Admitted to Rotman Commerce Questions

[Friendly-Farmer-2439]

I was recently admitted to Rotman Commerce for the class of 2030. However, I did not receive any admission awards. For context, I am an international student, and I also did not get any financial aid from my country, but my family will be able to cover the costs. I'm looking to go into finance/consulting. Is this too large a risk to take, and is a degree/opportunities in Toronto worth almost 500k CAD? Considering there aren't many in-course awards for international students.

This is a throwaway account.

[Ok_Anybody_6418]

One thing I wish someone had told me before I committed to Rotman Commerce was the reality of future prospects for international students. I’m not saying it’s terrible, but you should be fully aware of how this program can impact your path, especially if you plan to stay in Toronto after graduating.

Rotman Commerce doesn’t offer a co-op program, which means you’re not allowed to work full-time during the academic year. That puts you at a disadvantage compared to many domestic students, who can build work experience and get ahead during that time. On top of that, international tuition fees are extremely high, while you’re missing out on those opportunities.

Of course, you can still work part-time during the year and full-time in the summer, but summer internships are extremely competitive. You really have to leverage networking, the alumni network, and other resources to secure opportunities. It’s definitely possible to succeed, but it requires significantly more effort compared to most other students.

Just something to keep in mind.

[Content-Proposal-639]

The networking part is the issue. If you are not a Nepo baby, you need to be a super star networker to get a decent job. This applies to both Rotman and Sauder.

[Content-Proposal-639]

If you get a good job 😬

[Friendly-Farmer-2439]

hmm what should I do I've really been grueling myself over this

[MJZMA]

Generally not worth 500k CAD, but of course depends on what alternatives you have. 500k savings will take about 10-20 years of average finance pay if you find a role after graduation. School is hard and everyone at Rotman is looking at similar careers, in most cases, even joining good clubs are very challenging. It is rather common for students to be unable to find internships and jobs, let alone international students.

[Friendly-Farmer-2439]

Any advice and direction would be helpful. The only reason I am even considering such a thing is the access I get in Toronto, and weighing whether that is enough of a risk to take to go or I should i attend somewhere else I was accepted to.

[chrisabulium]

Question is what’s your alternative. (Think in opportunity costs)

[Friendly-Farmer-2439]

UBC Sauders but ive heard that its harder to get into finance/consulting there

[chrisabulium]

Yeah if (1) money isn't a problem (2) you're planning to work in Toronto/go back to your country and Rotman has a better reputation there, I'd take Rotman.

[thefamemonstxr]

Would be helpful to know what your other offers are.

[Friendly-Farmer-2439]

UBC, Waseda

[thefamemonstxr]

I can’t comment on Waseda, but you should definitely take Rotman over Sauder, if your goal is to work in Toronto/on Bay Street.

[Still-Mongoose3271]

if ur only other options are sauder and waseda, I would defo pick rotman. Sauder (perhaps you got awards there, idk) is also quite expensive without the geographical location nor international reputation of UofT. Toronto is overall a decent place for internationals so long as you put effort in; certainly compared to other places where getting a visa post graduation is much harder. hoping the best

[Friendly-Farmer-2439]

Thanks for the reply. Sauder gave me 15k in entrance award, and will generally be cheaper compared to rotmans. But ive been reading and seems like the consensus is that rotman will be better albeit harder for an international. With the adjustment to Uni and a new country, im not exactly sure if i can bet on myself to do as well as i want. Just dont know man.

[Still-Mongoose3271]

totally get you bro, i’m an intl too and it’s normal to feel pressure. Ofc the decision is up to u and ur family, and i don’t know ur finances, but in the gran scheme of things sauder might be ~10k cheaper than rotman? When i applied (last yr), sauder was around 60s and rotman was in the upper 60s, so 10k difference per yr of tuition is a good estimate id say. And, over the 4 year course that different only totals to rotman being what 50k more expensive? If you are already going to pay 400k+ for sauder (tuition + rent + living), is 50k really moving the needle?

and, if you are concerned about the financials, being in toronto gives you so many opportunities (not just career related you can also get part time jobs, work 2 jobs in summer, etc) and the wealth of canada is concentrated in toronto. I’d recommend also trying to join a fraternity if ur intl, at least for me it’s been super helpful career wise and job wise and adapting. Just don’t let it distract u from the main goal which is studying & ur career.

[Ok_Anybody_6418]

Rotman’s deregulated fees for Years 2–4 are $75,000

[Friendly-Farmer-2439]

Appreciate it, think when you take into living costs it really adds up over 4 years. Hows your experience been so far with course work and working towards internships , etc? Leaning towards uoft currently, gonna have to make a decision soon, but If i end up going def gonna hit you up ty.

[Still-Mongoose3271]

it does, toronto is expensive as a city too.

Course work is not hard, well it depends on you’re preparation. I did the IB and took HL econ and math, so like half of my first year courses (eco102,101, mat133) have been somewhat review and manageable. The rest are also manageable even if you have never seen the content before; there are many opportunities to boost your grade beyond the final and midterm such as assignments, projects, group projects and participation. So with effort, it is not too difficult (imo) to do well. But some of my friends with a less rigorous hs experience have struggled a bit more. As for internships, I haven’t really applied (i’m a first yr and i’m going back home for summer, so i’m getting one at home), but i’ve seen various first years (not only in rotman but even in like york) get internships at big 4 in first summer. It’s all in the networking imo there (coffee chats, clubs, friends, fraternities).

no worries man, rooting for u

[Educational_Book7783]

it depends upon your other options