FAQ

Application

My referee has a policy of only submitting reference letters directly to the recipient. Can reference letters be submitted directly to the Initiative?

Yes! If this is the case, please have your referee email us their letter directly at leadership@cs.toronto.edu. In the email subject line, please ask them to include your name and application year, for example: "Reference for John Doe's application to TLI"



Eligibility

If I am admitted to the Computer Science Major or Specialist Program in the Fall of 2021 (my classes will begin in the Winter 2021 semester), am I still eligible?

Only students admitted to the Computer Science Major or Specialist Program in the summer are eligible for the Technology Leadership Initiative. This means that you must be starting your first semester in the CS program in September 2021.



I am not entering my second year of the Computer Science Major or Specialist program. Am I eligible?

At this time, we are only accepting applications from students who are entering their second year of undergraduate studies in the Computer Science Major or Specialist Program.



I am taking a minor in Computer Science. Am I still eligible for the Initiative?

No: at this time, we are only accepting applications from students who are entering their second year of undergraduate studies in the Computer Science Major or Specialist Program.



Is this initiative open to students at all campuses?

This initiative is restricted to students who are enrolled at the St. George Campus only.



I have not been admitted to Computer Science yet - can I still apply?

Yes. Your offer will be conditional upon acceptance into the program.



Interviews

I cannot make the interview on the date specified.

NOTE: Given the Global Pandemic, we anticipate that the 2021 entry interview will be conducted virtually. We cannot accommodate any exceptions to the interview process. To be eligible for the program, you must be able to attend the interview at the date and time specified. The interview process has been rigorously designed to evaluate your non-technical qualities, such as teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. All students must go through the same types of questions in order to provide a non-biased evaluation.



Will I have to go through a technical interview?

No! As you have been admitted to the Computer Science Major or Specialist program, we understand that you are a very technically talented student. Instead, our interview is aimed at evaluating the three pillars of the Initiative: curiosity, resilience, and agility. We are looking for those students who go above and beyond when faced with challenges and unpredictable events. Tell us about personal challenges, things that you are passionate about, accomplishments you are proud of. We want to get to know you as a person.



What can I expect from the interviews?

Students who get through the first round in the application process will be invited to a round of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI). The MMI consist of a series of short interview stations, each designed to evaluate a specific quality or characteristic. None of the stations are technical interviews. Think of it like an interview obstacle course. In one station, you may be asked to talk about a personal challenge. In another station, you may be asked to debate an ethical question. The interviews vary widely, and are each specifically designed to evaluate your curiosity, resilience, and agility in dealing with tough problems. More details will be given in the invitation letter.



Initiative Structure

Do I need to take CSC207 with the 2021 Technology Leadership Initiative cohort?

Yes. All students in the 2021 Initiative cohort must take CSC207 together in the Fall 2021 semester. It's important that all students in the cohort go through the same classes and projects together in order to build a strong culture and ensure students in the Initiative get to know each other well. This also means that students who have already completed CSC207 before the start of the Initiative will not be eligible.



Do I have to take part in a work placement of the summer?

Yes. All TLI students are required to search for summer work placements (internships). The Initiative will do its best to provide ample resources and opportunities for students to find summer work placements with its industry partners. If students would like to find other summer work placements outside of those the Initiative has arranged, that is also acceptable. However, students in the Initiative will not be permitted to opt out of the summer work placement.



I would not want to be caught not enrolled in a mandatory second year CompSci course. Should I apply to the special sections CS classes or wait until I hear back about my application?

The schedule for the special section of CSC207H1F should come out soon on ACORN and on the online timetable. In the meantime, our advice to every student who applied to the TLI is to also enrol in a regular section of CSC207- this guarantees your access to this important course no matter what happens with the schedule, or with your application to the TLI.



ASIP

What is the difference between ASIP and TLI?

ASIP is the "Arts & Science Internship Program". Its key goal is to help students acquire the skills to apply and prepare for internships. The program includes several professional skill development courses as well as support applying for internships. Students admitted into ASIP will pay an additional fee to participate. TLI focusses on developing leadership skills as well as preparing students for internships. TLI is a smaller cohort so students will have many opportunities to work together and often form lasting friendships. ASIP & TLI are mutually exclusive.