University of Toronto - UofT
speciality: Politics

The University of Toronto is known for its prestigious research-based programs. Unsurprisingly, this school motivated me to pursue a career in academia. All classes pushed me to my limits and have made me a much better thinker and writer over the course of only a few months. At this school, you are working with the best of the best, and if you can handle it, it is SO SO worthwhile!

Despite the University of Toronto being known for its high level of difficulty, I believe that I have developed greatly academically and on a personal level through my studies. My Political Science major has taught me how to write academically and develop a strong thesis supported by a well-developed argumentation. It has also enabled me to think more critically and to remain nuanced in my analysis. It is a rigorous program, however with commitment and discipline one can achieve high marks and a high level of education.

Attending the University of Toronto as a mature student has had its positives and negatives. The experiences gained from being a mature student has helped me increase and gain additional skills previously had. Going back to school as mature student at the university of Toronto has been extremely successful and a fun experience. The university is accommodating to individual need and circumstances. The campuses have multiple resources for all ages that help to really prepare you for a successful 4 years.

I like how prestigious the university is. It has been labeled the “Harvard of Canada” and it is a hard to school get accepted into. The University of Toronto has paved a great way for my siblings to get to their current profession.

The school has a really great supportive system and gives students great ways to connect with others who are like-minded.

I am currently in my third year of the Honors Bachelor of Arts program at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), specializing in Political Science and minoring in Applied Statistics. Looking back, I have no regrets about my decision to pursue this program, though there have definitely been challenges along the way, especially with the competitive nature of the environment.

One of the standout features of my experience has been the faculty in my department. Professors in Political Science, especially, are incredibly caring and willing to help students once you make an effort to connect with them. I’ve always recommended that students approach professors for help, whether it’s related to assignments or even just for a casual conversation. In my experience, they genuinely want to support your academic growth and are available to assist if you ask.

As for the classes, some have been more engaging than others. While there are definitely a few that can feel a bit dry or difficult to stay engaged in, there are plenty of support systems in place to help. For instance, if you struggle with note-taking, UTSC offers note-taking services, and if you need extra time for exams, accommodations are available. It’s reassuring to know that help is always there if you need it.

On campus, I’ve been very involved in extracurriculars, which has helped me feel connected and grounded. I’m actively engaged in my sorority, Zeta Chi Epsilon, and I also serve as the Director of the Experiential Learning Committee for the Political Science Students’ Association (PSSA). These roles have allowed me to build a strong network of peers, which has been vital in balancing the academic pressures of the program. The sense of community here is something I deeply appreciate.

Overall, while the program is academically rigorous, the caring professors, supportive resources, and vibrant campus life have made my experience at UTSC very rewarding. I’d highly recommend this program to anyone interested in Political Science or Applied Statistics, especially if you’re willing to engage with the faculty and seek out the support available. It’s a program that challenges you, but with the right resources, you can thrive.

As a third-year student at U of T, I can confidently say this university is a microcosm of the world. The diversity here is unparalleled—I’ve shared group projects with students from over 30 countries. One unique aspect is the sheer number of libraries (44!) and how each has its own vibe. My favorite is the Gerstein Science Library, where I’ve pulled countless all-nighters surrounded by the hum of ambitious students. The campus itself is a mix of historic and modern architecture, with the iconic Robarts Library resembling a peacock (or a turkey, depending on who you ask). Student life is vibrant but can feel overwhelming; you really have to seek out clubs and events to feel connected. One thing I wish I’d known earlier is how competitive some programs can be—it’s not uncommon to see students crying during finals in the Bahen Centre. But the opportunities here are unmatched, from research positions to networking events with global leaders.

University of Toronto is a very prestigious school in Canada. I felt welcomed by my college and it’s integrated within downtown, so a lot of places are accessible. The professors are great and very helpful. Campus life is pretty okay as well.

I really enjoy my program because I have a very broad range of courses I can take in all fields of political science. I can take courses in Canadian politics, statistics, comparative politics, European / African / American politics, policy, international relations, and many more. At times, there can be discrepancies between teachers and assistants but there is often help from the registrar to sort out any differences. I also really enjoy student life because it is in the heart of the city, meaning that you get a vibrant and interesting experience on campus. There are students from all over the world and in political science that can help open the door to many new opinions. The facilities can be a bit old sometimes and the buildings do require some renovation but this does not take away from the student experience. I also highly value the familiarity with the teachers and your ability to talk to them casually if you are in need of academic assistance. There are many opportunities organised either by the school or individual professors to gain experience about future career opportunities which has proved to be a very useful tool. The school also has many mental health facilities and is very available for accommodation.

The amount of facilities that UTSC provides is amazing. I am a first-year student and I haven’t felt odd once at the university. The professors are friendly and very understanding. The TAs are experienced too.

The unspecified program for first years allows them to explore different courses from a range of programs before they settle on a major. Which is good especially if you’re unsure of what you want to study yet.