Hey aska!

I plan to apply to the pharmacy course in U of T, though it’s quite vague what are their admission requirements are since I’m taking IB. However, do you know how many IB points would be considered ‘competitive’ and is it better to live on campus or off campus? Also, I’ve never been to Toronto before and I’m from singapore. Can you please give me an idea on how life is like over there? (such as the cold weather, the people there ‘cus i heard they’re all mean and etc.)

Thank you! x

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Hi there! Writing to you from Toronto where today it is warm and nice, and the people are delightful. In terms of Toronto, basically all you need to know is that we have awesome Chinese food, cold winter (get a good parka) and a mediocre subway system. But U of T’s library, campus and culture are all top notch dude! For your first year, I would recommend living on campus to obtain the U of T experience and meet people. Then you can move to a mouse-infested basement apartment on Bathurst Street like I did in my second year! Or you know, someplace nice.

It’s important to note that one doesn’t immediately get into the pharmacy program at U of T. There’s a two year period before you are admitted. Whatever “IB” credits you get, will be considered transfer credits to the program. If you look at the pharmacy program website, you’ll see all the requirements outlined here.

I would recommend calling Admissions and Awards and the Pharmacy Program to get more information about how your international credits would stack up. Just remember, there’s two years of school before you can apply to Pharmacy. Okay?

This selected “FAQ” is also good to keep in mind:

5. Is it more difficult for me to gain admission as either a non-Ontario or non-resident (international) applicant?

International students may find it more difficult to meet specific subject requirements, depending on the system in which they are studying, and may encounter difficulty in making suitable PCAT arrangements. However, there are no exceptions to admission requirements and all applicants are expected to comply with all requirements including the PCAT and the interview requirement. Candidates should note that they may be required to travel to North American for PCAT testing arrangements and, as well, if selected for an interview? must be prepared to make appropriate travel and accommodation arrangements at their own expense to attend the interview in Toronto, Ontario.

Provided you are able to meet all published requirements you will initially be considered in the same manner as Ontario applicants; the standards required in each of the criteria are the same for all applicants regardless of whether they are Ontario or non-Ontario residents. Although the Faculty may admit only a maximum of 10% of the first year class from out of province, in recent years all competitive non-Ontario applicants have been offered admission and none have been denied admission solely due to the fact that they are out-of-province applicants. The number of non-Ontario applicants (including international students) has typically ranged from 7 to 10% of the total applicant pool and provided this percentage of out-of-province applicants remains in proportion to the percentage of allowable out-of-province admits there is no disadvantage to any candidate on the basis of status. In the event that more than 10% of the top 240 candidates are out of province some out-of-province candidates would be moved to the waitlist. This would be determined by the overall ranking of the candidates. Those in the lower range of the 240 would be moved to the waitlist. As mentioned above, this has not yet occurred.

xoxo, Askastudent