Alex in Santorini, Greece

One of the reasons that Queen’s stood out to me as a prospective student was all of the international opportunities that it has to offer. After settling in to Queen’s for my first two years of university, I was ready for a change (and a break from the Canadian winter!). So I packed my bags, and headed off to Scotland’s University of Aberdeen for a semester.

Classes are, without question, a key part of any degree program. However, there is a lot to be said about the experiences that students can gain outside of the classroom, and doing a semester abroad certainly caters to that philosophy. My time at Aberdeen gave me the chance to travel all over Scotland, and get a full appreciation for its rich history and culture. Over the course of the semester, I spent my free time tracking down the Loch Ness monster, looking out over the North Sea from ancient castle ruins, taking in Edinburgh and the historic Royal Mile at sunset from the top of Arthur’s Seat, and enjoying a traditional ceilidh with the locals on a three day tour of the Isle of Skye.

Thanks to discount airlines, I was also able to do some travel across Europe. Whether I was standing next to the last remaining pieces of the Berlin Wall, listening to live music at Temple Bar in Dublin, surrounded by over 9000 graves at the American Cemetery in Normandy, or watching the famous Santorini sunset in Greece, I was struck by the fact that each weekend, I was seeing things that some people wouldn’t see in a lifetime.   

The semester absolutely flew by, and before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye to friends, pack my bags one last time, and make the trek back home. Without a doubt though, the experience will be with me for a lifetime. My semester abroad was one of the most rewarding experiences in my time at university, and definitely changed my outlook on the world.  Queen’s University offers a world-class classroom education to its students. However, it is the understanding that you can gain outside of the classroom (such as through a semester abroad) that makes Queen’s a cut above the rest.

Alexandra Erath, BAH ‘10, Language and Linguistics

Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

 

Alex in front of the famous "Swilcan Bridge" at the home of golf, The Old Course at St. Andrews

So fresh and clean!

Greetings and Salutations!

Despite the fact that you all have likely done the vast majority of your research already (hopefully!), I thought I’d share some major news with you today.  We have a new website!!!

As many of you have experienced, our old website was terribly dated and not all that easy to use or navigate.  Our new website (www.queensu.ca/admission) now closely mirrors the Queen’s main webpage in terms of appearance.  We also think this new site is much easier to navigate – and we hope that you agree!

Have a look around, see if you can find the kind of information you are looking for.  One thing – keep in mind that it is still a work in progress and there are still a few sections yet to be published.   That being said – we’re REALLY excited about it in our office!

Feel free to leave any comments or compliments about the new website here in the comments.

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Kevin du Manoir
Admission Coordinator

Update – Team Discovery Channel wins!!

Hello all!

A few weeks back, we asked for your support in voting for the Queen’s Human Media Laboratory on Discovery Channel’s top science story of the year.  Well, you clearly came through because we won!!  The story about Flexible Computers at Queen’s University was voted the number one science story of the entire year.

Thank you for voting as much as you did!  You can learn more about the Human Media Lab here at Queen’s by clicking on this link.

Keep your eyes peeled here for more information about what the year ahead holds in store for you!

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Kevin du Manoir
Admission Coordinator

And don’t forget about residence!

My subject line essentially sums this up, but don’t forget that your residence application is due today! You can find more information about residences here, including tips and frequently asked questions. Your deposit is due on June 4th and you can find out more about payment options on this site too.

Good luck!

Danyal Martin – Admission Coordinator

P.S. To apply for residence, you’ll need your Queen’s student number, which is located in the lower right corner of your offer letter.

It’s May 28th!

We have a saying in our office that there are only three dates: the day before May 28th, May 28th, and the day after May 28th. Granted, this may be a little hyperbolic, but at times, it seems fairly accurate!

The truth is that May 28th really is a big day: it’s the final deadline by which you must make a really big decision – which university are you going to attend? Just last weekend, I attended my five year reunion at Queen’s, and when I was reminiscing with my former classmates, it occurred to me just how important that decision really was. I didn’t know it at the time, but my decision to attend Queen’s and to study my program (Con-Ed, Drama/History) had a huge impact on my life, both during my studies and after.  That decision has resulted in fantastic friendships, great memories, job opportunities (my current role in Undergraduate Admission can be traced back to my days as a volunteer March Break Open House tour guide in first year), interests (I now love medical history), and lessons and experiences that I wouldn’t trade for anything.  It’s led to the completion of not only my Bachelor of Arts, but also a Bachelor of Education, and very soon to a Master of Arts in History. I loved my classes and learned things not only about my subject, but also about my own opinions, skills, and academic abilities. I also discovered a love of travel, and took advantage not only of a study abroad term at the Bader International Study Centre at Herstmonceux Castle in the UK, but also the opportunity to complete an international teaching placement at the Munich International School in Germany.  Where I am now is a result of where I was on May 28th several years ago.

All of that can make this decision seem very daunting – and to be fair, it should be a little bit daunting because that’s what makes it exciting – but it’s also important to remember that at the end of the day, it’s about which option is best for you. There isn’t really a “wrong” answer – whatever decision you make is going to lead you down a different path, that’s all.  So whatever decision you make tonight, good luck and congratulations!

(And hopefully we’ll see you at Queen’s in September!)

Danyal Martin – Admission Coordinator

P.S. I would be remiss if I didn’t give you a few pointers:

• Reminder that today is the last day to accept your offer through the OUAC. Make sure that you confirm when their website will close down for the night!
• After you have accepted your offer, you should get a cancellation number. Write it down!
• Don’t forget that your residence application is also due today! Your payment is due next week, but the form is due today. This is a firm deadline!
• Your next big steps will include finishing your high school career and ensuring that you meet the conditions of your offer (see offer letter), choosing your courses (if applicable), and a registration payment due in August. We will be posting more information about these in the near future, but just so that you’re aware of what will be coming up next.
• Once more, good luck!

Vote now, Vote often for the Human Media Lab at Queen’s!

Hello all!

If you are anywhere near as big a fan of the Discovery Channel as I am (yes, I’m bringing forth my inner geek), you may have seen a few episodes of Daily Planet.  On their show, they are holding a contest to decide the “Science Story of 2008″ – and a Queen’s story is on the short list!

As a viewer, you have the chance to decide which of their nominations should be Canada’s Science Story for this year.  Researchers in our Human Media Lab made the cut with their work on Flexible Computers.  Imagine a computer screen on a can of coke!  You can visit their website to see the other cool stuff going on here at Queen’s.

In the meantime, log on and vote for the Queen’s Human Media Lab by clicking on this link:  http://www.discoverychannel.ca/dp/segmentselection/.

Thanks for your support – you have until Midnight tonight (May 25) to vote!
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Kevin du Manoir
Admission Coordinator

Duck, duck, duck… Duckling?

Hello all,

While we at the Undergraduate Admission Office strive to be as environmentally conscientious as possible, we have never professed to being one with nature.  Well, it appears that nature has decided to become one with us.

We have a duck!

Our lovely yet fowl-tempered lady has decided to make her nest under one of our drainpipes at Gordon Hall.  We’re hoping to see several little ducklings soon and will be sure to keep you posted when we do.  We also hope to have some pictures soon.

This is not the first time we have had ducks on campus as you can read about here: http://www.queensu.ca/security/graphics/2004/int-0405-02.html.  Maybe these ducklings will get a Security escort too!

In the meantime, please feel free to suggest names in the comments for our duck and subsequent ducklings!  The best names will appear here soon.

Kevin du Manoir
Admission Coordinator

Alumni Experiences: What helped me choose Queen’s?

When it came time to choose a University back in March 2004, saying I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. “Make sure the program suits you”, “Check out the residence and tuition fees and make sure they’re what you expected” and “See if they have enough clubs and student groups for you” were all things told to me by friends, parents and guidance counsellors. How was I supposed to choose?  Being 18 and deciding my ENTIRE future seemed a daunting task, and apparently choosing a University was the first step of it all.  I was fortunate enough to have parents who wanted to come with me to visit many of the campuses I was interested in.

So, the road trip began and we saw a couple of schools.  I had my heart set on going to one University in particular, but after seeing their campus I was completely underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong – it wasn’t a bad campus or not beautiful.  It didn’t lack in facilities or teaching spaces.  For whatever reason, it just didn’t feel right. Next, we made it to Queen’s.  I was fortunate enough not only to get to see the University, but also had an amazing campus tour organized by the Undergraduate Admission office.  Our tour guide was incredible and the tour highlighted many aspects of the campus, including the closeness of the residences, the wonderful cafeteria food and all of that ‘important stuff’. Most importantly (to me) was the discovery of just how many student groups exist at Queen’s.  Knowing that these students were among some of the top in Canada academically but STILL had the chance (and the time!) to make up some of the best groups I had ever heard of sounded pretty promising. I was heavily involved in clubs and bands at my high school and I had hoped that those opportunities would let me do things other than just my academics.  From the Queen’s Lego Club and the Monty Python Appreciation Group to the Queen’s Symphony Orchestra and STRIVE (Students Taking Responsible Initiatives for a Viable Environment) – they had everything I could ever ask for.

Getting back to the campus tour – apart from knowing about these clubs, something just clicked when I walking around the historic campus.  I felt at home when at Queen’s.  Seeing the old limestone buildings, the relatively small size of campus and the students bustling from class to class – I could see myself spending four years there. And in the end, that’s what I chose.

I walked away from Queen’s in June 2008 with an Honours Bachelor degree in Biology and Religious studies, in what was likely the proudest day of my life.  Oh, and those clubs?  Well – I got used to getting involved outside of school and that’s why I’m currently becoming a Special Events Manager.

Margot – ArtSci ‘08

PS.  Feel free to leave comments here and I’ll do my best to answer any questions you might have!!

Campus Profile: Health, Counselling and Disability Services

G’day all!

One of the more frequent questions we see here in the office has to do with support facilities on campus.  Questions like “Where can I go if I get sick?” or “Is there anywhere to go to get stress-busting tips for exams?” come to my inbox regularly.  So today, I thought I’d let you know about one of the many support services we have here on campus: Health, Counselling and Disability Services or HCDS for short.

In my former days as a Queen’s Tour Guide, I would often describe HCDS as the place to go if you broke your hand or your broke your heart. While I obviously advocate a trip to the Emergency Room at Kingston General Hospital if you actually break a limb, there are many services at HCDS that you should feel free and encouraged to make use of.

First off, they have doctors and nurses on staff if you are not feeling well or need a checkup. Maybe you’ve got some travel plans for the summer after first year? You can get your immunizations taken care of right on campus. They also have counsellors on staff to speak with you regardless of why you might require someone to talk to. The counsellors are not just personal counsellors but can also speak about learning strategies and career development.

Last but not least, if you are a student with a permanent learning disability, HCDS provides support for you. They are able to arrange accomodations to help you reach your fullest potential.  Accomodations can range from note-takers in class to having extra time or a computer to write exams. Please note that if you have let us know about a learning disability to be taken into consideration with your application, we cannot pass that information on to HCDS due to privacy legislation. You should contact them in the summer or early fall to let them know of your particular circumstances.

The best part about HCDS is that it is located right on campus, very close to many of our residences. Please do not hesitate to make use of this fantastic service at any point during your stay here at Queen’s!  You can find out more information by visiting their webpage at http://www.queensu.ca/hcds.

Cheers!

Kevin du Manoir
Admission Coordinator

Office Closed – April 10 to 12, 2009

Hello everyone,

Just a heads up that the University will be closed on Friday, April 10th and will re-open on Monday, April 13th for regular business hours.  Phones and emails will not be checked on the holiday, so please make sure you get in touch with us on Monday if you have any questions!

Have a great and safe long weekend!

Kevin du Manoir
Admission Coordinator