U of Toronto and UW

<p>I applied to the University of Washington, and am thinking about making the University of Toronto my last application. I'm not a Canadian citizen or a Washington resident, so I don't qualify for lower rates at either of them. I think the total COA for both is fairly similar- no huge differences- but feel free to correct me. It's not like I'm getting any aid from either of them.</p>

<p>Speaking of quality, how does UofT compare to UW, with the honors program? What about post-grad prospects? Grad school admissions are important to me, but so is getting a job. I'm not really sure which one I'll do. If I do go for a job, it'll probably be in the US- at least at first- but, market permitting, Canada would also be fine by me.</p>

<p>For the education itself- flexibility is important to me. I think I want to double-major, probably in two not-very-similar things, but what those would be isn't terribly clear to me. Biology (esp. genetics and environmental science/ecology), English (esp. writing), and history are really important to me, but I think I also want to look into computer science, philosophy, and anthropology.</p>

<p>Mostly I want to know whether I might ever pick the University of Toronto over the University of Washington. Can somebody help me compare the two?</p>

<p>Both are very good schools in large urban areas and both have very strong academic reputations. You will not find too many people on this forum with personal UofT experience, but there are a few.</p>

<p>The OUAC application process is somewhat complicated; have you done your homework on what is required?</p>

<p>StudentAwards is the Canadian CC. Be warned that there is a greater variation in the quality of advice there and some is sketchy. You can also check out the Canada subforum right here on CC, though most people there are looking to get out of Canada and may be somewhat biased as a result.</p>

<p>If you are looking at UDub, UBC would seem like the natural Canadian complement.</p>

<p>Where else have you applied?</p>

<p>I’m not interested in looking around any more… I’ve already applied to 12 (really don’t feel like counting them off) and UofT already has my SAT scores, so if I’m not applying to them, then I can sit back and relax.</p>

<p>Thanks for reminding me to look into the OUAC process! I haven’t yet, but will as soon as the page decides to load…</p>

<p>I know they’re both good schools, but do you know if one is thought of as better than the other?</p>

<p>^ The ARWU world ranking has UDub higher, but both are in the top 30. The Times world ranking has UofT higher, but both are in the top 25.</p>

<p>In Ontario, UofT is probably more prestigious. In the Pacific NW, UDub is probably more prestigious.</p>

<p>Thanks! :)</p>

<p>Can anybody shed some light on the general view of these two schools? I’m really not a fan of rankings.</p>

<p>The UW is well regarded NATIONALLY! Not just in the Northwest. Just ask all the federal agencies that provide boucoup research dollars to the UW. You don’t have to believe me, you can look it up.</p>

<p>I already know that figure, I’m not doubting you…</p>

<p>I have an M.A. from Toronto. It’s a wonderful school…huge student population but very compact and manageable. It’s virtually surrounded by an array of safe, student-friendly neighborhoods overflowing with bars, restaurants, and music clubs. Double majoring might be tough, as students at Canadian universities tend to take about half of their undergrad courses in their major field. Intercollegiate sports get almost attention–that’s probably the most obvious difference between U of T and comparable American schools (schools most often compared to Toronto include places like Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, and Cornell).</p>

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Canadian universities are not as flexible … especially if you decide to change major after the first year.</p>