The Engineering Science (BASc) program at the University of Toronto is a world-renowned program designed for future undergraduates seeking an exceptional academic journey. This program offers incredible co-op opportunities that vary from 4 months to 12-16 months at exceptional partner companies.
Written by Sawsan Al Rabadi
Program Content
The first 2 years of the 4-year program consist of an immersion in science, mathematics, humanities, computing, and engineering. In the last 2 years, students can choose one of the following majors for accelerated discipline-specific learning:
Aerospace Engineering
Biomedical Systems Engineering
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Energy Systems Engineering
Engineering Mathematics, Statistics & Finance
Engineering Physics
Machine Intelligence
Robotics
Supplementary Application
Here is an overview of what the BASc program’s supplementary application includes:
1) Listing of all your extracurricular activities
2) An interview portion to establish your personal profile; here are examples of tasks:
2-minute video response about yourself and your interest in the program
10 minutes to write a 250-word short essay about a past experience
3-minute video response to a situation testing your problem-solving, analysis, and brainstorming skills
Prerequisites
To be considered for the program, you must have a minimum GPA in the low-90’s range, as well as completion of the following university-level prerequisite courses:
English (ENG4U)
Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)
Advanced Functions (MHF4U)
Chemistry (SCH4U)
Physics (SPH4U)
5 Tips on Getting Into the Program
1) Focus on raising your academic average
The entrance average to U of T’s engineering faculty was 93.6% in 2018, and 94% in 2019. As this is extremely competitive, aspiring students are advised to follow efficient and productive studying methods in order to perform their best academically, giving themselves their best chance at getting into this prestigious program.
2) Start the application process early
It is vital that candidates begin working on their applications early to ensure they have enough time to revise and perfect their profiles to the best of their abilities. In order to avoid last-minute stress and potentially putting their admissions at risk by missing deadlines, applicants should strive to complete their applications at least a few weeks before the actual deadline.
3) Take part in extracurricular activities of your interest
Part of the application process to this program includes candidates listing their extracurriculars (including length of time spent, level of community service, and validators). Aspiring BASc students are encouraged to join clubs and organizations that they are passionate about that bring positive change to their community and themselves. Being able to balance extracurriculars while maintaining an impressive average is an admirable sign of time management, responsibility, and selflessness in dedicating one’s time to worthy causes. U of T looks for well-rounded students who take care of their well-being and that of others, so don’t limit yourself!
4) Be prepared for the interview
Put on your best face and look presentable in appropriate, clean attire. Sit in a location with natural lighting and a clean background. Practice your video and written answers separately using past questions and mock interviews. When you are asked questions, consider simultaneously writing down ideas to brainstorm your answers before providing them to the interviewer. Try to calm yourself down before answering, to avoid anxiousness fogging up your great ideas!
5) Stand out in the interview by being yourself
Before commencing the interview, reflect on what makes you unique from all other candidates and why you are especially passionate about this program. Recall all your past experiences that have led you to grow as a person, called you to be a leader, taught you to be a team worker, and made you the competent person you are today. Use those moments to proudly present to the interviewer, and distinguish yourself as the outstanding candidate they are looking for.
Works Cited
University of Toronto. (2020). Engineering science undergraduate program. University of
Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. discover.engineering.utoronto.ca/programs/engineering-programs/engineering-science/
Narwal, B. (2019, Oct 11). How to get into University of Toronto engineering. Wordpress.
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