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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about your Trinity One application

Should I wait until I receive an offer of admission from the University of Toronto before applying to Trinity One?

No. The Trinity One application is normally available in early February. You can apply to the Trinity One Program prior to receiving an offer of admission from the University of Toronto. We actually recommend submitting your application prior to the final deadline as applications will be assessed in rounds. As soon as you are admitted by the Faculty of Arts & Science we can process your application to the Trinity One Program. Some streams fill up quicker than others, so it is recommended you complete your application earlier.

Do I have to apply to be a Trinity College student in order to be eligible for Trinity One?

No. Any first-year incoming student who has applied to the Faculty of Arts & Science on the St. George campus is eligible to apply to Trinity One, regardless of college membership. To learn more about the colleges, click here.

Can I apply to more than one of the six streams within the Trinity One Program?

Yes. In fact, when you apply you will be asked to indicate your interest for all Trinity One streams. To maximize your chances of being admitted to the program we recommend indicating your preference in multiple streams. If you indicate preference in multiple streams, however, ensure that you keep your top stream as your highest preference.

When should I apply to Trinity One?

Although Trinity One has three rounds of admission, spaces can fill up quickly. We encourage you to apply early to have the best chance.

I've heard that there are other Foundation Ones Programs. Am I allowed to apply for more than one?

There are other First-Year Foundation Programs at the other colleges at the University of Toronto. You are allowed to apply to as many of the Ones Programs as you wish (offered by the colleges and the Munk School), but can only accept one offer. Please note: If you receive an offer from the Trinity One Program after you’ve accepted an offer from another Ones Program, you can still accept your Trinity One offer. All you need to do is decline your original offer by contacting the program office of the other Ones program. You are also eligible to take other seminar courses, provided they do not list Trinity One as an exclusion.

How do you select applicants for Trinity One?

Admission to Trinity One is based on your academic performance as well as your Trinity One application, which includes both a video and essay component. We encourage applicants from diverse learning experiences and those from historical and current underrepresented populations to apply.

If I get an offer of admission from the University of Toronto, does that automatically mean I have been accepted to Trinity One as well?

No. Admission into the Trinity One program requires a separate application. Once you apply to Trinity One and a decisions has been made, you will receive an email from the Trinity One program.

If I have a University of Toronto offer of admission AND an offer from Trinity One, is it enough to just accept my U of T offer through OUAC?

No. You must follow the instructions on your Trinity One program offer sent to your email to accept your spot in the Trinity One program.

Are there additional tuition costs if I am in Trinity One?

No. Enrollment in Trinity One courses is included in the fees you pay to the University.

Questions about Trinity One and first year

I'm not sure which stream is a better fit for me?

The comparison chart summarizes some key similarities and differences between the science streams (Click to enlarge graphic). If you have more questions about how these streams compare, please reach out to us.

Trin One Science streams - stream comparison chart

Trin One Social Science streams - stream comparison chart

Can I take only one course/mix-and-match between streams?

No. You are not able to take only one course or mix and match between streams. Each stream has two courses that students are required to enrol in.

Can I switch streams?

No. You are not able to switch streams once you have accepted your offer.

Do the two Trinity One courses in a stream cover the same material?

No. The two courses that make up each Trinity One stream are intended to give you different approaches to thematically-related yet distinct literatures. So there will be overlap between the kinds of issues you discuss in each course, but there will also be fairly significant methodological differences. This is part of the interdisciplinary design of Trinity One. By the end of the year you will have developed skills that will be relevant to a range of programs of study.

What are Trinity One seminars like?

Unlike a traditional lecture class where the instructor delivers a lecture and students take notes, Trinity One seminars involve learning through discussion. Instructors teach the material by asking guiding questions that bring the key ideas to the forefront. As such, student participation takes up most of class time and is one of the main areas of assessment alongside essays and oral presentations. All students are expected to contribute to the class discussion. The courses are designed to help shyer students gain comfort and confidence expressing their ideas.

Are Trinity One courses harder than other first year courses?

No and Yes. No, in that Trinity One courses are not marked any harder than normal first year courses. Yes, in that most of your other first-year courses will be in a format to which you are already accustomed. Trinity One courses are seminars where students are expected to have read and thought about the issues and arguments in the assigned readings, and are prepared to debate those ideas with others. This will present new challenges that may take a little while to get used to. Since all of Trinity One’s first-year courses are year-long seminars, there will be plenty of time to make any needed adjustments.

What other learning benefits does the Trinity One program offer?

Trinity One offers not only academic growth in your classes but outside of the classroom as well. Students participate in co-curricular lunches that occur most Tuesdays from noon – 2 PM. Students can expect professional skills workshops, guest speakers and socials during this time. In addition, Trinity One students are able to receive one-on-one support by faculty, mentors and many other support staff here at the college!

Questions about second year and beyond

How will Trinity One benefit me in my upper years?

Trinity One allows for improvement in a variety of skills, including critical thinking, academic reading and writing, and analytical frameworks, in a variety of disciplines, which are essential for upper years. The small seminar environment provides students with a unique learning experience that they may not encounter again until 400-level seminar courses. It also provides access to a variety of co-curricular talks, academic skills workshops, and advising sessions.

Do I have to take Trinity One to get into the International Relations or Ethics, Society & Law major?

No. Any student can apply to the International Relations or Ethics, Society & Law major after completing at least one year of study in the Faculty of Arts & Science (minimum 4.0 credits). However, Trinity One provides an excellent foundation for the upper year courses students are required to take as part of these majors. In addition, Trinity One courses satisfy both admission and degree requirements for both programs. For more information, please visit the Faculty of Arts & Science Academic Calendar.

Are there opportunities for alumni to stay connected?

Yes. There are a number of opportunities for alumni who are current undergraduate students and alumni who have graduated to stay connected to the program. As our alumni population expands, current undergraduate students may serve as mentors, research assistants and work study students for the program. Alumni who have graduated may return to the program to share how Trinity One has impacted their overall experience.

Are there courses beyond first-year Trinity One students can take?

Yes. Trinity College offers research and experiential learning courses that can build upon research projects undertaken in Trinity One. For more information on these opportunities please visit the sites below for more information:

Trinity Comprehensive Paper (TRN377Y and TRN477H)

Trinity College International Experience (TRN307H and TRN308H)

Scientific Writing for Non-Scientific Audiences (TRN478H)

Research Opportunity Program (TRN299Y and TRN399Y)

Trinity College Independent Studies Program 

Contact Us:

Sharon Reid
Margaret MacMillan Trinity One Program Coordinator
trinityone@utoronto.ca