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 Nursing I (McMaster University Site) OUAC MN Remove	Waterloo Software Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WSO Remove	Waterloo Computer Science (Regular/Co-op) OUAC WCS Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	85%“A minimum of 85% is required for consideration. Admission is by selection.”Admission by selection — the real bar may sit above this	90–97%“Low- to mid-90s”	90–97%“Low to Mid-90s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U SBI4U SCH4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	one of MCV4U, MDM4U, MHF4U	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U 1 of Advanced Functions 4U, Calculus & Vectors 4U, Data Management 4U Biology 4U Chemistry 4U	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)	Any Grade 12 U English Advanced Functions Calculus and Vectors One other Grade 12 U course
More than marks?supplementary application	Yes OUAC Application Deadline: January 15, 2027. Mandatory Supplementary Application Deadline: Please visit takeCasper.com 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. 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	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
Co-op	No	Available	Available
Degree	—	—	Bachelor of Computer Science, BCS, Bachelor of Mathematics, BMath
First-year intakewhere published	250	127	360
What you study	Nursing	Artificial Intelligence Computer Science Information Systems Information Technology	Artificial Intelligence Computer Games Computer Science Health Informatics
What it is	You study the science and practice of patient care, learning anatomy, pharmacology, clinical skills, and how to work in hospitals and community settings. This is a direct-entry nursing program, so you begin specialized nursing coursework right away rather than taking a general first year. It suits people who are confident they want to become a registered nurse and are ready to commit to a focused program from day one.	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.	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.
The door tomajors you reach through it	nursing	software engineering	computer science
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo

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