University of Toronto Math/Physics Specialist program

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the University of Toronto's Math/Physics Specialist program, focusing on its intensity, comparison with U.S. universities, student environment, and faculty quality. Participants share their experiences and opinions regarding the program and its implications for graduate school preparation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about choosing between math and physics and seeks insights on the UofT program's rigor and comparison to U.S. institutions.
  • Another participant suggests that UofT is a well-respected school, implying a positive view of its reputation.
  • A participant notes that the perception of UofT's reputation may vary by campus, mentioning that students from the St. George campus may be viewed differently than those from other campuses.
  • It is proposed that a Physics BSc is generally comparable across universities, provided students maintain good grades and secure strong recommendations, although the workload may be demanding at UofT due to large class sizes.
  • One participant shares anecdotal evidence that grading at UofT may be more stringent compared to other institutions, such as McGill.
  • Another participant highlights the affordability of Canadian education compared to the U.S. and mentions UofT's investment in research, suggesting that hard work can lead to competitive outcomes for students.
  • A participant recounts their decision not to attend UofT due to its calculus credit policy, expressing concern over the curriculum's rigor.
  • One participant currently in graduate studies at UofT shares a positive view of their experience in astrophysics but acknowledges limited insight into the undergraduate experience.
  • Another participant mentions UBC's leniency regarding transfer credits, indicating a preference for UBC over UofT based on this policy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the UofT program, with some affirming its quality while others raise concerns about grading policies and the student environment. No consensus is reached on the overall comparison with U.S. universities or the implications of the program for graduate studies.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of concern regarding curriculum policies, grading rigor, and the impact of class sizes on student support, indicating that these factors may influence their perceptions of the program.

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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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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