Well it all has to do with the 'freedom' of being away from home for most people.
I lived at home, so my parents were always watching what I was doing... haha
... but even so, your motivation can drop fast especially when you have tons of things to get done and you feel like you've been stuck in over-drive for far too long

Just stay motivated, dedicated and don't get yourself too distracted...
Remember what you're here to do! =)

Originally Posted by mandee08

do these scholarships count as income? because we have to do taxes next year right?

From what I remember, the tax certificate for the scholarships I received from McMaster (QEII included) was 'mailed' to me at the beginning of tax season. Well, it was in my res mailbox as I was living on res.

Originally Posted by mandee08

yikes..
well you know how they always say your marks drop like 15% in first year lol. but some ppl say thats a myth too.. so we'll juss have to wait and see lol

It's not a myth at all. Most of the entrance scholarships are not renewed for year two.

Originally Posted by Ivan Q.

Just stay motivated, dedicated and don't get yourself too distracted...
Remember what you're here to do! =)

Agreed, we all have to take it in has one of the hardest academic years in our life and remember, when we are at classes, its business. I remember hearing that term in the olympics where even if the athletes are way ahead for first place, they aim for the world record and make sure thas done first, before they celebrate, we too should follow that same advice..party hard on april 29, 2009 till sept 09

Bah. Having that scholarship renewed would be the most amazing thing.
But it's going to be incredibly difficult. I'll have to struggle, but I guess thats why I worked this hard to get to university. To really accomplish something.

I think you could get an 80 average if you put your mind to it. Keep the partying on a minimal and organize your time. Shouldn't necessarily mean you lose a social life. You can still have one. Just... contain it, I suppose?

so, would it based on all the courses we take in first year or top 7? b/c i can't remember how our high school average was calculated for this scholarship...

Originally Posted by mandee08

today when i checked my payment agreement, what used to be a $1000 mcmaster scholarship (for my grades) turned into a $4500 scholarship. i was like what the heck ?! where did that come from?... i'm so confused. i know it can't be a busary because they come out in september right? where is all this money coming from ? :S lol any ideas..?

This happened to me too! I think my jaw dropped to the floor and I was in complete denial... I kept clicking the check box adn then pressing summary... and then unclicking it... just to see if it would still be there... and it was..ahhh

It was Queen Elizabeth Reaching for the Top scholarship.... I totally forgot that I had applied for it when I completed my OSAP application.. so it was a pretty pleasant suprise.

i think its calculated using your CA (cumulative average)
but i'm not totally sure

From McMaster's Financial Aid site:

Renewal Critera - McMaster's GPA equivalent:

This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, provided that you keep your grades up. To have your scholarship renewed, you must maintain an average of at least 80 per cent, or the equivalent in Grade Point Average (GPA) or letter grades, as determined by your postsecondary institution. You must also continue to be enrolled full-time in an eligible program.

PLEASE NOTE: McMaster University considers a sessional grade point average of 9.5 equivalent to 80% for QEII/Aiming for the Top Renewal purposes.

For more information visit the OSAP OSAP-Aiming for the Top Scholarships online.

arrrgggg I had a 79.x% average!!!

I would have redone a course if I knew I could have gotten the $3500 :(

Omg, that really sucks. Countless number of people get screwed over that way :(