618 replies to this topic

[cranberry]

vrx said:

I want to make this the 'go to' thread for aboriginal applicants. We just need to make sure to report back on the outcomes of our applications, good or bad; it sucks not knowing where you stand in terms of chances.

Thanks for the encouragement, French Grapefruit and ee825. Good luck to you guys too.

Agreed, it's very important for us to get back and report our outcome, stats and even bursaries from schools (if we are lucky enough to receive them). This way not only will we continue to attract other Ab students who are reading from the fringes and not commenting but we will also leave a resource for future Ab applicants to see previous acceptance stats and even to get in touch with us directly if they have questions about our experiences and the process in general.

I very impatiently come home ever day hoping to see a Fedex package from Queen's since I know they reviewing my application info now. Western and Ottawa are still a ways off but I want to know so that I can actualy have something new to report for everyone, accepted or declined (accepted hopefully;-)

[cranberry]

Hello Fellow Aboriginal Applicants!

I just heard by e-mail that I am being offered admission to Queen's University for their JD program! As you all know my stats are 3.7 and a 158 LSAT. No word on funding...and to be honest right now I don't care because I got an early offer of admission...woohoo!!!!

To add to this, I had a withdraw/fail on my transcripts which Queen's dropped. If that course counted then my average would be about a 78% rather than an 82%. So...I am still waiting for UofO to come through. Until now I was sure that I would NOT be relocating to Kingston even if I don't get an offer from my first choice Uof Ottawa....but am starting to see how silly that would be to turn down an excellent school to hang around in Ottawa working random jobs.

No word yet form the other schools. Does anyone else have any exciting news?

Cranberry

[vrx]

cranberry said:

Hello Fellow Aboriginal Applicants!

I just heard by e-mail that I am being offered admission to Queen's University for their JD program! As you all know my stats are 3.7 and a 158 LSAT. No word on funding...and to be honest right now I don't care because I got an early offer of admission...woohoo!!!!

To add to this, I had a withdraw/fail on my transcripts which Queen's dropped. If that course counted then my average would be about a 78% rather than an 82%. So...I am still waiting for UofO to come through. Until now I was sure that I would NOT be relocating to Kingston even if I don't get an offer from my first choice Uof Ottawa....but am starting to see how silly that would be to turn down an excellent school to hang around in Ottawa working random jobs.

No word yet form the other schools. Does anyone else have any exciting news?

Cranberry

Congrats Cranberry! I think you will get in at Ottawa too! Man, that must be such a good feeling.

I haven't heard anything yet. I don't expect to hear anything until the end of this month. Alberta should be making decisions in the final week. I'll keep in touch.

[cranberry]

vrx said:

cranberry said:

Hello Fellow Aboriginal Applicants!

I just heard by e-mail that I am being offered admission to Queen's University for their JD program! As you all know my stats are 3.7 and a 158 LSAT. No word on funding...and to be honest right now I don't care because I got an early offer of admission...woohoo!!!!

To add to this, I had a withdraw/fail on my transcripts which Queen's dropped. If that course counted then my average would be about a 78% rather than an 82%. So...I am still waiting for UofO to come through. Until now I was sure that I would NOT be relocating to Kingston even if I don't get an offer from my first choice Uof Ottawa....but am starting to see how silly that would be to turn down an excellent school to hang around in Ottawa working random jobs.

No word yet form the other schools. Does anyone else have any exciting news?

Cranberry

Congrats Cranberry! I think you will get in at Ottawa too! Man, that must be such a good feeling.

I haven't heard anything yet. I don't expect to hear anything until the end of this month. Alberta should be making decisions in the final week. I'll keep in touch.

It is awesome to have a backup guaranteed, and when that backup is Queen's all the better! Well, Ottawa won't drop my withdraw/fail course and they focus really hard on GPA and almost totally discard LSAT scores (this right from an Adcom). So if that's the case, then I don't feel like Ottawa is a lock.

The waiting continues, but at least now it's knowing that law school is in my future.

[vrx]

So... I received a message on my answering machine, from Jiffin at the UofT, saying she has good news regarding my application. Does this mean what I think it means? I can't call back until tomorrow morning but how am I supposed to sleep now?

[Uriel]

:)

[cranberry]

vrx said:

So... I received a message on my answering machine, from Jiffin at the UofT, saying she has good news regarding my application. Does this mean what I think it means? I can't call back until tomorrow morning but how am I supposed to sleep now?

I think it means EXACTLY what you think it means! Would you accept if you got into UofT?

You won't sleep tonight, lol. I don't think I've slept right in about 4 days, since hearing from Queen's. Is this what the next 6 months are going to be like?!?!?!?!

Good luck VRX- make sure you tell us as soon as you hear!

[324615]

Congrats to both of you! I am green with envy. I am having trouble sleeping as well as I am re-writing the LSAT on Saturday, trying to bring up my score from a 157.

[cranberry]

324615 said:

Congrats to both of you! I am green with envy. I am having trouble sleeping as well as I am re-writing the LSAT on Saturday, trying to bring up my score from a 157.

Good luck to you!! I think 157 is a pretty solid score, although I'm sure now that the nerves of the first write are over I bet you will improve it easily. I thought once I got in the nerves would be gone but nope, still can't sleep. I guess I will already be used to sleep deprivation long before class starts- good training I suppose ;-)

[lsjames]

I only managed to get off applications to UBC and UVic this year. And I don't think I will hear from them for a while yet, since I am doing my LSATs tomorrow. Speaking of which, time to leave for the city of my test centre!

[vrx]

I spoke with Jiffin from UofT admissions this morning. I have been offered a spot and will receive a package from them early next week!!!! I don't know what else to say right now because I am in shock. I am so very grateful for this opportunity. I'm not sure about accepting just yet. The reality of moving away from home for three years is a lot to take in right now. For now, I'm just going to enjoy this day.

Good luck to those that are writing the LSAT. I hope my 154 provides a ray of hope for those doubting their chances.

I will keep in touch and continue to update on my other applications. I also found out that the application for pre-law and law programs will be out on Feb 10th. (www.naaf.ca)

[cranberry]

vrx said:

I spoke with Jiffin from UofT admissions this morning. I have been offered a spot and will receive a package from them early next week!!!! I don't know what else to say right now because I am in shock. I am so very grateful for this opportunity. I'm not sure about accepting just yet. The reality of moving away from home for three years is a lot to take in right now. For now, I'm just going to enjoy this day.

Good luck to those that are writing the LSAT. I hope my 154 provides a ray of hope for those doubting their chances.

I will keep in touch and continue to update on my other applications. I also found out that the application for pre-law and law programs will be out on Feb 10th. (http://www.naaf.ca)

Well done and congrats! This is HUGE!!!! Try not to think of anything other than how great it is that you got an offer. I spent 2 days focusing only on the accomplishment, there is plenty of time to stress about this and other decisions so just kick back and celebrate. I just got my package from Queen's today so it is officially not a dream! And it is unconditional- woohoo!

Is your offer dependent on completing the program in Sask?

Did they offer you any funding?

I didn't receive any funding from Queen's but am still very happy with the amount of resources available to Ab students through other sources.

I see your GPA in your profile, but think it is on a 4.3 scale right? What was your actual cGPA in percentage?

Congratulations!!!!

[vrx]

cranberry said:

Well done and congrats! This is HUGE!!!! Try not to think of anything other than how great it is that you got an offer. I spent 2 days focusing only on the accomplishment, there is plenty of time to stress about this and other decisions so just kick back and celebrate. I just got my package from Queen's today so it is officially not a dream! And it is unconditional- woohoo!

Is your offer dependent on completing the program in Sask?

Did they offer you any funding?

I didn't receive any funding from Queen's but am still very happy with the amount of resources available to Ab students through other sources.

I see your GPA in your profile, but think it is on a 4.3 scale right? What was your actual cGPA in percentage?

Congratulations!!!!

You're right. I will take some time to let this sink in. My package should arrive Tuesday. I can't believe it.

My offer does not require me to attend the PLSNP. However, I will consider taking it (PLSNP) if I can find funding. I just think it would set me on the right path.

They are sending me a financial aid application. From what I understand, UofT is entirely "needs" based. I will let you know what comes of it. I should know before the end of March.

My GPA shown is on a 4.5 scale with Manitoba's drops. If you convert my grades directly without dropping anything I would have a CGPA of 3.5/4.0 (not sure about percentage). I do not have a complete 4 year degree. I have other education (non-university but still post-secondary) that may have been considered too. I realize that these numbers by themselves are not impressive but I honestly feel that the strength of my application came from a combination of my references, life/work experience and statement. Haha, at least that is how I feel now. Acceptance anxiety can really do a number on your confidence.

[cranberry]

vrx said:

cranberry said:

Well done and congrats! This is HUGE!!!! Try not to think of anything other than how great it is that you got an offer. I spent 2 days focusing only on the accomplishment, there is plenty of time to stress about this and other decisions so just kick back and celebrate. I just got my package from Queen's today so it is officially not a dream! And it is unconditional- woohoo!

Is your offer dependent on completing the program in Sask?

Did they offer you any funding?

I didn't receive any funding from Queen's but am still very happy with the amount of resources available to Ab students through other sources.

I see your GPA in your profile, but think it is on a 4.3 scale right? What was your actual cGPA in percentage?

Congratulations!!!!

You're right. I will take some time to let this sink in. My package should arrive Tuesday. I can't believe it.

My offer does not require me to attend the PLSNP. However, I will consider taking it (PLSNP) if I can find funding. I just think it would set me on the right path.

They are sending me a financial aid application. From what I understand, UofT is entirely "needs" based. I will let you know what comes of it. I should know before the end of March.

My GPA shown is on a 4.5 scale with Manitoba's drops. If you convert my grades directly without dropping anything I would have a CGPA of 3.5/4.0 (not sure about percentage). I do not have a complete 4 year degree. I have other education (non-university but still post-secondary) that may have been considered too. I realize that these numbers by themselves are not impressive but I honestly feel that the strength of my application came from a combination of my references, life/work experience and statement. Haha, at least that is how I feel now. Acceptance anxiety can really do a number on your confidence.

I agree in terms of the importance of a more holistic application. I think this is the benefit of being an Ab applicant and older than most students. We simply have more work experience, and the chance to have some unique references. Not to say that the average 22 year old applicant isn't set up to do very well in school, but there is only so much experience you can accumulate if most of your life has been doing post secondary, that and you references have to be academic while Ab applicants can use varied sources for references.

I remember my first year of undergrad a prof saying that there is 0 correlation between high school marks and how well one does in University. He said that based on the stats 1st year university students might as well not even attend high school. I think that law school may be similar in that grades are not the only indicator of someone's drive, their ability to network, and their ability to make opportunities for themselves which are key for success in the working world.

I hear you, watching message boards all day and (im)patiently waiting for a website to say "accepted" has actually changed me for life I think! Never have I experienced such an emotional roller coaster...and man there is no better feeling than actually getting an offer!

[cranberry]

So VRX, the question of the hour is:

Have you decided whether or not to join me in Ontario and accept at UofT?

I'm still waiting on UofO but am getting a lot of people advising me that Queen's is a far better choice, including that they have a solid "old boys network" which is key in a field like law (or any field for that matter). The though of living in Kingston on during the week and back in Ottawa on weekends is not thrilling but what's a small sacrifice now if it means practicing the type of law I am interested in and finding a job with ease.

I can imagine that you are going through something similar- cost and location of UofT, but the job prospects and prestige afterward would be pretty amazing I would imagine. Every firm I am interested in has grads from UofT, Oz and Queen's...maybe there is something to that, lol.

[vrx]

cranberry said:

So VRX, the question of the hour is:

Have you decided whether or not to join me in Ontario and accept at UofT?

I'm still waiting on UofO but am getting a lot of people advising me that Queen's is a far better choice, including that they have a solid "old boys network" which is key in a field like law (or any field for that matter). The though of living in Kingston on during the week and back in Ottawa on weekends is not thrilling but what's a small sacrifice now if it means practicing the type of law I am interested in and finding a job with ease.

I can imagine that you are going through something similar- cost and location of UofT, but the job prospects and prestige afterward would be pretty amazing I would imagine. Every firm I am interested in has grads from UofT, Oz and Queen's...maybe there is something to that, lol.

Yes, I have decided to accept at UofT. I think it would be a good experience for me. I never thought I would be offered a spot but wanted to at least throw my hat in the ring -the Hail Mary pass ended up being caught and carried in for a touchdown. I have also removed my stats from being displayed; I do not want to belittle the efforts and accomplishments of those with superior stats. However, I will speak with anyone who has questions regarding my application. So for now, I am waiting for my acceptance package. The reality of my situation will become easier to believe when I have something concrete in hand.

Initially, I did not want to accept the offer but my family and friends have convinced me that going to UofT would be the right decision. I am concerned about costs, being away from home (friends, family, prairies), and the level of talent at UofT. Ultimately, I am making the decision that feels right for me. I also have an Uncle who lives in Milton (60km from Toronto, I think), and that is major factor for me, as I will be able to have some contact with family and ease into life in Toronto.

I think you will get the offer from Ottawa and that it will come to a decision between it and Queen's. I don't know how much the "prestige" of schools counts for in the real world. I think for the most part, each Canadian law school has its own merits. It might come down to exactly what you are saying: a small sacrifice to gain in the long run.

I'm still having a hard time believing this offer is real at the moment. I'm looking forward to getting an acceptance package in the mail... It should come in today or tomorrow.

[cranberry]

vrx said:

cranberry said:

So VRX, the question of the hour is:

Have you decided whether or not to join me in Ontario and accept at UofT?

I'm still waiting on UofO but am getting a lot of people advising me that Queen's is a far better choice, including that they have a solid "old boys network" which is key in a field like law (or any field for that matter). The though of living in Kingston on during the week and back in Ottawa on weekends is not thrilling but what's a small sacrifice now if it means practicing the type of law I am interested in and finding a job with ease.

I can imagine that you are going through something similar- cost and location of UofT, but the job prospects and prestige afterward would be pretty amazing I would imagine. Every firm I am interested in has grads from UofT, Oz and Queen's...maybe there is something to that, lol.

Yes, I have decided to accept at UofT. I think it would be a good experience for me. I never thought I would be offered a spot but wanted to at least throw my hat in the ring -the Hail Mary pass ended up being caught and carried in for a touchdown. I have also removed my stats from being displayed; I do not want to belittle the efforts and accomplishments of those with superior stats. However, I will speak with anyone who has questions regarding my application. So for now, I am waiting for my acceptance package. The reality of my situation will become easier to believe when I have something concrete in hand.

Initially, I did not want to accept the offer but my family and friends have convinced me that going to UofT would be the right decision. I am concerned about costs, being away from home (friends, family, prairies), and the level of talent at UofT. Ultimately, I am making the decision that feels right for me. I also have an Uncle who lives in Milton (60km from Toronto, I think), and that is major factor for me, as I will be able to have some contact with family and ease into life in Toronto.

I think you will get the offer from Ottawa and that it will come to a decision between it and Queen's. I don't know how much the "prestige" of schools counts for in the real world. I think for the most part, each Canadian law school has its own merits. It might come down to exactly what you are saying: a small sacrifice to gain in the long run.

I'm still having a hard time believing this offer is real at the moment. I'm looking forward to getting an acceptance package in the mail... It should come in today or tomorrow.

Great news! Although we've never met, I am actually excited for you! I think all of the things that concern you will ultimately make you a better lawyer and will help you grow as a person. Milton is not a bad Go train/bus ride to UofT (by GTA standards), do you think you would live with your uncle? Milton is a nice town, but if you want the real urban experience you may want to live right down town. It is expensive but the experience will be worth it. Let me know if you have any questions about Toronto, I relocated form the GTA after about 5 years or so to Ottawa.

I know EXACTLY what you are going through. I thought that Queen's made a mistake and that maybe I am not getting an offer, everyday I would expect to see a package form FedEx and when I saw nothing I would start to wonder if I really got in.

Then the package came and 6 months of stress vanished, and was replaced with a huge sense of relief and confidence. now I spend my time researching Metis bursaries and thinking about how to fund my education...but compared to the LSAT and the waiting game, its a breeze.

Congratulations again!

[vrx]

cranberry said:

Great news! Although we've never met, I am actually excited for you! I think all of the things that concern you will ultimately make you a better lawyer and will help you grow as a person. Milton is not a bad Go train/bus ride to UofT (by GTA standards), do you think you would live with your uncle? Milton is a nice town, but if you want the real urban experience you may want to live right down town. It is expensive but the experience will be worth it. Let me know if you have any questions about Toronto, I relocated form the GTA after about 5 years or so to Ottawa.

I know EXACTLY what you are going through. I thought that Queen's made a mistake and that maybe I am not getting an offer, everyday I would expect to see a package form FedEx and when I saw nothing I would start to wonder if I really got in.

Then the package came and 6 months of stress vanished, and was replaced with a huge sense of relief and confidence. now I spend my time researching Metis bursaries and thinking about how to fund my education...but compared to the LSAT and the waiting game, its a breeze.

Congratulations again!

Thanks so much!

I actually could use some help finding the right place to live. Do you have any specific suggestions? I am kind of leaning towards living downtown. I know it will rack up the debt but I want to enjoy this experience.

[cranberry]

vrx said:

cranberry said:

Great news! Although we've never met, I am actually excited for you! I think all of the things that concern you will ultimately make you a better lawyer and will help you grow as a person. Milton is not a bad Go train/bus ride to UofT (by GTA standards), do you think you would live with your uncle? Milton is a nice town, but if you want the real urban experience you may want to live right down town. It is expensive but the experience will be worth it. Let me know if you have any questions about Toronto, I relocated form the GTA after about 5 years or so to Ottawa.

I know EXACTLY what you are going through. I thought that Queen's made a mistake and that maybe I am not getting an offer, everyday I would expect to see a package form FedEx and when I saw nothing I would start to wonder if I really got in.

Then the package came and 6 months of stress vanished, and was replaced with a huge sense of relief and confidence. now I spend my time researching Metis bursaries and thinking about how to fund my education...but compared to the LSAT and the waiting game, its a breeze.

Congratulations again!

If you've never been to Toronto then here are a few cool neighborhoods to check out:

http://www.greektowntoronto.com/

Greek town is one of my favourites and right on a subway line. Lots of nice restaurants, not all Greek but tons of Greek food too.

http://www.toronto.c.../listing/100510

The distillery district is very centrally located and again has cool pubs and restaurants.

Queen street is a favourite for shopping. Again located right in the heart of the city, close to everything and BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!!

http://www.showmetoronto.com/toronto_to ... t_west.htm


St Lawrence market is awesome, a year round farmers market with...well everything you could imagine:

http://www.stlawrencemarketbia.ca/

Although not right downtown, stay well away from Jane and Finch area. In fact google map any place you are thinking of living and if it is anywhere near Jane and Finch (25 KM radius) stay away. It is a VERY tough area, lots of poverty and as a result crime.

The Danforth is near some dicey areas but the neighborhood itself is decent. If you are open to living with roommates then obviously you will open up your options considerably and in Toronto it really is the norm to have roommates almost regardless of your age.

A friend of mine lived in married student housing at UofT and not only was it really cheap but it was right downtown and really nice and huge! You may want to look into grad student housing or law student housing if they have it. I remember liking the feel since it was all mature students and families and so very low key, but within easy walking distance to the downtown core.

Hope this gets you started!


Thanks so much!

I actually could use some help finding the right place to live. Do you have any specific suggestions? I am kind of leaning towards living downtown. I know it will rack up the debt but I want to enjoy this experience.

[cranberry]

If you've never been to Toronto then here are a few cool neighborhoods to check out:

http://www.greektowntoronto.com/

Greek town is one of my favourites and right on a subway line. Lots of nice restaurants, not all Greek but tons of Greek food too.

http://www.toronto.c.../listing/100510

The distillery district is very centrally located and again has cool pubs and restaurants.

Queen street is a favourite for shopping. Again located right in the heart of the city, close to everything and BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!!

http://www.showmetor....com/toronto_to ... t_west.htm


St Lawrence market is awesome, a year round farmers market with...well everything you could imagine:

http://www.stlawrencemarketbia.ca/

Although not right downtown, stay well away from Jane and Finch area. In fact google map any place you are thinking of living and if it is anywhere near Jane and Finch (25 KM radius) stay away. It is a VERY tough area, lots of poverty and as a result crime.

The Danforth is near some dicey areas but the neighborhood itself is decent. If you are open to living with roommates then obviously you will open up your options considerably and in Toronto it really is the norm to have roommates almost regardless of your age.

A friend of mine lived in married student housing at UofT and not only was it really cheap but it was right downtown and really nice and huge! You may want to look into grad student housing or law student housing if they have it. I remember liking the feel since it was all mature students and families and so very low key, but within easy walking distance to the downtown core.

Hope this gets you started!

[FozzieBear]

cranberry said:

I
Although not right downtown, stay well away from Jane and Finch area. In fact google map any place you are thinking of living and if it is anywhere near Jane and Finch (25 KM radius) stay away. It is a VERY tough area, lots of poverty and as a result crime.

The Danforth is near some dicey areas but the neighborhood itself is decent. If you are open to living with roommates then obviously you will open up your options considerably and in Toronto it really is the norm to have roommates almost regardless of your age.

A friend of mine lived in married student housing at UofT and not only was it really cheap but it was right downtown and really nice and huge! You may want to look into grad student housing or law student housing if they have it. I remember liking the feel since it was all mature students and families and so very low key, but within easy walking distance to the downtown core.

Hope this gets you started!

I'm pretty sure 25km from J/F would put you in the lake.

Jane/Finch is not that bad. I grew up not too far away from there and went to school with a lot of people in that area. Sleepovers were no problem, even as a kid.

There is a lot of crime, but it seems as if a lot of it is criminal-on-criminal. Also, while there is some drug dealing going on, there are not a lot of actual drug users on the streets (Lansdowne and Bloor on the other hand . . . ). Keep you nose on your own business, don't get too curious about things, and you should be fine.

Crime is an issue in that neighbourhood, as it is in all neighbourhoods. But remember that the population density is sky-high thanks to all those high rises.

There are places to live near Osgoode that are more than liveable. I went to York for my undergrad and had more than a few friends renting houses and apartments. Not the hippest, most happening neighbourhoods, but it worked for my friends.

[cranberry]

FozzieBear said:

cranberry said:

I
Although not right downtown, stay well away from Jane and Finch area. In fact google map any place you are thinking of living and if it is anywhere near Jane and Finch (25 KM radius) stay away. It is a VERY tough area, lots of poverty and as a result crime.

The Danforth is near some dicey areas but the neighborhood itself is decent. If you are open to living with roommates then obviously you will open up your options considerably and in Toronto it really is the norm to have roommates almost regardless of your age.

A friend of mine lived in married student housing at UofT and not only was it really cheap but it was right downtown and really nice and huge! You may want to look into grad student housing or law student housing if they have it. I remember liking the feel since it was all mature students and families and so very low key, but within easy walking distance to the downtown core.

Hope this gets you started!

I'm pretty sure 25km from J/F would put you in the lake.

* just google mapped it...you're right, the lake is 16 KM's away. Hopefully though despite my geographical error, the person asking the original question takes away my main point which is: given that you can live anywhere in Toronto, don't live near Jane and Finch.

Jane/Finch is not that bad. I grew up not too far away from there and went to school with a lot of people in that area. Sleepovers were no problem, even as a kid.

* Sleepovers as a kid? Well I would have to say that things have changed in the last 20 years since your last sleepover. "Not that bad" is not the same as good or desirable, again given the choice of anywhere in Toronto I would put Jane/Finch dead last.

There is a lot of crime, but it seems as if a lot of it is criminal-on-criminal.

* not sure about how sexual assault victims, break and enter victims, store robbery victims would feel about this. Even if MOST crime is criminal on criminal I still don't like the odds if crime is 10 times more prevalent in that area than in say Bloor West or St Lawrence market area.


Keep you nose on your own business, don't get too curious about things, and you should be fine.

* this is great survival advice for someone who has to live in the area. Wouldn't it be easier to just live somewhere else than live in fear that you might accidentally witness a drug deal and get in trouble?

There are places to live near Osgoode that are more than liveable.

* why would someone going to UofT want to live near Osgoode? Original poster is going to UofT not Osgoode.

I went to York for my undergrad and had more than a few friends renting houses and apartments. Not the hippest, most happening neighbourhoods, but it worked for my friends.

* I'm not saying it can't work, just that if you were going to move from another province to have the Toronto experience you can do far better than Jane/Finch.

Jane/Finch is listed in virtually every major area of crime here:

http://buildingstrongcommunities.wordpr ... bourhoods/

From Wikipedia (wikipedia got it from a real source so I am using it here):

"The community has one of the largest concentrations of criminal gangs of any area in Canada"

http://en.wikipedia..../Jane_and_Finch

Jane and Finch is even a term in Urban Dictionary as a gang zone...not too many intersection in Canada that can boast that:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.p ... nd%20finch

I think "not that bad" is a subjective term, and one that you and I have wildly different definitions of.

VRX...don't live near Jane and Finch. If you are going to live that far from UofT, live about 10 minutes north and save yourself a lot of worry.

[vrx]

Thanks so much for the tips. I will start looking as soon as possible.

I received a letter today from the University of Calgary! They are also offering me a spot! I think with them I would have had a 3.6 or 3.7 GPA for the last 20 credits.

[cranberry]

vrx said:

Thanks so much for the tips. I will start looking as soon as possible.

I received a letter today from the University of Calgary! They are also offering me a spot! I think with them I would have had a 3.6 or 3.7 GPA for the last 20 credits.

Crazy! Congratulations! Were they one of the schools who were planning on waiting some time before reviewing Ab applicants?

[vrx]

Seriously though, thank you very much for posting those links and information. I am going to research the area as much as possible. I would like to live in a single bedroom apartment, downtown and near the university. I know this will cost more but I know how annoying travel time can be when you are really busy working long days. I don't know how I feel about student housing. I'm a little worried that I would become distracted if I was with anyone other than a law student/grad student.

I wasn't sure when to expect a response from the UofC. They sent me a confirmation email about 3-4 weeks ago saying that it would be processed within "the upcoming weeks". I am really happy to have this letter in hand because now I finally have something to prove my acceptance at a law school. haha. I'm still waiting for the package from UofT; although, they have sent me an email inviting me to the orientation day, citing the materials that should be coming in the package itself. So, that is some good news...

[cranberry]

vrx said:

Seriously though, thank you very much for posting those links and information. I am going to research the area as much as possible. I would like to live in a single bedroom apartment, downtown and near the university. I know this will cost more but I know how annoying travel time can be when you are really busy working long days. I don't know how I feel about student housing. I'm a little worried that I would become distracted if I was with anyone other than a law student/grad student.

I wasn't sure when to expect a response from the UofC. They sent me a confirmation email about 3-4 weeks ago saying that it would be processed within "the upcoming weeks". I am really happy to have this letter in hand because now I finally have something to prove my acceptance at a law school. haha. I'm still waiting for the package from UofT; although, they have sent me an email inviting me to the orientation day, citing the materials that should be coming in the package itself. So, that is some good news...

No worries, glad I could help to get you started. I found this link as well to Graduate housing at UofT: http://www.housing.utoronto.ca/residenc ... dEntry.htm

I have only seen the married student housing, and as I mentioned, thought it was actually pretty nice and rent was reasonable. The best part is you don't have to sign a 12 month lease unless you want to. If you rent in the community you will almost certainly get stuck with a 12 month lease- if you plan to stay in TO and work over the summer then I suppose it won't matter if you have to sign a 12 monther.

Do you plan to head to TO for orientation? I guess it isn't exactly around the corner for you but would give you a chance to see the city and look at some places. I hear your concerns about residence but UofT is huge and there are lots of mature students there, but I think you're right- I would only be able to tolerate living with other grad or law students. Imagine having 4 17 year old roomates? Man I would feel ancient.

If I go to Queen's I will be living in a bachelor apt on campus I think, this way am close to everything but not stuck with roomates.

Just heard from Ottawa and they review their Ab applicants last week of February and said I should see the change online but first week of March. So if they require PLSNP then I will have less than 2 months to plan it! I wonder why Ottawa waits so long when most other school understand the inconvenience and do their best to review applicants much earlier?

So fingers crossed for Ottawa.

[Nokem]

cranberry said:

vrx said:

I have only seen the married student housing, and as I mentioned, thought it was actually pretty nice and rent was reasonable. The best part is you don't have to sign a 12 month lease unless you want to. If you rent in the community you will almost certainly get stuck with a 12 month lease- if you plan to stay in TO and work over the summer then I suppose it won't matter if you have to sign a 12 monther.

Just a general comment re leases: yes, many places will ask you to sign a 12 monther. But, if I'm not mistaken, you can ALWAYS break a lease by providing 60 days' written notice of your intention to do so. You are never obligated to stay until the lease expires.

And as far as bad T.O. neighbourhoods go, I live at Bloor and Lansdowne (mentioned above as an area to stay away from), been there for 3 years, and I love it. It's true that there are some bad elements there, but as long as you don't go into the Kiss Cup Cafe (whatever the hell that name means) and don't take up crack there's no reason why you'd have any contact with those types. I have lovely neighbours, there's big community involvement, lots of young families with children, and interesting new businesses (vegetarian cafe, good bars, vintage stores, etc) are opening up. It's actually a great place to live. It's on the subway line and is a 15-minute direct commute to UofT - and, because of its reputation in some people's minds as a dodgy neighbourhood, is reasonably affordable compared with, say, the Annex.

[vrx]

Nokem said:

cranberry said:

vrx said:

I have only seen the married student housing, and as I mentioned, thought it was actually pretty nice and rent was reasonable. The best part is you don't have to sign a 12 month lease unless you want to. If you rent in the community you will almost certainly get stuck with a 12 month lease- if you plan to stay in TO and work over the summer then I suppose it won't matter if you have to sign a 12 monther.

Just a general comment re leases: yes, many places will ask you to sign a 12 monther. But, if I'm not mistaken, you can ALWAYS break a lease by providing 60 days' written notice of your intention to do so. You are never obligated to stay until the lease expires.

And as far as bad T.O. neighbourhoods go, I live at Bloor and Lansdowne (mentioned above as an area to stay away from), been there for 3 years, and I love it. It's true that there are some bad elements there, but as long as you don't go into the Kiss Cup Cafe (whatever the hell that name means) and don't take up crack there's no reason why you'd have any contact with those types. I have lovely neighbours, there's big community involvement, lots of young families with children, and interesting new businesses (vegetarian cafe, good bars, vintage stores, etc) are opening up. It's actually a great place to live. It's on the subway line and is a 15-minute direct commute to UofT - and, because of its reputation in some people's minds as a dodgy neighbourhood, is reasonably affordable compared with, say, the Annex.

If you don't mind me asking, what do you live in (ie. apartment, house) and how much do you pay? I've lived in crime riddled neighbourhoods before; Winnipeg's North End and Downtown are pretty rough.

[cranberry]

Nokem said:

cranberry said:

vrx said:

I have only seen the married student housing, and as I mentioned, thought it was actually pretty nice and rent was reasonable. The best part is you don't have to sign a 12 month lease unless you want to. If you rent in the community you will almost certainly get stuck with a 12 month lease- if you plan to stay in TO and work over the summer then I suppose it won't matter if you have to sign a 12 monther.

Just a general comment re leases: yes, many places will ask you to sign a 12 monther. But, if I'm not mistaken, you can ALWAYS break a lease by providing 60 days' written notice of your intention to do so. You are never obligated to stay until the lease expires.

And as far as bad T.O. neighbourhoods go, I live at Bloor and Lansdowne (mentioned above as an area to stay away from), been there for 3 years, and I love it. It's true that there are some bad elements there, but as long as you don't go into the Kiss Cup Cafe (whatever the hell that name means) and don't take up crack there's no reason why you'd have any contact with those types. I have lovely neighbours, there's big community involvement, lots of young families with children, and interesting new businesses (vegetarian cafe, good bars, vintage stores, etc) are opening up. It's actually a great place to live. It's on the subway line and is a 15-minute direct commute to UofT - and, because of its reputation in some people's minds as a dodgy neighbourhood, is reasonably affordable compared with, say, the Annex.

Also Bloor and Lansdowne is close to high park isn't it? Can't beat that! I think the previous poster was trying to say that Bloor/Lansdowne is worse than Jane-Finch because you see homeless people or drug addicts. The truth about Toronto is that there are homeless people anywhere you go, there is no way around that as it's a big city.

Homeless people aren't really an issue, drug addicts may seem sketchy but are not necessarily violent criminals. Gang members on the other hand (which is one of the main issues with Jane/Finch) necessarily are violent criminals. I would rather be asked for spare change any day than worry about stray bullets.

Another benefit of Bloor Lansdowne is proximity to Bloor West village if you ar einto the shops, cafe's etc.

[FozzieBear]

cranberry said:

FozzieBear said:

cranberry said:

I
Although not right downtown, stay well away from Jane and Finch area. In fact google map any place you are thinking of living and if it is anywhere near Jane and Finch (25 KM radius) stay away. It is a VERY tough area, lots of poverty and as a result crime.

The Danforth is near some dicey areas but the neighborhood itself is decent. If you are open to living with roommates then obviously you will open up your options considerably and in Toronto it really is the norm to have roommates almost regardless of your age.

A friend of mine lived in married student housing at UofT and not only was it really cheap but it was right downtown and really nice and huge! You may want to look into grad student housing or law student housing if they have it. I remember liking the feel since it was all mature students and families and so very low key, but within easy walking distance to the downtown core.

Hope this gets you started!

I'm pretty sure 25km from J/F would put you in the lake.

* just google mapped it...you're right, the lake is 16 KM's away. Hopefully though despite my geographical error, the person asking the original question takes away my main point which is: given that you can live anywhere in Toronto, don't live near Jane and Finch.

Jane/Finch is not that bad. I grew up not too far away from there and went to school with a lot of people in that area. Sleepovers were no problem, even as a kid.

* Sleepovers as a kid? Well I would have to say that things have changed in the last 20 years since your last sleepover. "Not that bad" is not the same as good or desirable, again given the choice of anywhere in Toronto I would put Jane/Finch dead last.

There is a lot of crime, but it seems as if a lot of it is criminal-on-criminal.

* not sure about how sexual assault victims, break and enter victims, store robbery victims would feel about this. Even if MOST crime is criminal on criminal I still don't like the odds if crime is 10 times more prevalent in that area than in say Bloor West or St Lawrence market area.


Keep you nose on your own business, don't get too curious about things, and you should be fine.

* this is great survival advice for someone who has to live in the area. Wouldn't it be easier to just live somewhere else than live in fear that you might accidentally witness a drug deal and get in trouble?

There are places to live near Osgoode that are more than liveable.

* why would someone going to UofT want to live near Osgoode? Original poster is going to UofT not Osgoode.

I went to York for my undergrad and had more than a few friends renting houses and apartments. Not the hippest, most happening neighbourhoods, but it worked for my friends.

* I'm not saying it can't work, just that if you were going to move from another province to have the Toronto experience you can do far better than Jane/Finch.

Jane/Finch is listed in virtually every major area of crime here:

http://buildingstrongcommunities.wordpr ... bourhoods/

From Wikipedia (wikipedia got it from a real source so I am using it here):

"The community has one of the largest concentrations of criminal gangs of any area in Canada"

http://en.wikipedia..../Jane_and_Finch

Jane and Finch is even a term in Urban Dictionary as a gang zone...not too many intersection in Canada that can boast that:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.p ... nd%20finch

I think "not that bad" is a subjective term, and one that you and I have wildly different definitions of.

VRX...don't live near Jane and Finch. If you are going to live that far from UofT, live about 10 minutes north and save yourself a lot of worry.

I like the phrase "not that bad" in certain contexts; particularly when someone is being hysterical and making something out to be waaaay worse than it actually is.

I will admit that I got it wrong; because J-F was mentioned, I assumed that vrx was going to Osgoode. Even just on geographic reasons, J-F is NOT an option if you're going to U of T. So cranberry, you can unclench your buttcheeks: I agree with you. vrx, I REALLY WOULDN'T SUGGEST J-F IF YOU'RE GOING TO U OF T. (Why did you even mention it in your first post, cranberry? Have you spent much time in the city? Have you ever closely studied a map of TO? They are so far away)

I have some questions about some of the claims that you made, though. You stated that you are 10 times more likely to be a victim of certain violent crimes in J-F than in other neighbourhoods: where's the source for that? Also, the wikipedia entry on Jane-Finch has at least one serious flaw: the way the quote you used is stated, it is unclear whether it is attributed to the study or not. Wikipedia itself points out this flaw.

vrx, if you're in the city and have a few hours on a Saturday, go to Jane and Finch. If you do, you will see families all around the J-F Mall, doing what families do. Walk around a little and you will see lots of parks filled with kids. Walk into the stores and have a pineapple soda and 50-cent beef patty. Focusing on the crime only tells a small fraction of the story of the area. Jane-Finch is not that bad; in fact, it's pretty damn cool.

P.S. Cranberry, your use of urbandictionary to support the argument that Jane-Finch is a high-crime area is fucking moronic.