How to Survive Canada's Toughest University Programs: Battling 60% Failure Rates in First Midterms
Study Strategies to Survive Your Midterms in Engineering, Computer Science, and More
As midterms approach for thousands of Canadian college students, many are feeling the pressure of what lies ahead. Whether you're studying engineering at the University of Toronto (UofT), commerce at Queen's University, or humanities at McGill University, midterms can be a significant hurdle. The challenges are real, and the statistics reveal how tough these exams can be for first-year students across the country.
The Reality of First-Year Midterms in Canadian Colleges
At Canadian universities, first-year students often face steep learning curves, particularly in competitive programs. For instance, in engineering programs at UofT, first-year midterm averages often range between 55-65%, with failure rates of 25-30% in courses like Calculus I and Linear Algebra (Source: University of Toronto Registrar’s Office). Similarly, the University of Waterloo's Computer Science program reports midterm averages around 60%, and failure rates for first-year students in courses like CS 135 and Math 137 can reach 20-25% (Source: University of Waterloo Statistics, 2023).
In contrast, non-STEM programs, such as those in the Humanities or Social Sciences, tend to have slightly higher averages. For example, in Introduction to Sociology at McGill University, first-year midterm averages tend to fall between 65-75%, which is still a challenging landscape for many students as they adjust to university life (McGill University Faculty of Arts Report, 2022). However, even in these programs, specific courses, such as Introduction to Political Science or First-Year Economics, see lower averages and high dropout rates due to their rigorous analytical requirements.
Failure rates, unfortunately, are a common reality. According to a report from Statistics Canada, nearly 30% of Canadian university students fail to complete their first year, with many attributing midterms and finals as major causes of stress and burnout. At the University of British Columbia (UBC), courses like Chemistry 121 and Physics 101 consistently report class averages around 60%, with significant attrition rates among first-year students (Source: UBC Course Statistics, 2023).
Why Do So Many Students Struggle?
The struggle that many first-year students face in Canadian universities can be attributed to several factors. First, the jump from high school to university can be daunting. Many students are still developing effective study habits and are unprepared for the fast pace and demanding workload of university courses. Large lecture halls, typical at universities like UBC and McMaster University, can make it challenging for students to get the personalized attention they need. This leaves many students feeling isolated and unsupported as they try to navigate difficult material on their own.
In addition, midterm season tends to be particularly overwhelming. It’s not uncommon for students to have several exams within a short period, making time management and prioritization crucial. Unfortunately, many first-year students are still learning how to balance these responsibilities effectively.
Despite these challenges, you can take control of your academic success. Here are some proven strategies, backed by research from Adina Glickman, Director of Student Learning Strategy at Stanford University., to help you manage your time, retain information, and perform your best during midterms.
1. Understand the Learning Process
Learning in university is not just about memorizing facts; it’s about understanding and applying concepts. This becomes especially important in courses with low averages, such as Calculus (MAT137) at UofT or Introduction to Algorithms (CS341) at Waterloo, where simply memorizing formulas won’t suffice. According to studies from Stanford University, one of the most effective ways to learn is through “active recall”—engaging with the material by testing yourself and explaining concepts in your own words.
Before diving into new material, review what you’ve already learned to create a solid foundation. In subjects like math and computer science, understanding the connections between topics is crucial for solving complex problems.
2. Read with Purpose
University reading assignments can be dense and overwhelming. Whether you're preparing for a humanities midterm at McGill or a business law exam at Queen’s, reading strategically is key. Pre-reading to get the big picture before diving into details is an excellent way to absorb information more effectively.
For example, before tackling readings in Business Law I (COMM381) at Queen's University, skim through the material to identify major themes, then go back and focus on understanding the details. Similarly, in a course like Political Science 100 (POLI100) at UBC, creating a conceptual framework before delving into the intricacies of each political theory will help you retain the material better and recall it during exams.
3. Master Note-Taking
Effective note-taking is more than just copying down what the professor says. It’s about processing the information and summarizing it in a way that makes sense to you. In large lecture courses like Introduction to Psychology (PSY100Y1) at UofT, which can have hundreds of students, it’s important to actively engage with the material by writing down your own thoughts and questions alongside what’s being taught.
After class, take time to revisit your notes and expand on them. This method has been shown to improve retention and help students perform better on exams. In courses with traditionally lower class averages, like Chemistry 101 at UBC, taking thorough, organized notes can make all the difference when preparing for midterms.
4. Test Yourself Frequently
Self-testing is one of the most effective ways to study, particularly for midterms. In fact, students who regularly test themselves on course material tend to perform better on exams than those who simply review their notes or textbooks (Stanford University Study, 2022). For courses like Linear Algebra or Data Structures at Waterloo, where problem-solving is key, creating practice quizzes or flashcards can help reinforce your understanding and highlight areas where you need further review.
This is especially important for first-year students at universities with high dropout rates. For example, at McMaster University, courses like Introduction to Biology and Chemistry 101 are known for their challenging midterms, and self-testing can help students master the material and avoid falling behind.
5. Manage Your Time Wisely
Time management is crucial during midterms, particularly when you have multiple exams in a short period. Successful students at universities like UBC and McGill often cite time management as one of their key strategies for academic success. Start by breaking your study material into smaller chunks and planning your study sessions well in advance. This helps you avoid the stress of cramming at the last minute, which can lead to burnout and lower performance.
For example, if you're studying for Economics 101 at Queen’s, allocate time each day to review different chapters or concepts. This approach will prevent information overload and give you time to test yourself on key topics.
6. Don’t Sacrifice Sleep
Pulling an all-nighter might seem like a good idea, but research shows that sleep is essential for memory consolidation. According to Stanford University’s Sleep Research Center, students who get enough sleep before exams perform significantly better than those who don’t. In fact, sleep deprivation can lead to lower grades and poor retention of information, regardless of how much time you spend studying.
If you're facing midterms in tough programs like engineering at UofT or computer science at Waterloo, prioritize sleep. Your brain needs rest to process and retain all the information you’ve studied. Staying up all night might seem productive, but it’s counterproductive in the long run.
Working Smarter, Not Harder
Midterms are undoubtedly a stressful time for first-year students, especially in Canadian universities where competition is fierce, and failure rates are high. However, by developing effective study habits, managing your time, and prioritizing sleep, you can not only survive midterm season—you can excel.
Whether you're facing the challenges of a STEM program or balancing the workload of a humanities course, these strategies will help you stay on top of your studies. Remember, it’s not just about working harder—it’s about working smarter..
Disclaimer: The names of universities, programs, and course codes mentioned above are used for illustrative purposes only. All information discussed is based on publicly available data and information, and may not fully represent the specific experiences of students or official statistics from the institutions. This article is not affiliated with any university or program.