Hi! My name is Alessia Priore and I am currently completing a Specialist in Neuroscience and a Minor in Psychology at University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC). I am entering third year this September! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me: alessia.priore@mail.utoronto.ca.
PROS AND CONS OF THE UNIVERSITY
Pros:
Compared to University of Toronto St. George (UTSG), UTSC is a much smaller campus which creates a more intimate atmosphere and coherent community. To put this in perspective, the largest lecture hall at UTSC holds approximately 500 students and it takes less than 15 minutes to walk from one side of the campus to the other. In addition, many of the buildings are connected through indoor tunnels which is very convenient, especially in the winter.
For some courses, UTSC videotapes the lectures and posts them online via WebOption. Therefore, students can either attend the lecture in-person or choose to watch the recorded lecture anytime at the comfort of their home
In addition to a wide range of research and volunteer opportunities, UTSC has some amazing, passionate and highly knowledgeable professors
Although not located downtown, UTSC is one block away from the Toronto Pan Am Centre and a 15-minute drive to the Scarborough bluffs. In addition, UTSC has a beautiful nature trail through the Highland Creek Valley; a walk through this trail is an amazing de-stressor:)
Cons:
Grade deflation is a real thing at UofT. Since UofT is one of Canada’s most prestigious and competitive institutions, professors are encouraged to have a class average around C+ and hand out a certain number of A’s, B’s and C’s. HOWEVER, that being said, if the average is relatively low, professors do make adjustments (ex; change the denominator or remove a certain question)
UTSC is not the university for those who value external social gatherings and events, like parties. According to some students, the overall environment at UTSG is considered to be more lively especially since it is located downtown
The food options at UTSC are very limited
UTSC is mainly a commuter school, therefore some students may find it more difficult to make friends or get involved in clubs or sport teams
PROS AND CONS OF THE PROGRAM
Pros:
My program enhances research and teamwork skills through the use of formal lab reports, persuasive papers, and poster projects
Labs are very helpful, fun and interesting. For instance, in neuroanatomy, we dissected a sheep brain!
Although there are specific courses you need to take in order to graduate, there is a lot of leeway to take elective courses. For example, the specialist program in Neuroscience requires the completion of 14 credits (28 courses). Therefore, I can still take many courses unrelated to science (language, music, business, etc.) to complete the remaining 6 credits (12 courses).
Cons:
Any life science program is incredibly demanding and thus it is very easy to fall behind
As mentioned, due to the competitive environment, it is difficult to attain a very high GPA at UofT. However, it is definitely NOT unachievable. Every course requires hard work and commitment. As long as you put in the effort, you will succeed.
Since UTSC is a smaller campus, it does not offer as many specialist, major or minor life science programs compared to UTSG.
WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE COMING TO THE INSTITUTION
I was originally admitted into the Co-op Life Science program at UTSC, however after networking and speaking to upper-year students, I dropped out the first week. Many upper year students explained that the co-op office did not provide any additional advantage to finding relevant research positions or internships at hospitals. Although you learn valuable workplace skills (ex; how to write a resume, interview skills), it is possible to find your own research position without having to pay an extra $850 every semester. Join Facebook course group chats because they are extremely helpful. Many students post past exams, notes,
answers to pre and post lab sheets, or tutorial worksheets. Facebook is also the platform students use to sell or buy textbooks and course material. Do not buy textbooks from the bookstore! Either buy textbooks second-hand from upper year students, borrow
them from your friends or find a free online pdf version. Only purchase textbooks when necessary. Typically, I prefer buying textbook notes from other students because it saves money and time.
ADVICE TO MY FIRST YEAR SELF
Attend orientation and frosh! These events are a great opportunity to meet new people and learn more about the campus.
It is not hard to make friends in first year; it’s important to realize that everyone is in the exact same situation as you! Be sociable, network and collaborate with as many people as possible. Friends not only make university more enjoyable, but they are vital to your academic success (especially if you are in the same program)
University has a different academic environment from high school. Experiment to develop effective study habits; university is very fast paced because you need to learn a vast amount of information in a short period of time
Labs may seem very intimidating and stressful, but once again, everyone is in the same position! Watch videos to learn the different lab techniques and do not be afraid to ask your TA for guidance.
Become friends with your TA – the TA that you have can greatly impact your overall mark
Create a daily schedule and encourage yourself to stick to it! Eliminate distractions and stay focused, it is very easy to procrastinate and fall behind.
Go to office hours – professors are normal people and are not as intimidating as you may think
Sell notes, course material and past exams – a very easy way to make fast money:)
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