I'm currently attending Seneca as part of the first class under the new AEAD program. There was a lot of speculation about this program as it was so new, that many facts were unanswered, essentially until we arrived on the ground here in Toronto.
I'm a former MARS officer with a few years in, so my application process was different than someone coming off the street. That said, if anyone has any particular questions about that please post them.
Last I checked there was little on the DIN or the website and the information between recruiting offices has differed, through no fault of their own but this program is just that new. The kinks are still being worked out.
It's important to note that since we're the first course, the program may change between now and next September, but for the time being this is how things are being done here.
1) 12 of the 13 members were prohibited posted to the school, (13th was prohib posted but on IR) this means PLD and a costed move was NOT provided, nor is a house hunting trip if you'd like to live off campus. Be prepared to pay the going rate for rent in Toronto unassisted while you are here. Basic living expenses in residence end up equating to roughly 60-65% of your net income as a 2Lt. I can't give you an exact number because everyone is a little different. But please be aware of this fact!
Food is your own cost (loosely worked in to the percentage above), but whether you choose to cook on a hot plate in your room or pay a meal plan is up to you. I think all of us are cooking. It's far cheaper. Again R&Q arrangements may change by 2014.
2) Residence is run to a civilian standard and is...ok. It's loud, but they are decent enough. Military members are housed two to a dorm and our rooms are clustered together so that makes studying easier.
3) Have money ready for ancillary fees, parking, books, gym pass and the like, (about 800$). Some fees and obviously your books are claimable but September is the busiest month for the admin cell so, you may not get your claims back right away. Again, no fault of their own. They are admittedly understaffed. You could ask for an advance, but it's just easier to have the money on hand so you're not left waiting without books etc.
4) This is a civilian school and you MUST be proactive with your learning. You're 1 of some 90 students (military is mixed in with civvies) in the program. IF you have problems you MUST sort them out quickly and on your own initiative.
5) We are not taking all the same classes as the civvie students. Classes for semester 1 are:
-Mechanics for Engineers (MEC110),
-Single Variable Calc (MTH110),
-Chemistry (CHEM300),
-Electronics (ELE100) and
-French (FSL100).
We were NOT able to apply for advanced standing in any courses (regardless of far along you may be in university, I was in 3rd year of a BSc). The only course that could be substituted was French. We are supposed to be taking some CAFJOD courses but there has been a delay in commencing those courses.
I would suggest looking up the courses on the Seneca site to see what you will cover. I've noticed the people straight out of highschool seem to be fine but people like me that haven't been in highschool for 11 years or in post sec sciences for 5 years are rusty! I HIGHLY recommend either buying a used copy the text book or doing your own review based on the course material. The age range of students is 17 to 33, with 20years old being about the average.
6) There is NO flying here, some students were told there would be. Though, the program chair is is trying to get us checked out on the King Air simulator they have at this campus.
7) Academic failures: you stop the Seneca program immediately and it will decided (by who I'm not sure) whether or not you can pursue another degree via regular CEOTP at a different Uni.
8 ) There's rumours that I've heard that you don't have to do PFT first. That's false.
9) You do two semesters here, then go to Moose Jaw for Ph2 and complete Ph3 (MJ or Portage) then finish 3 more semesters back here in Toronto and you're done!
10) Promotions are tied to the MOC qualification as per normal.
All in all once the kinks get worked out of the program it will be pretty awesome. But it's my personal opinion that this is an entry plan really suited to younger applicants. Being a mature student in this environment is, well, tiring! Again that's just a personal statement. Getting a CT is a gamble, so I decided it was best to jump at the chance, chance of a life time really, than to risk it despite being pretty very close to finishing another degree.
Best of luck to anyone in the process, and I'm happy to provide you with any info I can.
However, we're not following that outline exactly nor are we in Peterborough for any portion of our training. We don't take electives, so for semester 2 we are taking:
