Hello,

I'm a student at the University of Toronto, planning to pursue either an Economics or Economics and Mathematics Specialist.

I understand that the University of Toronto is a popular destination for many Secondary School graduates, so I thought I'd offer up my expertise and answer any questions you may have.

I can help dispel (or confirm!) scary rumours, answer questions about the application process, or whatever is on your mind. My specific knowledge is of Maths and Economics, so I can help applicants planning to enter that field.

*Note: There has been some interest in the sale of my ECO100Y notes among entering students. I do have prepared a large document including all relevant graphs, equations and definitions - complete with explanations and descriptions. If you're interested, feel free to send me a message on the forums.

**Note: Please do not use this thread to ask whether your entrance grades are good enough. I don't really know, and don't pretend to.


- MattUK

Hello, lanamaleva.

I am a proud member of University College, even though I ranked my College choices based on cost. It's difficult to know whether one specific college will offer a more enjoyable experience for you than another, since you can only test it out once you're already at the door!

Because of that, I wouldn't base your choice on hearsay or reputation - your college experience (assuming you're living in residence) will be what you make of it! I'd personally look at cost, proximity to your classes (Vic and St. Mike's are all the way across Queen's Park!), roomiest accommodations, etc. The sorts of things you can know for sure before getting there.

Good luck!

- MattUK

Hi pare16,

I did attend Orientation Week at U of T. Each college organises their own, so I can only speak for the one at University College. By the end of the week, I was skipping most of the events - but I was skipping them with the people I had met during Orientation Week.

So, although the events were lame, being forced to spend time with people you don't know really laid the foundation for my social life at U of T. I would definitely recommend it, but you can pick and choose which events to attend. There were some fun ones, like terrorising the other colleges and playing glow-in-the-dark capture the flag... and then the others, like sexual safety seminars and the endless scavenger hunt...

But, all in all, a good experience.

- MattUK

Hello, NanBullen.

It is very competitive to get A's in Economics, as well as Mathematics (a requirement for any Economics programme). The tests are arranged to a pre-determined class average, and that average is normally quite low. On my first Economics test, just over a third of the students failed, and I'd say about 40-50 out of 600 got A's. I managed to score a 90%, but getting such grades is only possible when you really understand the material, rather than just knowing it. That is true for every programme at U of T.

In general, U of T is a competitive school - but that spirit of competition is what makes it such a well-respected institution. If you survive the first year and, to a lesser extent, second year 'weeding out', classes become much more personal, and your grades tend to increase.

That is not to say that U of T is some dreary place where students eat, sleep and study. There are many venues to entertain your interests, make friends and enjoy your free time. All you need to do is allocate time well, and enter with the knowledge that U of T will be a challenging, but rewarding, experience.

Good luck!

Hello, janetteaq.

University College does have many services and facilities catered to commuter students. I'm living in residence, but from the commuter students that I've met, University College is very accommodating - remember, if you have any concerns or questions whatsoever, you can visit the Registrar's Office. They're there to help with anything.

I do like University College (although, of course, it's the only college I've been to!). The people are friendly, the facilities are useful and the atmosphere is pleasant - what more could you ask for? University College is known as an 'open' college, which is a euphemism for its very liberal values and flaunting of various sexual themes and preferences. There have been issues with people who are not as liberal as this college attempts to be, and with those who find the sexual themes a bit crude. But, if you're alright with that, it shouldn't be an issue!

Unfortunately, U of T isn't the most forthcoming with scholarships. If you achieve a 94% average, the University guarantees you at least $2,000. There are many scholarships at UC for which you don't apply, but they are granted to you upon entry. I received a scholarship in the social science category (worth $1,600, I think), based on academic merit. As a frame of reference, my graduating average was 96.5%. Here is a list of all University College admission scholarships:
http://www.uc.utoronto.ca/content/view/212/1267/

And sorry, I'm afraid I can't help you with UTSG applications! I only applied to St. George!

Good luck!
MattUK

U of T Economics is heavily based on statistical, graphical and mathematical techniques. The Introduction to Economics (ECO100Y1) course, although it does depend on the professor to an extent, utilises substantial graphical analysis throughout. Basically, the course is an introduction to modelling economic scenarios with (albeit basic) mathematics. Later on, in the macroeconomics portion of the course, there is more focus on policies and empirical analysis, but mathematics really is important throughout the course. That being said, if your intention is just to take the course, Calculus is not really a part of it at all - Advanced Functions is definitely enough.

However, Advanced Functions is not enough to minor, major or specialise in any Economics programme. If you want to pursue Economics, you must have MCV4U in order to take the first-year mathematics requirements. If you're like me, and decided upon Economics late, you can take MCV4U in summer school (a dreadful, dreadful experience, but so worth it!), but since it's only first semester for Secondary School, I'm sure you'll be able to pick it up next semester if you want. If you really don't like Maths that much, other schools offer more qualitative Economics programmes - it does depend on your preference, but Graduate Schools love to see students with a solid, quantitative background.

I hope this helps!

- Matt UK

Hey MattUK,

I was wondering, if I go to U of T next year and happen to not like my college, am I allowed to switch my college? Thanks!

Hi MattUK,

I was wondering how do I apply for U of T through OUAC. On the application, it puts pharmacy(the program i want) into a different link. So I'm really confused and I'm running time!

Guys please remember that if you wan't to get into Victoria or Trinity you must write a supplementary essay and YOU MUST RANK THEM FIRST ON OUAC TO BE CONSIDERED.

UoT is hard I suppose but that depends on you. Do you want to be in a competitive place with a lot of bright people?

Hey!

Okay, so I am applying for UTAPS and I was wondering if you have to apply for OSAP first? Do the two have anything to do with one another?

Also, the website says that students entering directly from highschool should have the form in by February 28th, but my parents don't do their taxes till like March So I won't have any of the up to date info.

When does UTAPS usually give students the money?