3 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 Life Sciences Gateway OUAC MLS Remove	U of T (Scarborough) Computer Science (regular and co-op) OUAC TXC Remove	Waterloo Software Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WSO Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	93–97%“Mid-90s”	93–100%“Mid-90s (regular); high 90s (co-op)”	90–97%“Low- to mid-90s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U SBI4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	one of MCV4U, MHF4U one of MCV4U, MHF4U, SCH4U, SPH4U	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U 1 of Advanced Functions 4U, Calculus & Vectors 4U Biology 4U 1 of Advanced Functions 4U, Calculus & Vectors 4U, Chemistry 4U, Physics 4U Applicants without Calculus & Vectors 4U will be required to take an equivalent Calculus course in Level I.	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U	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	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. Experience in developing well-structured, modular programs is required, as demonstrated by at least 1 of the following: strong performance in a programming course such as ICS3U, ICS4U or equivalent; strong performance in a programming contest; significant work experience; other (must be explained on the Admission Information Form). Usually closes before January 15
Co-op	Available	Available	Available
Degree	—	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	1,000	165	127
What you study	Animal Science Biological Sciences Genetics Microbiology	Artificial Intelligence Computer Science Entrepreneurship Information Systems	Artificial Intelligence Computer Science Information Systems Information Technology
What it is	Life Sciences Gateway is a first-year program where you explore core sciences—biology, chemistry, and math—before specializing in areas like genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, animal science, or psychology. It includes mandatory co-op work terms alongside your studies. This broad entry lets you test different life science directions before committing to a specific degree, rather than applying directly to a single specialized program.	You study the theory and practice of computing, from writing software and building systems to artificial intelligence and how businesses use technology. The co-op stream requires you to alternate between semesters of coursework and paid work terms at tech companies, giving you real workplace experience alongside your degree. This suits students who want hands-on industry exposure while learning, or who prefer the traditional full-time study path.	You study how to design, build, and maintain large software systems using engineering principles and mathematics. This co-op stream requires you to alternate between classroom terms and paid work terms in industry, giving you real project experience alongside your degree. It suits people who want hands-on experience, enjoy problem-solving with code, and are ready to balance school with regular full-time work placements.
The door tomajors you reach through it	biochemistry biology life sciences medical sciences microbiology neuroscience	computer science software engineering	software engineering
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 4 with no applicationfrom 85%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	University of Toronto — Scarborough on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo

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