A record number of prospective students have applied for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering for the 2011-2012 academic year, with total applications up 12.5% from the previous year compared to 2% for the university overall. Nearly half of all applicants made the University of Toronto their first choice among engineering schools.
As of March 15, 8,631 applications for 1,150 places had been received for fall 2011 admission, which marks an all-time historic record and reflects a growth trend in applications to engineering schools. The number of applicants in Ontario who made U of T Engineering their first choice was up 18%, with an increase of 16.9% for students from outside Ontario. Applications were received from every province and the Yukon.

International applicants make up 27.2% of the pool this year, an increase of 23.0% over last year. Applications from women surged 17.2% to an unprecedented 1,757.

The incoming Class of 2015 at U of T Engineering promises to be an exceptional and high-achieving group. This year, applicants were asked the following supplementary questions to complement the traditional mark-based admission process:

  • What has inspired you to pursue an engineering degree and why would you like to study at the University of Toronto?
  • What skills have you developed through your extra-curricular experiences that will support your future success as both a student and an engineer?

The word “prestigious” came up again and again in students’ responses as to why they wanted to attend U of T for Engineering. Many referred to our high Canadian and world rankings. Other common responses included Toronto being a great city; a wealth of extra-curricular activities; top professors; and the Professional Experience Year (PEY) program. Some applicants referred to respected teachers or family members who had attended U of T.

“My ambition is to excel as an entrepreneur technologist,” read one response. “In order to achieve my dream, I need to be in an environment which encourages innovation and provides the requisite infrastructure. This leads me to the University of Toronto’s engineering program.

“I am drawn to University of Toronto by the promise of an interdisciplinary education; the breadth and depth of the University of Toronto’s engineering program is amazing. The intellectually charged atmosphere at the school is most conducive for academic advancement. I look forward to being challenged and pushed to explore the limits of my potential. I hope to work in teams with my peers who bring with them varied experiences, perspectives and creativity.”

Those chosen will represent the next generation of engineering leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, in fields ranging from chemical engineering to materials science, from computer and electrical, and mechanical and industrial to civil engineering, and from engineering science to biomedical, aerospace, energy and environmental engineering.

“Not only have we seen a remarkable increase in the academic strength and diversity of our applicants, but a record number selected U of T Engineering as their first choice. This includes students from overseas,” said Cristina Amon, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. “Their choices speak directly to our highly-regarded engineering education and global reputation. I look forward to welcoming this extraordinary cohort of students to U of T Engineering.”