The Focus in Technology Leadership will be accepting applications for its 2025 Cohort!
Eligibility
We invite current first-year students who are admitted to the Computer Science Major, Computer Science Specialist, or Data Science Specialist programs this year to apply for FTL. You must submit an application form and attend an interview, as described below, in order to be considered.
All applications will be due following admissions to your Computer Science Program..
FTL recommends 2 internships before graduation. Students may pursue internships independently or by participating in the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP). Find out more about ASIP and how to apply on their website.
To be admitted to the Technology Leadership Focus, you must:
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Have not yet completed CSC207H1 prior to beginning Focus requirements.
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Complete an application and/or interview. Application information will be provided to all Computer Science Specialist and Major and Data Science Specialist program applicants during the Round 1 program admission period.
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Students who complete the Technology Leadership Focus application and/or interview and are admitted to a Computer Science Specialist or Major or Data Science Specialist program will be considered for admission to the Focus.
Students admitted to the Focus will be enrolled in an industry-engaged version of CSC207H1 in the Fall term. This industry-engaged version of CSC207H1 is a required component of the Focus, and is a prerequisite to CSC308H1.
Students will be selected for FTL based on three attributes:
CURIOSITY
an intrinsic and self-directed thirst for knowledge, understanding and insight through personal experimentation; these students independently find interesting problems and investigate potential solutions
GRIT
the ability to see challenges as opportunities and work hard to solve a problem, recognizing that challenges can be overcome with practice, effort and focus; these students persevere in the face of adversity
AGILITY
the ability to thrive in an ever changing and ambiguous environment; these students take the initiative in solving problems and are willing to adapt when circumstances change to achieve a desired outcome
THE ADMISSION TIMELINE
June 19, 2025
June 24-27, 2025
July 6, 2025
Application Process
To apply to the 2025 Technology Leadership Initiative, please fill out the form available through the link below by June 19th, 2025.
Any questions concerning this program, the application process, or industry partnerships should be sent to leadership@cs.toronto.edu. In answering these questions, we encourage you to use your experience from any aspect of your life. For example, you could write about family, school, clubs, jobs, volunteer positions, or any other community you have been part of. They do not have to be computer science related. We recommend you work on your essay response in another document so that you can edit and save your drafts. When you are ready, copy them into this form to submit.
Note that you are not to use any external assistance, including AI, to respond to these questions. It is expected that your submission follows all academic guidelines for original work.
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Cover letter (maximum 1 page) Explain why you should be admitted to the Technology Leadership program. What makes you an exceptional candidate?
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Resume (maximum 2 pages)
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Essay questions (maximum 250 word response per question):
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List the names of four people whose lives you have fundamentally improved. Please be specific with the example and describe the long-term impact that it may have had. Who would be able to comment on your contribution and how would they describe you and what you did?
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If you had to describe yourself using three words, what three words would you use, and why would you use them. Please use specific examples to demonstrate the appropriateness of the words you have chosen.
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Describe the personal project of which you are most proud. Do not describe work conducted for a course or an employer, rather, describe a novel project that you undertook independently. Explain the project, what you achieved, how it was innovative, why you chose it, and the impact it has had.
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FTL has a limited number of positions for students. Please describe what makes you more appropriate as a candidate compared to your peers. Recognize that they will be asked the same question so we can find the strongest candidates. Illustrate with specific examples.
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Self-awareness is an important attribute – can you describe what aspects of your character have an opportunity for improvement – describe a specific time when you were able to learn from a mistake you made. Be specific with the example, who was involved, what you did and how it helped you to grow as a person.
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Reference Letter (maximum 1 page)
Next Steps
Once applications have been submitted and reviewed, successful applicants will be invited to a mandatory virtual interview. The key dates to remember include:
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June 6, 2025: applications open
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June 19, 2025: applications due
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June 23, 2025: successful applicants notified of interview schedule
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June 24-27, 2025: virtual interviews conducted
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July 2, 2025: successful candidates will receive offers
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July 6, 2025: deadline to accept offers