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Hirad Mohajer, University of Toronto



Born in Tehran, Iran, and raised in the diverse city of Dubai, Hirad set his sights on the University of Toronto four years ago. He believed he would thrive in Canada’s largest metropolis and one of its top universities. However, he faced unexpected challenges, including the impact of COVID-19, the impersonal nature of a big city, and starting in the wrong academic major. It took him several years to find his footing and get back on track.


IO: Hi Hirad. As a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto’s St. Michael’s College, you’ve had quite the university experience. When you started your application journey, why was the University of Toronto (UofT) your top choice?

Hirad: When applying, I tried to consider everything: academics, safety, weather, location, and the overall vibe of the city. I thought Canada was ideal because I had family there, and English was the primary language. Also, I was wowed by UofT’s exceptional global ranking and name recognition.


IO: Once you were there, how was your initial experience? Did it meet your expectations?

Hirad: I arrived during the COVID pandemic, and my first year was mostly remote. As a result, I didn’t fully experience or immerse myself in university life until late in my second year and into the third. I also struggled academically. While the university offers many resources and experts to support students, I largely had to discover this help on my own and connect with the right advisors. 


IO: What specific challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? What helped turn things around?

Hirad: The shift between high school and university was difficult for me. I quickly realized that I had to be self-motivated and stay on top of my academics – it’s crucial not to fall behind. In high school, teachers are there to guide you; at university, you’re on your own. 


I started out studying political science, and then realized it wasn't right for me. During my third year at UofT, I reached out to Ivy Options and took the Myers-Briggs Strong Interest Inventory test to figure out my career fit. This exercise helped me shortlist my interests and pick a major that was better suited to me: Urban Planning. I’m enjoying it very much! 


IO: How are things now in your academic journey? 

Hirad: Even though I’m in my fourth year, I feel like I’ve only recently figured out how university works, and I’m persevering. I’ll be graduating a year late, which is common for UofT students, but I’m in a good place now. My classes are challenging, and the workload can pile up quickly, so I’ve found that taking four courses per semester works best for me. 


IO: What are your plans after graduation?

Hirad: I’m planning to work for a year and then pursue an MBA, likely in Toronto or Montreal. After completing my studies, I intend to move back to Dubai. Long term, I hope to start my own business in an area I’m passionate about—though I’m still figuring out what that is.


IO: Based on your experience, what do you wish you had known or done differently?

Hirad: Toronto is a large city where everyone is busy with their own lives and very competitive. It’s also quite expensive, and I don’t think the quality of life matches the effort, time, and money spent. If I could do it over again, I probably wouldn’t choose UofT because it hasn’t met my expectations socially or academically. I think attending a university in a smaller town might have given me a more immersive experience. I’ve learned it’s hard to thrive when you don’t enjoy the environment you’re in. Ideally, I would have preferred to study somewhere with a warmer atmosphere—both in terms of the people and the weather.


IO: ⁠What advice would you give to high school students on the important things to consider in the college application process?

Hirad: Don’t get caught up in rankings, and familiarize yourself with all aspects of a university before applying. In addition to doing online research, talk to students who currently attend as well as alumni to get a more candid and holistic understanding of a school.

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