4 programs, side by side

Rows marked with a dot are where these differ. Everything is each university’s own published wording; the “your average” row is yours, calculated the way each program does it.

Full	Carleton Computer Science OUAC COD Remove	Waterloo Computer Science (Regular/Co-op) OUAC WCS Remove	McMaster Engineering I - Discovery Track OUAC MED Remove	Waterloo Computer Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WWJ Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	80–85%“80-85% (regular and co-op)”	90–97%“Low to Mid-90s”	87%“A minimum of 87% is required for consideration. Admission is by selection.”Admission by selection — the real bar may sit above this	87–93%“High 80s to low 90s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	Advanced Functions (MHF4U) Calculus (MCV4U) 4 best 4U/M courses Alternative Offers Find more information about alternative offers +1 more on the program page	Any Grade 12 U English Advanced Functions Calculus and Vectors One other Grade 12 U course	English 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U Chemistry 4U Physics 4U	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)
More than marks?supplementary application	Marks only	Yes An Admission Information Form (AIF) is required. We will send you instructions when we acknowledge your application. You are strongly encouraged to write the Euclid Mathematics Contest and the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest. Individual selection may vary. Usually closes before January 15	Yes OUAC application deadline: January 15, 2027 Mandatory supplementary application Usually closes before January 15	Yes NEW: All Engineering program applications require an online video interview. You will receive more information after you apply. An Admission Information Form is also required. We will send you instructions when we acknowledge your application. Also considered: Involvement in extracurricular activities in school or community, evidence of interest in engineering and strong performance in mathematics, science or engineering-related competitions. Usually closes before January 15
Co-op	Available	Available	Available	Available
Degree	—	Bachelor of Computer Science, BCS, Bachelor of Mathematics, BMath	Bachelor of Engineering, BEng, Bachelor of Engineering and Management, BEng&Mgt, Bachelor of Engineering and Society, BEngSoc	—
First-year intakewhere published	—	360	—	220
What you study	Artificial Intelligence Business Studies Computer Games Management	Artificial Intelligence Computer Games Computer Science Health Informatics	Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Electronic & Electrical Engineering General or Integrated Engineering	Artificial Intelligence Computer Engineering Computer Science Electronic & Electrical Engineering
What it is	You study the theory and practice of building software, designing systems, and solving problems with computers. Carleton's program lets you focus on specializations like artificial intelligence, games, or software engineering, and includes a co-op stream where you alternate between classroom and paid work terms. This suits students who want hands-on industry experience alongside their degree and are interested in both the technical and applied sides of computing.	You study the design, development, and theory behind computer software and systems. In the co-op stream, you alternate between classroom terms and paid work terms at tech companies, giving you practical experience alongside your degree. This program suits people who want to build real-world coding skills early and explore whether they prefer software development, artificial intelligence, games, or other computing specializations while earning money.	Engineering I – Discovery Track lets you explore multiple engineering specializations during your first year before committing to a specific stream like chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, or software engineering. You can also choose to combine engineering with management or social studies. The co-op option means you'll alternate between classroom and paid work terms, giving you real experience in the field while studying.	Computer Engineering combines the design of computer hardware and software systems with practical work experience. Unlike a regular computer engineering program, this version requires you to complete paid work terms alongside your studies, alternating between school and industry jobs. It suits people who want hands-on experience in tech roles while earning money and building a professional network during their degree.
The door tomajors you reach through it	computer science	computer science	engineering	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	16 published, 9 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	Carleton University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	McMaster University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo

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Ranges are what each university publishes, not guaranteed cutoffs, and limited-enrolment programs often admit above them. Confirm anything you are about to act on with the university; each column links to its source.