Get Admitted to your Dream University – UToronto
The University of Toronto (UToronto) is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is considered one of the world’s top research-intensive universities. The motto of the University is “Velut arbor aevo” which means ‘ may it grow as a tree through the ages’.
UToronto is divided into 3 campuses. These campuses are:
- St George Campus: The St. George campus blends historical architecture and inviting green spaces as a backdrop to a truly remarkable community.
- Mississauga: Established in 1967, Mississauga is the second largest division of UToronto. The campus also boasts a vibrant research environment and many of its faculty and researchers are recognized internationally for their innovative work.
- Scarborough: Students get a head start on their futures through UToronto only co-op program as well as internships, hands-on research, community engagement and a vibrant campus life.
The College System
All students within the Faculty of Arts & Science on the St. George campus are affiliated with one of seven colleges. These colleges have deep roots in the history of the UToronto. The college system dates back to the earliest days of the university and remains one of its distinctive features. The colleges are a home base for their students and provide the advantages of a closer-knit community experience within a large research university.
- Innis College: New College
- New College
- Michael’s College
- Trinity College
- University College
- Victoria College
- Woodsworth College
Students targeting UToronto must be well-rounded with accolades in academics and extra-curricular activities. The most important factors for admission are:
- Secondary school exams/grades/GPA
- Grades in AP courses (SAT scores are optional)
- Scores on English language proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Personal statement or essay
- Letters of reference
1. Academic Requirements
UToronto provides clear guidelines for subjects and marks required from various education systems like: CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE and IB etc. These are minimum admission requirements and achieving these grades does not ensure admission.
Minimum admission requirement for students from ICSE or CBSE high school are given below:
| Admission Category | Required High School Courses | Recommended Admission Range* | Recommended Range for Required High School Courses |
| Computer Science | English, Calculus | Low 90s |
English – high 80s Calculus – low 90s |
| Humanities | English | Low to mid 80s | English – low to mid 80s |
| Life Sciences | English, Calculus | Mid to high 80s |
English – mid to high 80s Calculus – mid to high 80s |
| Mathematical and Physical Sciences | English, Calculus | Mid to high 80s |
English – mid to high 80s Calculus – mid to high 80s |
| Rotman Commerce | English, Calculus | Mid to high 80s |
English – high 80s Calculus – high 80s |
| Social Sciences | English | Mid to high 80s | English – mid to high 80s |
While minimum qualifications for students of IB are given below:
| Admission Category | Required Subjects | Recommended Admission Range* | Recommended Range for Required High School Subjects |
| Computer Science |
English HL or SL Math SL or HL, Math Analysis and Approaches HL or SL, Math Applications and Interpretations HL |
High 30s |
English HL or SL – 6 to 7 Math HL or SL – 6 to 7 |
| Humanities | English HL or SL | Low to mid 30s | English HL or SL – 5 to 7 |
| Life Sciences |
English HL or SL Math SL or HL, Math Analysis and Approaches HL or SL, Math Applications and Interpretations HL (Unlike India, you first need to complete four years of college and then apply to medical school) |
Mid to high 30s |
English HL or SL – 5 to 7 Math HL or SL – 5 to 7 |
| Mathematical and Physical Sciences |
English HL or SL Math SL or HL, Math Analysis and Approaches HL or SL, Math Applications and Interpretations HL |
Mid to high 30s |
English HL or SL – 5 to 7 Math HL or SL – 5 to 7 |
| Commerce |
English HL or SL Math SL or HL, Math Analysis and Approaches HL or SL, Math Applications and Interpretations HL |
Mid to high 30s |
English HL or SL – 6 to 7 Math HL or SL – 6 to 7 |
| Social Sciences | English HL or SL | Mid to high 30s |
English HL or SL – 5 to 7 |
2. Essays
Some programs at the UToronto require you to submit additional material for your profile to be considered for that program, this is called Supplementary Application which comes in various forms depending on the program and the campus you’ve applied to. It can be in the form of a supplementary application form, a virtual interview, an online student profile, a statement of interest or a video interview. Some courses that require a Supplementary Application are –
- Computer Science
- Rotman Commerce (Accounting, Finance and Economics and Management)
- Trinity College
- Victoria College
- Applied Science and Engineering
- Architecture, Landscape and Design
3. Personal Statement
Personal Statement is an important part of the UToronto application process. The personal statement is an opportunity to speak about your unique experiences, qualities and aspirations. This statement is required by most courses offered by the UToronto. Some programs like Bachelor of Information allow students to submit their personal statement using a variety of media. For Example –
- 90-second video
- Personal essay (400-500 words)
- Website / Portfolio
- Slideshow presentation
- A storyboard telling a story about what you hope your two years in the program would be like
- Or any other format that allows you best to communicate your ideas.
4. Co-curricular Activities
UToronto places more emphasis on co-curricular activities rather than extracurricular activities. Therefore, it is essential for students to participate in events that help them prove their expertise in different subjects. Participating in international or national Olympiads for Math, Science, or English can help students here. They may also consider delving deeper in the subjects of their choice. Among the best ways of doing this is writing Research Papers under the guidance of erudite professors.
5. English Language Proficiency
English proficiency is important and required for those students who aspire to study at UToronto. Some English tests and their requirements are given below:
| TEST | REQUIREMENT |
| Cambridge Assessment English C1 Advanced or C2: Proficiency | A minimum overall score of 180, with at least 170 in each component. |
| Duolingo English Test | The minimum requirement is an overall score of 120. |
| GCSE/IGCSE/GCE/AICE English courses | A minimum final grade of “B” (“6” in reformed qualifications) in GCSE/IGCSE/GCE Ordinary Level English, English Language, or English as a Second Language; OR a minimum final or predicted grade of “C” in GCE A Level/AS Level/AICE English or English Language. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) English | The minimum requirement is a score of at least 4 (predicted or final) in Higher or Standard Level English A: Literature or English A: Language and Literature. |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
The minimum requirement is an overall band of 6.5, with no band below 6.0. |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) |
The minimum scores required for the different TOEFL tests are: Internet-based Test (including Home Edition): Minimum Requirement: total score of 100 + 22 on Writing Discretionary Range: total score 89-99 + 22 on Writing |
Following the guidelines above will help you present your best self to UToronto and maximize your admission chances.
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