University of Toronto Math/Physics Specialist program

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SUMMARY

The University of Toronto's (UofT) Math/Physics Specialist program is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and strong research funding, making it competitive with top U.S. universities like MIT and Harvard. Students report a demanding workload, particularly in larger class sizes, which may limit individual professor interaction. Successful graduates, such as Nima Arkani Hamed, highlight the program's potential for preparing students for graduate studies in physics and applied mathematics. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that grading may be more stringent compared to other institutions like McGill.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of undergraduate physics and mathematics concepts
  • Familiarity with research methodologies in physics
  • Knowledge of graduate school application processes
  • Awareness of Canadian university systems and grading standards
NEXT STEPS
  • Research UofT's Math/Physics curriculum and course offerings
  • Explore graduate school requirements for physics and applied mathematics
  • Investigate student support services and resources at UofT
  • Learn about the experiences of alumni from UofT's Math/Physics program
USEFUL FOR

High school seniors considering undergraduate programs in math and physics, prospective graduate students in physics or applied mathematics, and individuals evaluating the academic environment at Canadian universities.

iratern
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Hi, I'm a high school senior from Canada. I have applied to some well known Universities in the Us, namely: MIT, Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth. But MIT has already rejected me and I think that I may end up going to UofT (I've already been accepted there).

I am interested in math and physics, I mean I know that I am going in that direction, I'm just not sure which one. If there is anyone who knows anything about UofT's physics/ math specialist program I would be very grateful for there comments.

I've heard its pretty intense, but I think I can come through. I was in the Turkish physics olympiad(I was invited to a 25 person camp) and in Canada I got into the Canadian honour roll in the Canadian Math challenge. So I am good with physics and math.

What I basically want to know is how is this program comparable with the Us universities? Especially in preparation for graduate school in physics/applied math. How is the student environment? How are the profs?

Thanks anyone who can help me:D
 
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Come on doesn't anyone have any recommendations/comments on U of T Physics?
 
I'm sure it's just fine. UoT is a well respected school.
 
which campus are you going to?

long as I know that UofT(m) people don't respect it much. b/c in you degree they say you have done it at UofT(m) but for other campus they just put UofT
 
Unless you go down to a really rundown university, a Physics BSc is pretty much the same at any university. As long as you get good grades (A- average over 4 years), do well on your 4th year thesis project, 2-3 professor recommendations and you'll be fine to pursue graduate studious.

As for the other stuff. Professors can be good and bad at any university. For the student environment though, since UFT has a substantial amount of students the class sizes are usually very big, so you’re going to have a very demanding workload without much help from the professors. This isn't to big a deal when you’re doing your undergrad but once you start your 4th year thesis project it could be problematic.
 
It's a fine school and a fine program. One of the greatest young physicists today, Nima Arkani Hamed, did his BSc there.

The biggest criticism that I can think of is that people are typically graded harder (I'm saying this anecdotally, I don't have statistics off hand) compared to, say, McGill where I did my undergrad. But I'm sure if you work hard you'll do fine.
 
Thanks for the replies guys!

Brown Arrow:
I'm going to the ST. George campus, so yeah it's the main campus.

Nicksauce:
Well I was considering McGill, but then I opted for Toronto. How was it? And may I ask where you did your grad? Oh and thanks for mentioning Nima Arkani Hamed, I didn't know that.:D
 
You should be glad your not doing your undergrad in the states. Us Canadian's can get an incredible education at a much more affordable price :). I personally don't know much about the U of T physics/math atmosphere but I do know that they put a lot of money into research at U of T. If you work hard and do well, you should should be able to compete with undergraduates from any top school for positions.
-I am a University of Alberta Student.
 
Hey I also applied to UofT, but I decided not to go simply because they have this harsh policy towards their first-year calculus. They didn't accept the college credit I got and I didn't want to bother with them. I looked over the curriculum to see why and then I saw the eplision delta limit, so good luck. I went over it in Multivariable calc oddly lol.
 
  • #10
iratern said:
Nicksauce:
Well I was considering McGill, but then I opted for Toronto. How was it? And may I ask where you did your grad?

McGill was amazing, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

I'm doing my grad at UofT now actually, in astrophysics. It has been a great experience so far, but obviously hasn't given me as much insight into what the undergrad experience would be like compared to someone who has actually done it.
 
  • #11
Wow cool, U of T astrophysics, well One day you may be my TA:D

Gretun:

So where did you decide to go?

I'm already going to UofT so right now I'm just trying to get peoples opinions, just out of curiosity.;)
 
  • #12
iratern said:
Wow cool, U of T astrophysics, well One day you may be my TA:D

Gretun:

So where did you decide to go?

I'm already going to UofT so right now I'm just trying to get peoples opinions, just out of curiosity.;)

UBC, they were more lenient towards transfer credits, lenient, but not great either.
 
  • #13
UBC?? wow I live in Vancouver! Yeah well the thing is if I had gone to UBC I would have taken the MATH120 series and algebra instead of using the credits (Euclid exam results were pretty decent), so that wasn't a deciding factor for me.But UBC is awesome! So di you live in Vancouver or are you Out of Province?
 
  • #14
gretun said:
UBC, they were more lenient towards transfer credits, lenient, but not great either.

I hear UBC has an excellent undergrad physics program
 

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