWO Social Science 2014
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Rank: Posteur Expérimenté
Groups: Member
Joined: 9/1/2009
Posts: 63
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Can you get in to this program after first year? Say you didn't get in straight from high school, do they give you a second chance?
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