<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am trying to assess the strength of the program at UofT, particularily in comparison to UCLA. UCLA has a pretty strong program judging from what I have read but I am having difficulty getting much information on how good UofT will be in comparison. Please post any insights you may have.</p>
<p>My goal is grad school, or pre-med, with grad/med school probably in the USA. I am a Canadian living in the USA, outside of the state of California. So I get native Canadian fees but out of state tuition at UCLA -- probably a 2.5x difference.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I am a US citizen attending UofT right now. Personally, I feel that any state university (and many top 20 private ones) will teach you the same material. Trust me, many schools will use the same textbooks and the material covered will always be somewhat the same. So basically, you will be getting the same education. If you can pay for your undergrad education at UofT for HALF the cost of going to UCLA…I would say go to UofT. You are planning on going to medical or graduate schools (and this will cost ALOT). You should try to graduate undergrad with as least amount of debt as possible, and spend on your grad or med school (where it really counts). You are not at a disadvantage if you study at UofT and you plan to go to grad in the states. I know MANY UofT grads who go to great universities in the states after graduation. However, if you are planning on going to medical school in the states, it will be difficult because you will be considered an international student. </p>
<p>UofT is regarded as one the best universities in Canada, so many classes are filled with above average students I would say. I feel the level of difficulty, teaching, and quality of overall education is almost identical to UCLA (which is also known to be a large state university). Your first year intro classes are large, but by your fourth year, it will be very intimate. In both these schools, it is all up to you to get what you want. There will be no professors on your back for homework or assignments. Many will not make an effort to get to know you in a class of a hundred people. If you want to know a professor, YOU have to make the effort. </p>
<p>UofT sciences and medical facilities are one of the best in the world so I don’t feel you will be getting a lesser education. It is also a large research institution so if you plan to do research, it is fairly easy to get it here. I’m not too sure about this aspect at UCLA. </p>
<p>Basically, I would say to go to the university you feel most comfortable in. After studying at UofT for the last two years, I am tired of the cold weather and I personally would love to go to California. But, I guess it’s not too bad here in Toronto :)</p>
<p>If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!</p>