Computer Science

The Computer Science program at UofT is exceptionally rigorous and, in my view, unmatched in the quality of its instruction. The curriculum is demanding verging on sometimes punishing but it rewards persistence with deep understanding. You’re not simply learning to code or build software; you’re learning the architecture of thought itself.

Courses in algorithms, data structures, and especially machine learning, where Geoffrey Hinton’s influence still resonates, shaped how I approach complex problems in every area of life. The program’s focus on theory becomes its greatest strength even if it's challenging at frst. It trains you to think with precision and to see the logical structure beneath messy, real-world systems.

I’ve since gone on to law school, and I can already see how this background sets me apart. Law and artificial intelligence are increasingly intertwined, and the analytical discipline developed here provides a genuine advantage. It’s a challenging program, but if you take it seriously, it will change how you think about reasoning and the human brain itself.

I liked the program but one warning: the Psychology program at UofT is one of the biggest in the country, and you feel that right away. Intro classes can have hundreds of students, so it’s easy to get lost in the crowd if you don’t speak up or go looking for support. You really have to take initiative - no one’s chasing you to stay on top of readings or find research opportunities.

Once you adjust, though, the scale starts to work for you. There are many course options, great labs doing cutting-edge research, and some professors who are genuinely passionate and surprisingly approachable once you track them down. This is a bit of a skillset you'll need to learn too.

If you’re expecting a small, tight-knit program, this isn’t it. But if you’re independent, curious, and okay carving out your own path, you’ll get a top education with flexibility and real research experience by the end.