2 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.

	Western Computer Science OUAC ECS Remove	Waterloo Civil Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WE Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	80–87%“Low to mid 80s”	83–90%“Mid- to High 80s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	one of ICS4U, MDM4U, SBI4U, SES4U, SPH4U	—
Prerequisitesas published	English, ENG4U Calculus and Vectors MCV4U Advanced Functions, MHF4U One of: Biology, SBI4U +5 more on the program page	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 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
Degree	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	500	115
What you study	Computer GamesInformation ServicesSoftware Engineering	BuildingCivil Engineering Environmental StudiesGeomatics Engineering
What it is	Computer Science at Western teaches you how to write programs, build software systems, and solve problems using computers and code. You choose a focus — such as game development, managing information systems, or engineering robust software — based on your interests. The program includes paid work terms alongside your studies, letting you apply classroom learning in real jobs and build professional experience before you graduate.	You study how to design and build infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems, along with surveying land and managing environmental impacts. This co-op stream requires you to complete mandatory work terms alongside your coursework, alternating between classroom and real engineering jobs. It suits students who want practical hands-on experience while earning, and who are comfortable balancing study and full-time work over five years instead of four.
The door tomajors you reach through it	computer science	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	6 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 85%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	Western University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo

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Same subject area and a similar published range, at a campus you have not got in the table yet.

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.