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.

	McMaster Honours Integrated Science OUAC MIS Remove	Waterloo Mechanical Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WWH Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	87–90%“A minimum of high-80s 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	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	two of SBI4U, SCH4U, SPH4U	—
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Advanced Functions 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U 2 of Biology 4U, Chemistry 4U, Physics 4U *Completion of all 3 sciences is strongly recommended.	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)
More than marks?supplementary application	Yes OUAC Application Deadline: January 15, 2027. An online 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	No	Available
Degree	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	65	200
What you study	Biology Chemistry Environmental Studies Interdisciplinary Studies	Aerospace EngineeringMaterials Science Mechanical Engineering Physics
What it is	Honours Integrated Science teaches you how different sciences connect and overlap rather than studying them in separate boxes. You'll take courses across biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and environmental studies, learning how they relate to real problems instead of treating each discipline independently. This suits students who want a flexible foundation in science and aren't certain yet which single specialization they'll pursue.	This program teaches you how to design, build, and improve machines and mechanical systems, from engines to robots to manufacturing equipment. Unlike a standard mechanical engineering degree, co-op is mandatory here: you alternate between classroom terms and paid work terms at engineering companies, giving you real workplace experience before you graduate. It suits students who want hands-on learning alongside theory and who are ready to commit to the co-op schedule.
The door tomajors you reach through it	Applied to directly	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	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.