Preparing for the Choosing Your Program Fair

The Choosing Your program Fair, hosted by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) in early March each year, is an event at which representatives from various programs/departments at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) will promote their programs/departments and answer questions you may have about specific programs/departments.  This tipsheet is intended to help you plan in advance so that you make the most of this event.

Before the Event

  1. You may want to review the Choosing Your Program On-line Guide to assist you in generating ideas around program options and considerations.
  2. Generate a list of programs that might be of an interest to you. Conduct some research to find out what avenues of further work, professional and graduate school opportunities may be available to you. Consider reviewing our Program Specific Tipsheets to assist with identifying career options related to your programs of interest.
  3. Clarify whether any of the programs that interest you are “limited” enrolment programs, as these have competitive admission requirements. 
  4. Research the programs and begin preparing a list of questions that you would like to ask at the Choosing Your Program Fair.  These questions may focus on the admission process or program content, depending on the information that you have obtained through your research.

Sample Questions

The following is a list of sample questions that may help you narrow down your options.

  • What are the areas of specialty of your faculty members?
  • What are some of the graduates of your program doing now? What are the career prospects for graduates?
  • Are there opportunities for me to connect with professors in this program/department? This question would be in relation to potentially volunteering and/or working with faculty who are looking for students for research purposes.
    • If so, do you have any recommendations on how I should go about connecting with specific professors?
  • What are the benefits of studying in this program or in this department?
  • What is a competitive mark to gain admittance? (Remember, if the representative cannot tell you with certainty what grade will guarantee admission, s/he may be able to provide you the average for the previous year).
  • What are the required courses for the specialist/major/minor? Do you have any information on the content of the courses (i.e. evaluation methods or number of students in the course)?
  • Are classes in your program open to students not enrolled in the program so that I can explore this area of study?
  • What are the other important factors that you assess in admitting students to this program (e.g., volunteering, extracurricular activities, leadership experience and/or work experience)? Remember, this may be a consideration for “limited” enrolment programs.
    • Is there a supplemental application that is required for admission to this program? If so, can you provide me with the details required and deadlines?
  • If relevant to the program or department, what are some advantages of having a specialist over two majors, or a major with two minors?

During the Event

  1. Have your questions ready when you approach the program representative. These individuals are often in great demand and will appreciate that you are prepared.
  2. If there is not enough time to ask all your questions, ask how you can obtain further information.
  3. If a representative cannot answer all your questions, ask for their recommendation on an alternative contact. 
  4. After talking with a representative make some quick notes regarding the information that you received.

After the Event

  1. Follow up with any additional contacts recommended to you.
  2. Check your notes to ensure you include all relevant information on applications, statements, essays, etc.

Questions?

Remember that the staff at the AA&CC can help with any additional questions and concerns that you may have about continuing your education, including how to prepare your supplemental application requirements and request or change your program on ACORN.  If you are not sure which path is right for you, speak with a staff member to schedule an appointment.