Q: How do I obtain an application?
Follow the instructions here.
Q: Is there an application fee?
No.
Q: What are the significant dates of the application process?
Dates vary slightly from year to year. Click here to find out the dates for the upcoming year.
Q: How many students will be admitted to the Grade 9 MaCS Program?
90 students. Currently, we have 3 classes of MaCS students. A final decision will be made for each year based upon the number and quality of applicants. Although we have over 500 applicants, we are capped at 90 MaCS students in each grade because our school is fully enrolled.
Q: How do you decide who is accepted into the program?
The new TDSB policy has replaced entrance tests and report cards with a lottery selection process. The TDSB central office determines who is accepted for all specialized programs in the board.
Q: How will I be notified of the result of my application?
All applicants will be notified via email from the TDSB central office.
Q: What is the difference between the MaCS Program and the Gifted Program (also offered at Mackenzie)?
MaCS – enrichment in Math, Science, and Computers. Unique to Mackenzie. Gifted – Board identified (IPRC’d) students.
Q: Do MaCS courses appear on the students’ transcripts ?
Yes, from Grades 9 to 12. In Grade 12, students choose regular U, M, enriched, or AP courses for university admission.
Q. Do MaCS students take courses with other Mackenzie students?
Yes, electives and open level courses are taken with other students; i.e. Healthy Active Living, Instrumental Music, Dramatic Arts, Visual Arts, Introduction to Business.
Q. Do MaCS students have the opportunity to write AP Exams?
Yes. Currently our MaCS students can take the following AP Courses in grade 12: Computer Programming (ICS4UO), Economics (CIA4U0), Data Management (MDM4U0), and Calculus (MCV4UO). Students also can write AP Exams in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics by taking the Grade 12 MaCS Enriched Courses offered in Grade 12. A benefit of writing an AP exam(s) is that the result(s) could be used towards University credit, which would lighten the University course load and lower tuition cost.
Q. What is the duration of the MaCS Program ?
4 years – from grades 9 to 12.
Q. Can I apply for admission to the program after Grade 9 ?
No.
Q. What are the requirements for continuing in the MaCS Program past Grade 9?
Students are encouraged to maintain grades of at least 75% in each of Math, Science, English, Geography, and Computers in order to be successful in MaCS for Grades 10, 11, and 12.
Q. Is it possible to take some of the MaCS classes, but not all of them?
The MaCS Program is an inclusive program; students must meet the program requirements (see Courses Page). MaCS students still have space in their schedule each year to select elective courses that they are interested in (i.e. arts, athletics, business, social sciences, etc.). They also have time to participate in extra-curricular activities (i.e. clubs, sports, etc.). In grade 11 and 12 they can choose the MaCS courses they want to continue taking as shown on the courses page.
Q: Do I need to submit an optional attendance form with my application?
Yes as part of the TDSB central online registration.
Q: Can I still apply if I don’t attend a TDSB school?
Yes.
Q: Are students’ marks penalized for being in an enriched program?
No. Our MaCS classes have the highest class averages in the school even with the enriched curriculum. When MaCS students graduate, they attend the University of their choice and are very successful when applying for scholarships. The application process ensures that students will be able to keep up in an enriched environment.