The University of Toronto isn’t just any school. It’s Canada’s #1-ranked university and one of the best institutions in the world. Located in the heart of Toronto—Canada’s largest, most vibrant city—UofT has set standards for academic excellence, leadership, and innovation. As you begin your application journey, know this: the process is as rigorous as the school itself.
The University of Toronto isn’t just any school. It’s Canada’s #1-ranked university and one of the best institutions in the world. Located in the heart of Toronto—Canada’s largest, most vibrant city—UofT has set standards for academic excellence, leadership, and innovation. As you begin your application journey, know this: the process is as rigorous as the school itself.
UofT’s application isn’t just about grades. It’s designed to see how you perform under pressure—timed essays, recorded interviews, and detailed supplementary applications all test your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and demonstrate why you belong at one of the world’s top institutions.
We know applying to UofT is like competing at the highest level. Every student applying is talented, driven, and prepared.
And finding the information to apply? Poorly put together and all over the place.
That’s why we made this guide. So you have everything you need in one spot when applying to UofT. And after helping over 3,300 students apply to UofT, including Ciara we know what works and what doesn’t.
Applying to UofT isn’t just about earning a spot in a classroom.
It’s about proving you’re ready for the challenge of becoming part of something bigger—a school that shapes leaders, pioneers research, and prepares students to make a meaningful impact on the world.
We’ll cover exactly how to do that.
You can’t just copy and paste your essays when you apply to UofT.
Got it?
UofT is one of the few schools where pre-writing your essays and sitting around to copy-paste them won’t work.
Why?
Because the application process is timed. When you apply, you’ll need to write on the spot. That’s right—your performance is tested under pressure.
The prompts change every year too, so there’s no gaming the system.
It's just you, the keyboard, the prompt and that timer.
The only way to succeed is to actually be good at it: good at telling your story, good at writing clearly under pressure, and good at showing why you belong at UofT. The only way to get there is by preparation - you can't cut corners here.
The biggest mistake we see students make is showing up unprepared, treating the supplementary application as just another box to tick. They panic when the timer starts. They scramble for words. And instead of showcasing their potential, they miss the mark.
Every student at UofT has faced this challenge and emerged stronger for it. If you want to stand out, it’s not enough to check boxes—you need to show up, rise to the occasion, and prove you’re ready for the demands of one of the world’s best schools.
Your competitors are preparing. Are you?
Can you build a bridge between what you’ve accomplished and what you’ll contribute to the UofT community? And do it under pressure?
Good thing pressure makes diamonds.
Don’t worry. We’ll help you get there.
Need help mastering timed essays and standing out under pressure? Talk to AdmissionPrep’s experts today.
UofT isn’t just any school—it’s Canada’s #1-ranked university and consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. There’s a reason the application process is so rigorous.
With over 700 undergraduate programs across its three campuses—St. George (Downtown Toronto), UofT Mississauga (UTM), and UofT Scarborough (UTSC)—it offers unparalleled opportunities for academics, research, and innovation.
Whether you’re aiming for Rotman Commerce, Engineering, or Arts & Science, UofT is a launchpad to being an expert at one of the best institutions in the world.
11%.
That's the percentage of students with a UofT degree who didn't get a job related to their career within 24 months of graduation.*
That means 89% were employed in less than 2 years of graduating in a career related to their degree.*
Out of every 100 graduates, 89 were employed. And earned on average a $62,000 starting salary.
A degree isn’t just about earning a piece of paper—it’s about launching your career. And a UofT degree does just that.
UofT doesn’t just educate you; it connects you to opportunity. With strong ties to Toronto’s thriving business, tech, healthcare, and creative industries, UofT graduates have access to one of the largest professional networks in Canada.
Whether you’re studying in Rotman Commerce, Engineering, Computer Science, or Life Sciences, UofT provides:
A UofT degree isn’t just another qualification; it’s a launchpad to a career that matters.
Admissions to UofT are competitive, with over 111,500 direct entry undergraduate applications received annually. It’s like stepping into the Olympics of higher education—the competition is fierce, and every detail matters.
Getting into UofT is no walk in the park. It’s competitive, and the numbers show it:
For UofT’s top programs, the sheer number of applicants makes competition fierce. Each year, tens of thousands of students apply, but only a small percentage make it through. UofT uses holistic admissions, which means they aren’t just looking at your grades—they’re assessing your ability to thrive in their rigorous environment.
Source UofT Enrollment Report.
You’ve heard this before: good grades matter. At UofT, they’re your ticket to being considered for admission.
Here’s what you need to aim for:
Pro Tip: If your grades are slightly below average, a strong supplementary application and personal statement can give you the edge you need to stand out. Holistic admissions means that UofT values well-rounded applicants who bring more to the table than numbers.
Heading into Grade 12 and concerned that your grades in high school weren’t good enough? We'll cover just how far back UofT looks and what to do to catch up.
Universities typically review your high school grades, but exactly how far they look back depends on when you're applying.
In Canada, for example, most universities consider your grades from Grade 9, 10, 11, and 12. Specifically, they focus heavily on your Grade 12 marks, as these are the final grades that demonstrate your academic readiness for post-secondary studies.
Grade 9-11 grades? They matter too, especially if you apply early or if the admissions team needs more context to assess your progress.
Remember this: universities don’t just care about your grades. They care about your story. Your trajectory.
If your early high school years were average but you showed significant improvement, that upward trend will work in your favour.
Growth matters.
You’ve got to bloom where you’re planted. But more importantly, you need to communicate growth to the committee.
That's how you go from average to astounding. (And you definitely want to be the latter.)
Grade 12 is critical. It’s the home stretch. It's your Rocky cut scene before the big fight.
Since most universities will focus on your Grade 12 marks, use this to your advantage. Put in the work. Push yourself. Take a mix of challenging courses and ones you know you can excel in. Aim for 85-95% to be competitive.
Still concerned that your grades won't be up to the competition?
Then you've got to shake up your courses. Real good. Make Shakira proud.
Here's our recommended course planning "shake up" for top students who are behind on their grades.
Usually, students who follow this formula improve their GPA and they have more fun because they're taking courses they actually enjoy.
A strong finish can often make up for weaker earlier grades. It shows you’re capable and ready for university-level work. Finish strong—it’s not over until it’s over.
Your GPA is important, but UofT also looks at course difficulty, prerequisites, and trends in your academic performance. Programs like Engineering and Rotman require strong results in specific high school courses—missing even one prerequisite will disqualify you.
We can’t stress this enough: missing even one prerequisite will disqualify you. Ensure you have all your prerequisite courses for Grade 11 and Grade 12.
No one wants to work hard throughout all of high school and find out that they can’t get into their dream program because they missed a course.
The cost of a missed prerequisite?
6-9 months of waiting til the next application period. Or applying to another program that you didn’t want to study.
Get this right the first time around.
Here are the requirements for UofT's top programs:
💡 Psst.. BC and Alberta students, see the course equivalents for your province below.
British Columbia secondary school qualifications and course equivalents:
Alberta secondary school qualifications and course equivalents:
Need help getting your pre-requisites in order to maximize your grades? Chat with our team and see if we can help.
Deadlines vary depending on the program, but here are the key dates you need to keep on your radar:
💡 Deadlines vary program by program. See your program deadlines below.
Applying early gets you admitted early and other perks such as consideration for housing and awards. But not every student should apply to early admissions.
Only certain students who meet certain criteria such as grades and profile should apply. If you need help identifying if you should apply to early admissions, speak with our team.
Whether you submit to early admissions or not - submitting early avoids tech issues and gives you peace of mind.
💡Pro Tip: Aim to submit at least 5-7 days before the deadline. That way, you’re ready for the unexpected.
For tailored guidance on meeting these deadlines and crafting standout applications, talk to AdmissionPrep’s experts today.
Important: Supplementary applications are timed and recorded, meaning you won’t have endless opportunities to revise your responses. Think of it as game day—you need to show up prepared and confident.
Need help crafting winning essays under pressure? Talk to AdmissionPrep today.
Once you’re signed into OUAC you’ve got to pick your programs. Here’s an overview of the top programs so you can take your pick.
Pro Tip: Competitive programs like Rotman Commerce and Engineering require supplementary applications, including video interviews and essays. Prepare early to make your application shine.
If you need help standing out when applying to competitive programs, talk to our team at AdmissionPrep to discuss maximizing your UofT application.
For UofT’s most competitive programs, a supplementary application is mandatory.
These applications are designed to evaluate your ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and stand out under pressure. Programs like Rotman Commerce and Engineering use timed essays and video interviews, and it’s essential to prepare for the unique format.
You’ll want to practice writing essays in a timed environment so you can perform under pressure.
And knowing the structure to craft a strong essay like the back of your hand is key. Below, we’ll cover interview preparation and STAR, which is an easy-to-learn and effective way of writing your supplementary applications.
For programs requiring a video interview component, preparation is key. UofT’s interviews are meant to evaluate your communication skills, confidence, and fit for the program.
And the trick?
The secret hack?
There is none.
(What?)
Yep, there is no hack. The biggest mistake we see students make is pretending to be someone they think they should be. The best thing you can do is be who you are authentically.
When we say there’s “no hack”, we’re not saying that you shouldn’t practice. You should definitely practice, and here’s how to prepare:
The interview is your chance to showcase your personality and potential. Approach it with preparation and enthusiasm.
Need more tailored guidance and want to practice the prompts used in the real UofT application? Talk to AdmissionPrep’s experts today.
UofT’s timed supplementary application is designed to test how well you perform under pressure. Here’s how to prepare effectively:
There’s no shortcuts here. You, the keyboard and the timer. Capeesh?
Spend the time practicing some of the prompts we share below in a time constraint until you can confidently answer them. You can also practice the prompts shared in our examples below.
It sounds scary but it doesn’t have to be. Practice makes perfect.
Practice Prompts:
Being prepared means you’ll enter the application process with confidence and the ability to communicate your story clearly.
UofT wants students who aim high.
Rather than aiming for the moon and landing among the stars, STAR is your pathway to the moon and landing well above the 111,000 other applicants.
It uses four elements:
Use the STAR method in your supplemental essays to tie together all the other parts of the formula and demonstrate that you have the ideal profile the university is looking for.
If you’re still not sure how to incorporate STAR into your writing, that’s alright. Below we’ll share examples of questions that you may be asked and share examples on how to answer them including how to use STAR.
To the moon!
Below is a question from the 2024/2025 UofT application. Note the time constraint and the detail UofT requests.
Please list two activities or experiences on which you spent a significant amount of time outside of class. Focus on activities, pursuits or life events from the last four years. These can include, but are not limited to, employment (paid or unpaid), supporting family members, overcoming significant adversity, research activities, volunteer experiences within your community, clubs, societies and hobbies. Provide the following information: (1) Briefly describe the activity or experience, (2) State how long this activity or experience took place (months or years) (3) Demonstrate how you grew through this experience, and if applicable, list any achievements, awards, or leadership positions that you consider noteworthy. Use approximately 100 words for each example (200 words total). You will have 20 minutes to respond to this question
Activity 1: Volunteering at a Community Food Bank
Activity 2: Leading a STEM Club
Describe a challenge you faced in school, work, or volunteering, and explain how you overcame it. What did you learn from the experience? (250 words)
Answer:
S (Situation): During my volunteer work at a community food bank, I was asked to lead the transition to a new inventory management system. Unfortunately, there was significant resistance from long-time volunteers who were unfamiliar with digital tools.
T (Task): My goal was to successfully implement the system and train volunteers to ensure smooth operations.
A (Action): First, I scheduled one-on-one meetings with volunteers to listen to their concerns. I then designed step-by-step training sessions with simple visuals and hands-on practice to build confidence. To motivate them, I highlighted how the system would reduce errors and improve service.
R (Result): Within two weeks, the system was fully operational, and volunteer confidence increased. The food bank reduced inventory errors by 30%.
Reflection: This experience taught me the importance of empathy and clear communication when leading change. I developed skills in conflict resolution and training, which I will apply as I pursue my studies at UofT and beyond.
Extra-curricular activities can shape each individual’s lifelong learning both inside and outside the classroom. What skills and interests have you developed through your extra-curricular involvement, volunteerism and/or work experience? Reflect on how your involvement in a particular activity may have shaped your plan to study your chosen program(s) at UofT Engineering. (250 words)
S (Situation): In Grade 11, I volunteered to help design a bridge prototype for a local STEM competition. Our team lacked experience with CAD software, and we faced time constraints with only three weeks to complete the project.
T (Task): My role was to lead the design process, teach team members basic CAD modeling, and ensure we met the submission deadline.
A (Action): I first learned AutoCAD through online tutorials to strengthen my understanding. Then, I broke the design process into smaller tasks and created a schedule, ensuring each team member could contribute. I led hands-on sessions, demonstrating CAD basics, and provided one-on-one guidance for those struggling. I also collaborated closely with our mentor for feedback and improvements.
R (Result): We successfully completed the bridge design ahead of schedule, won first place in the competition, and reduced our material usage by 15%. I learned the importance of leadership, time management, and mentorship. Most importantly, it solidified my passion for engineering design and teamwork, which aligns with UofT’s collaborative approach to solving real-world challenges.
Reflecting on this experience, I realized how crucial innovation and collaboration are to engineering solutions. At UofT Engineering, I look forward to tackling complex projects, contributing to design teams, and preparing for a career where I can build sustainable, impactful solutions.
What experiences and skills might you bring to this field?
S (Situation): In high school, I managed a student-led business club hosting local case competitions. Attendance and sponsorships had dwindled.T (Task): My goal was to increase event participation and secure sponsors.A (Action): I launched an outreach campaign to 20+ schools, redesigned event structures to be interactive, and developed a proposal highlighting sponsor benefits.R (Result): Attendance doubled, and we secured three major sponsors, including a consulting firm. I developed leadership, negotiation, and organizational skills, which are essential for success in UofT’s management program.
References play a crucial role in showcasing your readiness and character for UofT. You’ve said that you’ve done all these incredible things and now UofT needs to verify the validity of your application via references.
Think of them as the silent advocates for your potential—they provide validation and context to your achievements and personal qualities.
Avoid choosing friends, family members, or anyone who might appear biased.
Get ahead of securing references early! One of the first things you should do when you get into Grade 12 is get your 2-3 key references.
The last thing you want to do is have an application deadline staring you down and have a reference be too busy to write you a reference or be on vacation. (Yes, this has actually happened.)
Your references can tip the scales in your favour by affirming the attributes you’ve demonstrated in your application. Treat this part of the process with care and strategy.
Need help identifying strong references for your specific profile? Talk to AdmissionPrep’s experts today.
UofT’s tuition reflects its status as a globally renowned institution. While costs vary by program and residency, attending UofT is an investment in a future of boundless opportunities:
Beyond tuition, you need to budget for:
UofT offers generous financial aid programs to ensure that cost is not a barrier:
If you’ve never made a budget or need some help, use AdmissionPrep’s budget calculator to determine your costs.
Make sure you complete any additional forms or requirements specific to the scholarship (e.g., essays or references).
Earning a UofT scholarship isn’t just about easing financial burdens—it’s about recognition. Scholarships highlight your potential and reflect the values you bring to UofT’s dynamic academic community. This is incredibly valuable when it comes to standing out later in your career.
Don’t miss the opportunity to let your achievements shine. You might just get paid for it.
For personalized guidance on crafting scholarship applications, talk to AdmissionPrep’s experts today.
When you apply to UofT, you’re not just submitting an application—you’re taking the first step into a transformative chapter of your life. It’s a commitment to years of academic excellence at Canada’s top university and a journey that shapes who you’ll become.
This process marks the beginning of adulthood, where every decision holds weight. What you choose to highlight in your application is one of those pivotal decisions.
Another key choice on this journey? Deciding whether to go it alone or seek expert guidance.
If you’re looking to maximize your chances of success, our team at AdmissionPrep is here to help. We provide personalized 1-on-1 support for driven students aiming to get into top universities and make a lasting impact. Ready to elevate your application? See if we can support you.
You’re ready to apply to one of the world’s most prestigious universities. But now that you’re ready to hit "submit," what’s next? This guide is here to walk you through what comes after your application and how to make the most of your potential UofT experience including campus selection, Rotman Commerce’s guaranteed admission and campus opportunities.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city with over 2,000,000 people in it. Each corner has skyscrapers, iconic landmarks like the CN Tower and leaves you in awe. The city truly never sleeps and has an electric feeling with cultural events taking place each week.
Alongside getting a fantastic education, part of UofT’s allure is getting to live in Canada’s concrete jungle often called “Canada’s New York”.
If you’re going to UofT, you might be imagining yourself walking on the same streets where “Suits” and “American Psycho” were filmed.
Surprise: Not all of UofT’s campuses are actually in Downtown Toronto.
Yep. So before you plan on checking out where Mike Ross worked, do your campus research.
Only one of UofT’s campuses is actually in Downtown Toronto, the St. George campus, the rest are in Toronto’s districts, Mississauga and Scarborough.
You’ll want to research each campus thoroughly and make sure the one you’re going to matches your expectations for your university experience.
For example, if you want the noisy, bustling, “concrete jungle” downtown Toronto experience you probably don’t want to apply to the Mississauga campus which will leave you with an estimated 1 hour 27 minute commute to Downtown Toronto.
Pick carefully and intentionally.
As a tri-campus institution, each campus offers a unique experience:
Each campus provides access to UofT’s world-class resources while offering a distinct environment tailored to different preferences and academic pursuits.
Getting into Rotman Commerce is an achievement. You’ve worked so hard and now you finally get to walk onto campus as a Rotman Commerce student.
And then you realize - you’re in Rotman Commerce, but not really.
Undergraduate applicants to Rotman Commerce are only admitted for 1 year- not their whole degree.
At the end of your first year you need to meet certain requirements to apply into Year 2 and onwards and guarantee your spot at Rotman Commerce.
For full admission into the program requires meeting specific first-year requirements:
You’re allowed to repeat required courses once if needed.
Typically, over 90% of first-year Rotman students advance to the second year, so stay focused and seek academic support if needed.
Studying at UofT isn’t just about academics. The university’s prime location and vibrant community offer endless ways to enrich your time:
No matter what you’re interested in, UofT and Toronto offer countless ways to create unforgettable memories.
UofT offers countless ways to get involved outside the classroom:
If you have questions or need assistance, here’s how to reach out:
General UofT Contacts:
Rotman Commerce Contacts:
Don’t hesitate to reach out to these resources—they’re here to help.
Transitioning from high school to UofT is a big step, but with the right preparation, you’ll thrive:
The University of Toronto received over 111,000 undergraduate applications in 2023.
One-hundred-eleven-thousand.
Applying to UofT is like competing at the highest level in any sport—every edge matters. You’ve read this far because you want to find your edge—just like your competition. (All 111,000 of them.)
AdmissionPrep works with talented students who want to get into top universities and have an impact on the world.
If you’ve read this far, that’s probably you.
Talk to AdmissionPrep’s experts today for personalized guidance and support, including essay editing, interview prep, and crafting standout applications tailored to UofT.