University of toronto - rotman commerce student interview

Mary Wei, a 2025 Webber Academy graduate, is now in her first year at the University of Toronto’s Rotman Commerce program. She plans to specialize in economics, though Rotman’s flexible structure allows her to explore other paths, such as mathematics, before deciding on one focus. 

Why She Chose Business 

Mary did not begin high school with a strong passion for a specific field. Over time, she found that economics came naturally to her, and this skill led her toward business. Her natural skill in the field of business and economics was what sparked her interest in pursuing business at university. She encourages students to try many activities and courses to find what fits best. 

High School Involvement

Mary joined several extracurricular activities. She played the flute in the school band, which helped her meet people and develop social skills. She also played volleyball and joined the debate in grade 10. Debate had the biggest impact on her; it helped her overcome a fear of public speaking and made presentations easier. She now believes that joining DECA or case study competitions in high school would have helped her prepare better for business programs. As well as preparation, once finding an area of interest, expanding and gaining experience in a certain field can be beneficial for recognition and personal understanding.

The Application Process 

The Rotman application overall was quite straightforward compared to her previous expectations. The supplemental section included a short one-hour interview and a written component; she emphasized that Rotman weighs grades heavily, especially English and calculus, along with relevant extracurriculars. Leadership and volunteer hours helped her with scholarships more than admissions. She received the Fairfax Financial Award ($6,000 per year for four years) and the President’s Choice Award ($10,000, average 98.5%). She reminded students that not earning an award is not the end. Many scholarships open up later in university, and opportunities continue to present themselves as long as you are looking for them.

Life at Rotman and U of T 

University life is more flexible and independent than high school from Mary’s perspective. Classes are often around four hours per day, usually after 9 a.m. She lives in an apartment near campus and walks to class. Rotman Commerce students have more free time than students in programs like Engineering or Math, but discipline is still important since there are fewer direct consequences for missing work. She said university scheduling is slightly chaotic, but students enjoy freedom in planning. U of T guarantees residence for first-year students, though many choose nearby apartments later. She advised choosing universities partly based on residence life and comfort. 

Involvement and Clubs

A key part of the Rotman experience is the clubs you are a part of there, as they expose you to different parts of business and give you experience in different areas that you may later want to pursue. While some are exclusive and involve interviews, they offer strong networking opportunities. She met more than 200 people in her first two weeks through clubs and LinkedIn. Rotman Commerce encourages students to participate in events and discussions. Active engagement builds relationships and opens doors for future roles.

Internships and Future Plans 

Although she isn't currently searching for internships, Mary is aware that there are many opportunities available to pursue if she would like to. Case competitions and business events help build experience and prepare for future careers. She noted that Rotman students benefit from flexibility and the chance to shape their own direction; having the freedom of both time and areas of study allows a wide scope of paths that you can narrow down based on your own interests and aspirations. 

Advice for Future Students 

A big piece of advice for all students is to put yourself out there and try things to get an understanding of what interests you. Trying clubs, sports, and debate helps in finding a path. Maintaining self-discipline in university is critical, even when structure is limited. She believes grades remain the most important factor for admission, but experience matters later. University can be humbling, especially in the first year. Adapting to new challenges and maintaining balance is key. 

Closing Thoughts 

Mary described U of T as a vibrant, city-centered campus filled with opportunities. She recommends visiting the main University College building, Robarts Library, and the gyms during tours. Her message to future students is clear: explore widely, stay disciplined, and get involved. The more effort you put into your experiences, the more prepared you will be for university and beyond. 

Tuition costs for out-of-province students begin at about $9,500 per year and rise to over $20,000 in later years. In-province tuition is lower, and international rates are much higher. 

Mary’s path from Webber to Rotman shows how skill and consistency can shape clear goals. Her experience gives useful direction for students interested in business or economics or hoping to study at the University of Toronto.