Frequently Asked Questions

The Program

1. Is TOPS an independent school?

   The TOPS Program is a sub-division of Marc Garneau CI. Although TOPS doesn't have any classrooms or facilities dedicated specifically to the program, there are certain areas within the school where TOPS students and teachers can be found most of the time. While this makes it very easy to integrate with other students of the school, it also allows for a tight-knit group of friends within TOPS. There is a very distinct community at Marc Garneau, and TOPS is an integral part of it.

2. What special facilities does TOPS and MGCI have at its students disposal?

   Marc Garneau is lucky to house nine science labs with a wide array of equipment and scientific instruments for student use. There is an active and vibrant music program that operates the school's music facilities. The school is proud to host a newly-renovated autoshop, a greenhouse that is maintained year-round, and a weight-training room. Marc Garneau C.I. also hosts the Canadian Space Resource Centre, a facility that supplies educational institutions across Canada and the US with teaching materials and academic information on Canada, it's space program, and space in general. TOPS has access to what is known as the "Bowling Alley". Although this may sound exciting, it's actually just a room with advanced probes and scientific equipment. The Techlab 2000 is where some of the most advanced technical equipment can be found. Also in the school is a state-of-the-art film studio, a drama studio room, eight computer labs, a newly renovated library, art studios equipped with dark rooms, and a wood-shop. TOPS also owns special scientific probes for field experiments. To sum up, TOPS has a plethora of facilities and tools at its disposal and no student is ever unable to complete a project, a lab, or try something for lack of equipment or space.

3. How is TOPS funded?

   To offset the costs of running such a unique program, we ask that students contribute to a fund which is used to finance the program throughout the year. While the program also does fundraising of its own in order to cover additional costs, this is not enough to accomplish what we feel is necessary for the program. Please note that students have never been refused admittance to the program on the basis of a financial need. The donation will cover the costs for each student, including trips, books, and resources for the year.

4. Will the enhanced curriculum inhibit my chances of being accepted to university?

   Not at all. In fact, although the courses are more challenging, TOPS classes typically have the highest averages school-wide, and universities actively seek out these qualified students. Last year, TOPS students were offered over $400,000 in scholarships. The only grads who weren't enrolled in university at the beginning of the year, were those who chose to follow a different path: they are currently volunteering across Canada and around the world for the duration of the year, before eventually heading off to university.

5. Can I take courses in other areas besides math and science?

   Of course! While many TOPS students choose to stick primarily to the math and science courses, it is by no means mandatory. In addition to the enriched Math and Science courses, other subjects such as History, English, Geography, Tech and Programming, are also enriched for TOPS students. Despite the math and science orientation of the program, there are some students who take more arts courses like Art, Business, Law, Media Studies, Music, Drama, French and Spanish as well as History. The bottom line is that no matter what path students wish to pursue, TOPS will provide everything that is required and a whole lot more.

6. Will I have time for other things than school?

   Certainly. One of the things that TOPS specifically looks for during the application process is individuals who are well-rounded and involved in their community. TOPS students are the first to get their volunteer hours submitted, many are involved in the school or in community programs, many take music lessons, or belong to dance clubs, Cadets, or play sports.

7. The TOPS curriculum sounds pretty rigorous, will my marks drop?

   Although this touches on a point already addressed above, we would like to re-emphasize it. We cannot guarantee that your marks will not drop, for the most part students' averages remain around the A level. Although TOPS courses often go far beyond that of the normal high school course, the pace never reaches a point where it can no longer be managed. Our teachers are excellent, and it is rare that anyone should ever find themselves in a place where they simply cannot keep up. But if, for whatever reason, someone does lag behind in a TOPS class, the teachers are very accommodating and will do all they can to help the individual. Beyond the teachers, there is another important part of the safety net: The rest of the people in the program. All people in TOPS are very supportive of each other and will often do all they can to help their friends.

The Application

8. Is there a limit to our student profile?

   There is no limit to the student profile. You are welcome to attach more documents or other types of media if you wish – remember that more does not mean better. Most students selected submit only the profile sheet.

9. I am not currently under the TDSB, can I still apply?

   You are free to apply to TOPS even if you are not a student in the TDSB.

10. Can students apply for Grade 11?

    If you are in Grade 10, you cannot apply to TOPS. The overwhelming majority of students selected for TOPS are in Grade 8 applying for a position in Grade 9. Some Grade 9 students apply for a Grade 10 position, but since we have virtually no attrition, very few, if any, positions for Grade 10 are available.

11. How many students apply to TOPS, and how many are accepted?

    Approximately 450 students apply annually to TOPS. However, this number is gradually increasing each year. Unfortunately, there is only room for 60 people. This competition ensures that all students are eager and motivated, and there will be plenty of other students to match your own strengths.

12. Which report card do I copy for the application process?

    We ask that students bring their Grade 7 Final Report Card. You should also submit the Grade 8 term 1 report card if it is available.

13. Is the optional attendance form to be handed in with the profile?

    Optional Attendance forms apply only to TDSB students who do not have Marc Garneau as their home school. If you are selected into the TOPS program, we will send you Optional Attendance forms with your admittance package. Students from Independent schools, the TCDSB, Peel, Halton, York or Durham will have to register as new students to the TDSB. We will send everything you need when you are accepted into the program.

14. Can I hand in parts of my application after exam day?

    We would prefer that you submit all of your application on the day of the exam. If you are unable to do so, send the outstanding information AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to the school. Write your “TOPS ID” number on everything you send to us.

The Exam

15. How should I prepare for the TOPS exam?

    To be honest, we don't suggest that students take on any extra work to prepare for the exam. The exam tests intuitive knowledge, and although brushing up one's spelling, grammar and math skills can never hurt, it may not necessarily help with the exam. Buying PSAT, SAT preparation books will not help you. The best advice is to get a good night's sleep and a good breakfast before the exam. Keep in mind that the exam, the essay section, the profile, and the report card are all important. One aspect is not more important than the others.

16. I cannot attend exam day, is there an alternate day?

    We can only accommodate students unable to write the TOPS exam day due to religious considerations. Please contact Ms. Nan Marie Wismer (416-396-2410) if this applies to you.

17. Are marks deducted on the exam?

    The math and science exams are multiple choice. There are 4 marks awarded for a correct solution, -1 for an incorrect response, and a blank response receives 0 marks. We are not looking for a particular mark for admittance, but rather looking at the way questions are approached. You will find the exam challenging!

18. Does TOPS take ESL into account on the entrance exam?

    Yes, we do. Also, the English portion of the exam isn't so much concerned with one's English skills, but rather the student's ideas and thinking processes.

19. I just wrote the TOPS Exam. When will I know whether I was accepted into the program?

    Applicants will be notified by the week of February 1. Applicants who were accepted into the program will receive a phone call. Applicants who we were unable to accommodate into the program this year will receive a letter. We would kindly request all parents and applicants not to email or phone us directly inquiring about the admission status of an applicant.

20. Can I receive my results for the exam?

    Students NEVER receive the results of their TOPS entrance examination. Due to the number of applicants, we are unable to provide individual feedback on any aspect of their application. The exam is only one part of the application and may not have been what we considered a point of weakness. Unfortunately, our school is extremely overcrowded and we are forced to turn away MANY students we feel are qualified and would benefit from the TOPS experience.

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