Economics and Political Science at University of Toronto (St. George)
Zilin (Year 2)
What did you wish you knew before going to your university? What made you choose this institution over all others? What are advantages and disadvantages of your institution or campus? List any advice for incoming first-year students about your university.
I choose UofT as it is was located in Toronto and had a rigorous but advanced courses in economics. I found that the location as well as the course material though hard allowed me to have an advanced understanding of my discipline and the prestige associated with the institution. Disadvantages lie in the highly competitive nature and academically focused and pressured environment that can prove too much sometimes. Some advice I would give would be to go on campus tours and see if the university is the right fit for you. Make sure to not place too much pressure on yourselves and take care of your mental health as the change may sometimes prove too much for some.
What did you wish you knew before choosing your specific program? What are the advantages and disadvantages of your program? List any advice for incoming first-year students about your program of study.
Wish I was more certain of my pathway as then I wouldn’t need to waste time in being uncertain about my course selections. I need to correct my study habits and hours of rest as it can affect my mental state and awareness during class. Advantages lie in its course material and in-depth teachings of the discipline but it can be extremely competitive with high amounts of students dropping out or switching programs in first year. Make sure you know your program requirements and make sure to take courses outside your discipline if you are unsure of what your future career path may be.
What was your favourite university experience?
Best university experience was meeting new people and new friends in all my classes and learning their perspectives on academics and life experiences and becoming close with them in the first year.
What was your least favourite university experience?
My first ECO101 midterm when after the midterm everyone was extremely upset as the midterm was harder than expected.
What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?
Hardest part of my program would be the unmotivated professors and uncooperative group members you meet along the way. The program was also highly competitive adding to the difficulty. In all reality the only thing you could do was to be prepared for the class material at the best of your ability and skim over pre lecture material. Make notes on pre lecture material to better prepare as well so you have a vague understanding of that classes teachings and outline. To cope with uncooperative group members may be hard but the truth is you meet bad team players in all situations in life, as long as you know you did your best that’s all that matters.
If you were able to take electives, what was your favourite elective? If you were not able to take electives, what was your favourite course and why?
ECO197 basically a seminar course on post modern economic theory. The professor was amazing and highly engaging I think a lot of students would enjoy this course.
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