Americans applying to Toronto for Fall 2011

[UBDent19]

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Are there any Americans out there applying for University of Toronto's dental program? I have a few questions. Thanks.

 

[Munchy]

I am a Canadian who applied to UofT dent last year and got rejected.

Last year's cut off for interview was 3.86 and that's with OMSAS conversion (90 is 4.0 not 85). I am guessing your gpa will dip below 3.8. But the good news is, they will drop your lowest year given that it is not your most recent and that you have completed 4 years. So if your GPA is close to 3.9 with the lowest year dropped, you may have a shot.

DAT only counts for 10% of admission process so it doesn't really help.

I had 3.83 OMSAS gpa with 23 TS and 22AA 22 PAT but it was a flat rejection.

Also, you don't send in your PS or LORs so if your GPA doesn't meet the minimum, you are gone.

Food for thought.

P.S. Average OMSAS GPA for admitted student was 3.89.

 

[shahinc]

I am a Canadian who applied to UofT dent last year and got rejected.

Last year's cut off for interview was 3.86 and that's with OMSAS conversion (90 is 4.0 not 85). I am guessing your gpa will dip below 3.8. But the good news is, they will drop your lowest year given that it is not your most recent and that you have completed 4 years. So if your GPA is close to 3.9 with the lowest year dropped, you may have a shot.

DAT only counts for 10% of admission process so it doesn't really help.

I had 3.83 OMSAS gpa with 23 TS and 22AA 22 PAT but it was a flat rejection.

Also, you don't send in your PS or LORs so if your GPA doesn't meet the minimum, you are gone.

Food for thought.

P.S. Average OMSAS GPA for admitted student was 3.89.

This is just insane.

 

[somedayDDS]

I am a Canadian who applied to UofT dent last year and got rejected.

Last year's cut off for interview was 3.86 and that's with OMSAS conversion (90 is 4.0 not 85). I am guessing your gpa will dip below 3.8. But the good news is, they will drop your lowest year given that it is not your most recent and that you have completed 4 years. So if your GPA is close to 3.9 with the lowest year dropped, you may have a shot.

DAT only counts for 10% of admission process so it doesn't really help.

I had 3.83 OMSAS gpa with 23 TS and 22AA 22 PAT but it was a flat rejection.

Also, you don't send in your PS or LORs so if your GPA doesn't meet the minimum, you are gone.

Food for thought.

P.S. Average OMSAS GPA for admitted student was 3.89.

Hate to burst your bubble man but my friend got accepted at UofT with a 3.79 gpa and his DAT was very average, he also has no Graduate degrees either. The only thing that stood out for him was his 25 PAT score. Also, 3.86 was the average of people invited for interviews but not the cutoff. I'm very suprised that you did not get an interview, they must have not liked something they saw or just made a mistake. If you are an out of province applicant then maybe that could be the reason for your rejection.

 

[UBDent19]

I am guessing your gpa will dip below 3.8.

Why do you think so? I'm American so why do they need to convert my GPA if it is already on a 4.0 scale?

Where did you get the fact about GPA cutoff? On UoT's admissions information sheet, they state that the cutoff GPA of Canadians invited for interviews was 3.75 and international students was 3.65.

Isn't the Canadian scale out of 4.5? That would mean your 3.83 would be lower than an American 3.83 (due to it being out of 4.0). Forgive me if I misunderstand the Canadian grading system.

Additionally, it seems strange that UoT doesn't ask for LOEs, experience, essays, etc. How can they assess applicants purely on test scores and GPA?

 

[somedayDDS]

Why do you think so? I'm American so why do they need to convert my GPA if it is already on a 4.0 scale?

Where did you get the fact about GPA cutoff? On UoT's admissions information sheet, they state that the cutoff GPA of Canadians invited for interviews was 3.75 and international students was 3.65.

Isn't the Canadian scale out of 4.5? That would mean your 3.83 would be lower than an American 3.83 (due to it being out of 4.0). Forgive me if I misunderstand the Canadian grading system.

Additionally, it seems strange that UoT doesn't ask for LOEs, experience, essays, etc. How can they assess applicants purely on test scores and GPA?

Everyone that applied to UofT and got rejected last year recieved an e-mail indicating that the average GPA of people invited for interview was 3.85 and a DAT score of about 20-21 across the board.

Im not sure how they would convert an American GPA to a Canadian GPA but the scale that UofT uses is indeed a 4.0 scale. If i had to guess I would say that you GPA would drop slightly after conversion and I say this only because when I converted my canadian GPA to AADSAS it went up by about 0.1.

I have no idea how they assess applicants based only on numbers, but I can tell you that the dental schools in Ontario are the only ones that only want your numbers. Anywhere else in the country wants references, extra-corriculars, etc.

 

[ddog83]

Why do you think so? I'm American so why do they need to convert my GPA if it is already on a 4.0 scale?

Where did you get the fact about GPA cutoff? On UoT's admissions information sheet, they state that the cutoff GPA of Canadians invited for interviews was 3.75 and international students was 3.65.

Isn't the Canadian scale out of 4.5? That would mean your 3.83 would be lower than an American 3.83 (due to it being out of 4.0). Forgive me if I misunderstand the Canadian grading system.

Additionally, it seems strange that UoT doesn't ask for LOEs, experience, essays, etc. How can they assess applicants purely on test scores and GPA?

that 3.86 is from the interview rejection letter that u of t sent out and yes almost all canadian schools just look at GPA and DAT. the exceptions are dalhousie and mcgill which ask for references and an autobiography. and the canadian grade system is out of 4

 

[RedDevilDDS]

that 3.86 is from the interview rejection letter that u of t sent out and yes almost all canadian schools just look at GPA and DAT. the exceptions are dalhousie and mcgill which ask for references and an autobiography. and the canadian grade system is out of 4

UBC also asks for references and an essay.

 

[UBDent19]

I originally started the thread because I'm having trouble with their Biochemistry and Human Physiology requirements. All the Universities in my area, including University of California San Diego (one of the top medical institutions in America), offer these two courses as one semester each. UoT requires a year long course in each. So basically they are saying I need to take the same courses twice, which doesn't make much sense. Are any other Americans having this problem?

 

[NobodyCanStopMe]

Hmm interesting! Why would you apply to Canada? w/ your stats, you could probably get into a few in US anyways! I thought it was like 100% one way thing, where just Canadians moving to US and not the other way around! are you applying to just UofT?

 

[UBDent19]

Hmm interesting! Why would you apply to Canada? w/ your stats, you could probably get into a few in US anyways! I thought it was like 100% one way thing, where just Canadians moving to US and not the other way around! are you applying to just UofT?

My wife's family lives in Toronto. We have kids so I would love to go to school close to her parents.

If I didnt have to, I would love to not apply to Canadian schools. The process is harder and UoT doesn't seem keen to take on international students. Not to mention it is also incredibly expensive.

I'm applying to Western Ontario also.

 

[Munchy]

UofT also uses 4.0 scale but it is not the same as the one UofT Dental school uses.

Unless you have all your marks in the 90s, your GPA will go down after conversion. But depending on how many 90s you have, the dip can be major or minor (my friend's gpa went down by 0.1 while mine went down by 0.06).

Good luck with your application.

 

[JBieber]

Toronto = greatest city in the world. thats why ppl apply there 😀.

 

[somedayDDS]

I originally started the thread because I'm having trouble with their Biochemistry and Human Physiology requirements. All the Universities in my area, including University of California San Diego (one of the top medical institutions in America), offer these two courses as one semester each. UoT requires a year long course in each. So basically they are saying I need to take the same courses twice, which doesn't make much sense. Are any other Americans having this problem?

I think your going to have to find another physiology related course and take it. You need to have two semesters worth of both Physiology and Biochemistry to meet the pre-reqs. Unless somehow you can prove to them that your school covered all of the topics of their full year biochem and phsyiology courses in the span of one semester then your probably out of luck. I would give them a call if I were you.

 

[flontario]

U of T has the oldest and crappiest facility ever, just ask some upper year students who have visited U.S schools.
If you don't believe me, Go visit the school your self.

 

[UBDent19]

UofT also uses 4.0 scale but it is not the same as the one UofT Dental school uses.

Unless you have all your marks in the 90s, your GPA will go down after conversion. But depending on how many 90s you have, the dip can be major or minor (my friend's gpa went down by 0.1 while mine went down by 0.06).

Good luck with your application.

I still am not sure why I need to convert. American's don't get 90s, only A-F. My university didn't even give out + or - grades. Just A,B,C, or F. Plus, dropping the lowest year will give a big boost to my GPA, since my bad grades are in one semester. I would think if anything, my GPA would go up.

Are those of you in this post that saw grades decline from America? You didn't mention.

 

[UBDent19]

...my friend got accepted at UofT with a 3.79 gpa and his DAT was very average

Where was he from?

 

[somedayDDS]

Where was he from?

He is from Toronto.

 

[NobodyCanStopMe]

3.79 is possible I guess but you have to realize that's a bit lower than the average though. so he must have aced his interview.

about the GPA, usually when applicants apply to US the GPA for Canadians goes UP compared to their OMSAS equivalent because US considers 80+ as 4.0 while in Canada only 90+ is 4.0, 85+ is 3.9 and 80-84 is 3.7

 

[NobodyCanStopMe]

I think it's a real advantage for Canadians applying to US...lower requirement AND increase in their GPA...double positive! haha lucky for us I guess...

 

[lmaozedong1]

I think it's a real advantage for Canadians applying to US...lower requirement AND increase in their GPA...double positive! haha lucky for us I guess...

Yes, but there really isn't a whole lot of spots for you...and there shouldn't be either.

 

[UBDent19]

I have looked over the UoT rules on converting international grades. Regarding converting an American GPA to Canadian: my school did not give out + or - grades so my GPA is exactly the same after "converting" it.

 

[UBDent19]

I'm starting to like UoT more now. Their policy of dropping the worst year off your GPA bumps mine to 3.88!

 

[UBDent19]

Bump

 

[In2Infinity]

about the GPA, usually when applicants apply to US the GPA for Canadians goes UP compared to their OMSAS equivalent because US considers 80+ as 4.0

Sorry, but i think that is far from being correct. I am a Canadian student and have spent some time trying to convert CAN university averages to the US GPA system, (to see where I have a chance to get in.) Its hard because most US universities do not give out % grade for each course apparently, so asking a US student does not really help.

Some things that I have found though is that getting a US 90% = A- and that converts to a 3.7 GPA, far from the 80%+ to give a 4.0 you mentioned.

For OMSAS my 83% university average would give me a 3.7 GPA for Canadian schools, while an 83% converted to US gpa would be something like a 3.2 GPA, not high enough to get into any US grad school. So basically, this whole process doesn't make much sense to me, if any one cares to elaborate or explain that would be great!

 

[wantVCUdental]

Sorry, but i think that is far from being correct. I am a Canadian student and have spent some time trying to convert CAN university averages to the US GPA system, (to see where I have a chance to get in.) Its hard because most US universities do not give out % grade for each course apparently, so asking a US student does not really help.

Some things that I have found though is that getting a US 90% = A- and that converts to a 3.7 GPA, far from the 80%+ to give a 4.0 you mentioned.

For OMSAS my 83% university average would give me a 3.7 GPA for Canadian schools, while an 83% converted to US gpa would be something like a 3.2 GPA, not high enough to get into any US grad school. So basically, this whole process doesn't make much sense to me, if any one cares to elaborate or explain that would be great!

Enter GRADE in to your AADSAS application, so if your 80% = A, enter A not 80%... this isn't rocket science...

 

[UBDent19]

Toronto = greatest city in the world. thats why ppl apply there 😀.

JBieber, would you go there instead of UCLA?

 

[MAdental]

Toronto=Greatest city? says who? it snows for like 6 months and its ***ing cold, i am talking -20...-30 C. you go figure....its windy too so add the wind chill....The city is crowded and dirty.Summer= humid as hell.its hot and humid. Basically nobody speaks proper english unless you live in downtown. I myself lived in Toronto for a year and i just took off. I dont even wana go there to chill. And a big city comes with a bigger price. I paid 1200 for 2 bedrooms 4 years ago. Bottom line, Toronto= a big hell for me.

 

[UBDent19]

Wow! I've never heard that impression about Toronto. Are you from the States?

 

[MAdental]

Not from States, BUT i am from a city that basically has CA weather. Coldest it got was -7 C and snowed for like a month max. 10 months a year, it was like 10 to 35 C, sunny and man it was beautiful. Then I moved to Toronto and a cold "hell" descended upon me. My uncle lives in Toronto (Hes been living there for 25 years now), but i would never vote for Toronto as the GREATest city on earth. Make sure you learn a couple of Asian languages before you go, it will come handy FOR sure. 🙂

 

[JBieber]

Not from States, BUT i am from a city that basically has CA weather. Coldest it got was -7 C and snowed for like a month max. 10 months a year, it was like 10 to 35 C, sunny and man it was beautiful. Then I moved to Toronto and a cold "hell" descended upon me. My uncle lives in Toronto (Hes been living there for 25 years now), but i would never vote for Toronto as the GREATest city on earth. Make sure you learn a couple of Asian languages before you go, it will come handy FOR sure. 🙂

c'mon, i wasn't trying to be literal.. just love my hometown lol. Toronto is definitely ONE of the best cities in the world though, by most standards.

 

[MAdental]

c'mon, i wasn't trying to be literal.. just love my hometown lol. Toronto is definitely ONE of the best cities in the world though, by most standards.

👍 Just saying bro. 🙂 I just wanted this guy to know where he is going. Toronto looks good on TV but living in it, is not fun.

 

[UBDent19]

Just love my hometown lol.

Isn't UT super cheap for you then? I would think, if you're from Toronto, going there would be a no-brainer. You got into UCLA so you must have what it takes for UT.

Do you know how the school compares to UCLA in terms of the facilities?

 

[JBieber]

Isn't UT super cheap for you then? I would think, if you're from Toronto, going there would be a no-brainer. You got into UCLA so you must have what it takes for UT.

Do you know how the school compares to UCLA in terms of the facilities?

i know very little about the program but based on costs alone, UT is obviously very appealing. but i never applied because i know i have no chance of getting in. you need something like >3.75 just to get an interview (matriculating stats are similar to harvard's)

i have no idea what the facilities look like. never been there. i believe the dental building is off the main campus by the nearby hospitals somewhere. make sure you visit the main campus though. its real purrrty. they filmed The Incredble Hulk there 😀.

 

[JBieber]

👍 Just saying bro. 🙂 I just wanted this guy to know where he is going. Toronto looks good on TV but living in it, is not fun.

haha, to each his own...i guess. it sounds like your primary concern is the weather anyways. that would be my only complaint.

here's a preview for ya UBDent19. this is where you're going 😉

 

[amalgamgrillz]

c'mon, i wasn't trying to be literal.. just love my hometown lol. Toronto is definitely ONE of the best cities in the world though, by most standards.

It's true. Toronto ranked #4 this year for the world's most liveable city.