University of Toronto: How to Get Accepted in

Mission Statement

“The University of Toronto is dedicated to fostering an academic community in which the learning and scholarship of every member may flourish, with vigilant protection for individual human rights, and a resolute commitment to the principles of equal opportunity, equity and justice.”

University of Toronto Admission Statistics

The University of Toronto, renowned for its academic excellence, has an overall acceptance rate of about 43%, though this figure varies widely by program.

Competitive programs such as Life Sciences and Engineering often require higher admission averages. For instance, the Life Sciences program typically demands high school averages in the mid to high 80s. The Engineering program, offering various specializations, sees even higher demand and requires averages in the mid to high 90s along with a supplemental application focusing on leadership and extracurricular activities​​.

While it is not impossible to meet these statistics, it does mean students should aim to be at the top of their class and present a strong academic performance to increase their chances of getting in. The U of T is home to some extremely competitive programs and admission average scores for these are even higher in some cases. Along with a solid academic profile, applicants should aim to submit a strong and well-written OUAC application in order to have the best chance of success.



Eligibility 

Students applying through the Undergraduate 101 type application, or domestic Ontario high school students, will be required to submit their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and transcripts, with six Grade 12 U/M subjects, including the ENG4U course grades.

International student eligibility requirements vary by country, but the requirements for education are listed on the University of Toronto website. International students are required to submit test results for an English Language Proficiency test as well. There are no French language requirements for any applicants.

If you are a homeschooled applicant, from Ontario, elsewhere in Canada or otherwise, there are some additional requirements to include in your application.

Notable Programs

Many of U of T’s programs are internationally-renowned. Below we will highlight three programs that attract some of the best and brightest undergraduate applicants. All of the admissions to these programs are considered competitive and will need a supplemental application.

1. Computer Science (BA or BSc program) - The Computer Science program at the St. George campus is highly regarded, consistently ranked among the best in Canada. It offers students access to cutting-edge research and extensive elective options to tailor their education. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications. Admissions averages for this program are typically in the low to mid 90s
2. Engineering Science (BASc program) - The Engineering Science program at the St. George campus is another standout and highly ranked in Canada, known for its rigorous curriculum and focus on innovation. Students in this program can specialize in various fields such as biomedical engineering, aerospace, and robotics. The program integrates extensive research opportunities and practical experience through co-op placements. Admissions averages for this program are highly competitive and are usually in the high 90s.
3. Rotman Commerce (BCom Program) - Rotman Commerce, located only at the St. George campus, is one of the leading undergraduate business programs in Canada. It offers specializations in accounting, finance, and management, providing a comprehensive education in business principles. The program is known for its strong connections with industry leaders and its emphasis on experiential learning through internships. Admissions averages for this program are highly competitive and are usually in the high 90s with an emphasis on strong extracurriculars.



Selection Factors

SAT and GPA

What grades you need to get into U of T will vary highly by program. Some of the more competitive programs above require averages in the mid to high 90s. However, more general programs like Arts and Sciences do not require as high averages and students with low-to-mid 80s are regularly admitted. In many U of T programs (although not all), you will be admitted to a general first year program and then will need to maintain high marks in your first year before being admitted to a specialist or major.

International students may need to submit standardized test scores depending on where you are applying from. Students from the US are not required to submit their SAT scores to U of T for most programs, but are for Engineering programs. There is no minimum SAT score for admittance and there are no published guidelines on how U of T weighs GPA and SAT for international students. However, if you are applying for a competitive program a good SAT score is a good idea. Make sure you prep for your SAT to guarantee your spot!

High School Coursework

If you are applying from an Ontario high school the only requirement is six 4U credits (4^th year University stream courses) including ENG4U, English. Most programs will have additional course requirements. For example, mathematics for Commerce programs and Science courses for Engineering and Science programs.

For international students make sure you look up course equivalencies. U of T does not accept SAT subject tests to satisfy coursework requirements.

Admissions Interview

The University of Toronto only requires an admissions interview for some of its undergraduate programs, namely its commerce and business-related programs. If your program requires an admissions interview you will be notified soon after you submit an application. Be prepared for the common college admission interview questions or ask a college admissions consulting service for help in preparing you.

The admissions interview will be conducted just like a professional job interview, where your interviewers will ask more in-depth questions about you, your application and your candidacy. Be ready to answer questions about why you want to attend the University of Toronto or what made you choose a specific program. If you are invited for an interview, do take the time to properly prepare yourself just as you would any professional interview. This is your opportunity to show the admissions committee that you should be offered admission to the school and that you will contribute meaningfully to the school community.

Acceptance, Waitlist and Deferral Information

Acceptance letters are sent out by June 2, once all regular admission decisions have been completed by the University of Toronto admissions committee.

The University of Toronto may sometimes place highly qualified applicants on the waitlist if there is no more space in a program or the applicant falls just below the eligibility threshold. If you are placed on the waitlist the school will notify you, and you’ll be required to fill out a waitlist registration form to secure your spot. You will receive a final decision by the end of June. Admission off the waitlist is not guaranteed, but the university will wait to see if any spots open in your program of choice or if there are other programs open where you will be a good fit first. Students on the waitlist are assessed by academic merit and not ranked.

You can also choose to take a gap year and defer your enrollment for up to one year. Deferral decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. You can submit a request for deferral after you receive your offer of admission. Be sure to receive confirmation of your deferral before making any plans, as you won’t be able to resubmit your application or accept your admission if the deadline for acceptance has already passed.

Ontario Universities Application

For any university application in Ontario, Canada, you’ll need to submit it through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) system. If you’re an international student, a college admissions consultant or college advisor can help orient you on this process and what it requires of you.

The OUAC is a unified application system for all undergraduate and graduate programs in the Canadian province of Ontario. First-time undergraduate students need only worry about the standard 101 application form, as long as they are currently attending high school in Ontario. International students and mature students should apply using the 105 application form. It should be noted that Canadian students not currently attending high school in Ontario should also apply through the 105 application type.

For graduate students applying to law school or medical school, for example, there are specialized forms to fill out, such as the OLSAS for law school or OMSAS for med school.

Whatever your student situation, it’s a great idea to consider getting an academic advisor in Ontario, as they will be familiar with the application system, eligibility requirements and be able to smooth any wrinkles in your university application process. They can also help coach you on strengthening your application, to increase your chances of being admitted to this highly competitive and selective school.

OUAC Application Components

The OUAC undergraduate application has several components. Once you’ve created an account and indicated your selected programs or schools, you’ll need to fill out your personal and contact information. The application package will include your:

• Academic transcripts
• Current high school information and grades
• Personal statement or college essays
• OUAC activities section, including work experience, volunteer work and extracurriculars

The OUAC activities section is similar to the Common App activities section in its content. The written portion of the application, which includes a personal statement or your reasoning for choosing the University of Toronto, may also include supplemental college essays to strengthen your candidacy.

Not all programs at the University of Toronto will require a supplementary profile, essay or application. Those programs that do require additional information will indicate additional requirements on the OUAC application.

Application Timeline

The deadline for undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto is January 13 for almost all programs. Some deadlines have been extended by several weeks, so check the University website for confirmation. The OUAC deadlines are also earlier than the institution deadlines, so the application system has time to send your application to your chosen school.

For international, mature and other students using the 105 application type, the regular application deadline is usually February 1.

Scholarship deadlines are also typically earlier than the school deadlines, so it’s best to apply early and well before the deadline. Supplementary application deadlines are typically in mid-January or early February, although the early recommended date is mid-December.

Application timelines and deadlines at the University of Toronto vary greatly by program, so be sure to check appropriate deadlines on the school website and the OUAC website.

Applying to the University of Toronto is a lengthy process, so it’s recommended you start early in your final year of high school so you have time to prepare the required documents and fill out the numerous applications.

Want to know more about the college application process? Check out the video below.

Tuition and Debt

Tuition costs for undergraduate students range from approximately $6,000 to $14,000 CDN, depending on the program. For international students, these numbers range from $37,000 to $60,000.

Funding Opportunities

There are many options for domestic and international student scholarships offered both abroad and in Canada to help offset the costs. The Canadian federal government has several programs available to help international students to study in Canada.

Along with scholarships, there are numerous grants and bursaries students can apply for, both internationally and domestically. There are also student loans and financial aid provided by the University of Toronto, including a bursary program and a work-study program. Domestic Ontario students also are eligible to receive many benefits through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

For more information of funding opportunities check out the official U of T Finances Website.

First-year students at the University of Toronto have a housing guarantee, meaning they can live on campus to save costs for their first year of schooling and they are given first choice. Students need to express their interest in living on campus in their application, which must be submitted by March 31

Grad and Professional School Rates

As a prestigious school, many of U of T’s graduates go on to various graduate and professional schools. There are no data available beyond employment numbers (95% of U of T grads are employed or in further schooling two years after graduation) on what percentage of U of T grads are admitted to professional programs. U of T does not preferentially accept U of T applicants for its medical school.

The many research opportunities at U of T will prepare you well for graduate school or other professional school applications. However, U of T is also known for very rigorous academic standards that make achieving a high GPA more difficult than other schools.

Notable Members of the School

As one of Canada’s most important Universities, University of Toronto has produced many notable alumni across all fields. This includes many prime ministers and politicians, academics, artists, and others. Some of the most well-known alumni are author Margaret Atwood, astronaut Julie Payette, and director Atom Egoyan. Five Noble Prize winners have been affiliated with U of T, including Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin at U of T.

Campus and Faculty

The University of Toronto consists of three campuses: St. George (Downtown Toronto), Mississauga, and Scarborough. Each campus has its unique features and strengths. While you can take courses at any campus, most programs will be based from one campus and this could affect where you take classes, your residences, and your access to various campus services.

The St. George campus, located in downtown Toronto close to Chinatown, Kensington Market, and the Annex neighborhoods. It is the largest and most historic of the three campuses. It serves as the university's main campus and is renowned for its research facilities, diverse student body, and architectural landmarks. The campus is home to a wide range of academic disciplines, numerous libraries, museums, and cultural institutions, making it a vibrant hub for education and research.

The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is located in the city of Mississauga, west of Toronto. It is known for its picturesque setting along the Credit River and offers a more intimate campus experience. UTM focuses on interdisciplinary programs, with strengths in business, health sciences, and environmental studies.

The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) is located in the eastern part of Toronto. It is recognized for its innovative co-op programs and strong emphasis on experiential learning. UTSC is set in a suburban area with ample green spaces, and it has a growing reputation in the fields of management, computer science, and biological sciences.

Contact Information

The University of Toronto undergraduate admissions office can be contacted at: 416-978-2190. Official Admissions Page: https://future.utoronto.ca/apply/ Information on visitors tours for any of the university's campuses can be found at ww.utm.utoronto.ca/tours or by calling 905-828-5400.

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

Disclaimer: BeMo does not endorse or affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. The content has been developed based on the most recent publicly available data provided from the official university website. However, you should always check the statistics/requirements with the official school website for the most up to date information. You are responsible for your own results. 

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