Is the University of Toronto hard to get into?

The University of Toronto is one of Canada’s best schools you can attend. This means that the number of applications it receives annually is quite high and getting into it is competitive. So, is the University of Toronto hard to get into?

The University of Toronto has an acceptance rate of 43%, which shows it’s not very hard to get into. But the application process is very competitive, and the entering average keeps getting higher every year. Getting into it is hard due to certain factors, but there are ways to improve your chances.

Regardless of the overall acceptance rates, your program of study will determine how easy it’ll be for you to get in. Certain programs, especially in the applied sciences, have very low acceptance rates. That said, this article discusses whether it’s easy to get into the University of Toronto and how to better your chances.

What is the Acceptance Rate at the University of Toronto?

The University of Toronto has an acceptance rate of 43%. While this might seem high compared to other top universities, it’s so because the school has three campuses which means it can admit several applicants. The application process is quite competitive, and the rate of success varies across faculties and programs, with the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering having the lowest acceptance rate.

Entering Average

The average for getting accepted into the University of Toronto further shows how competitive the application process is. Over the years, the entering average has continued to increase, which means that students have to perform better and have higher averages every year to have a chance of getting in. Here is the entering average for the Engineering, Arts, and Science across the three campuses:

  • Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering – 93 %
  • Art and Science St George – 90%
  • Art and Science University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) – 86%
  • Art and Science Mississauga Campus (UTM) -85%

Requirements for Applying to University of Toronto

If you’re planning to attend the University of Toronto, it’s important to be familiar with the application requirements. This usually varies based on several factors such as what you want to study, whether you’re a domestic or international student, type of program, etc. Regardless of these factors, general requirements include:

  • Supplementary Application Form (SAF)
  • Statement of Interest
  • Transcript of your High School records
  • English proficiency test scores
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Essay

Why is it Hard to Get into The University of Toronto?

Several factors have made getting admission into the university tougher over the years. They include:

1.   International Enrolment

The number of international students applying to the University of Toronto has grown significantly over the past few years. With the University of Toronto being one of the best in the country, it receives many applications from international students. Applicants are competing with both domestic and international students. The high-ranking nature of the school, cost of education, and quality of life in Canada means more international students are willing to come to the University of Toronto. Thus, the application process is more competitive, with many high-level students aiming for the same spot.

2.   Disparity in Rate of Applications and Number of Enrollment

While more people have been applying to the school over the years, the number of available spots hasn’t grown to match it. This means that more people are competing for the limited spaces. Although some faculties plan to increase their full-time enrollment, the percentage is still small compared to those applying.

3.   Program of study

The program you’re applying for will also determine how competitive the entry will be. Some programs receive higher-performing applications than others which lowers the chance of getting in. For example, programs such as engineering and computer science are more competitive.

Tips for Improving Acceptance Chance

Now that you’re aware of how competitive the University of Toronto is, it’s important you do everything to improve your chances. Here are tips on how to do that:

1.   Apply before the deadline

While this might sound cliche, you’ll be surprised to learn how many people leave their applications to the deadline. Waiting until the last minute before submitting your application can cost you your spot as it’ll be too late to correct any mistake.

2.   Have a High Average

Your average plays a significant role in your acceptance rate, so you should pay more attention to it. For domestic students, the grades in Year 11 finals and Grade 12 midterms or finals in the requisite courses for the program are crucial. Thus, it’s important to know the relevant subjects for your desired program. You can do this with three simple steps.

3.   Involve yourself in Extracurricular activities

Extracurriculars are key to the success of any application process. While some students might focus only on academics, the university won’t. The school wants to know more about you than just your CGPA, so you need to show that you have other capabilities. Sports, leadership, community engagement, volunteering, competition and awards, arts, clubs, etc., are ways to show that you have other abilities beyond getting good grades.

If you have a good average, extracurricular activities can confirm your chance of getting admission. But even if your average isn’t in the top percentile, extracurricular might distinguish you from the rest.

4.   Prepare for your Video Interview

This applies to engineering applicants and all other programs where video interview is part of the application process. The faculty of engineering and applied sciences currently requires your application to answer some video interview questions. These questions are generally personal ones. The first one is about your personality, and you have 2 minutes to record your answer.

The second is a 250-word essay about a challenge you faced and how you tackled it, and the third is a problem-solving question that you have to record your answer in three minutes. Prepare ahead with practice questions and make sure your camera and microphone are working before starting.

In Conclusion

Getting into the University of Toronto isn’t as hard compared to other top universities. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy either. The application process is still very competitive, and you need an entering average of around 90% to have a good chance of getting in.

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