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 Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway OUAC MPS Remove	Ottawa Data Science- Computer Science and Mathematics (5-year double degree) (French Immersion Stream is available) OUAC OWI Remove	Waterloo Physical Sciences (Regular/Co-op) OUAC WPS Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	83–87%“Mid-80s”	80%	80–83%“Low 80s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	one of ENG4U, FRA4U	two of MDM4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, SES4U, SPH4U
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Advanced Functions 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U Chemistry 4U Physics 4U	ENG4U or FRA4U MHF4U MCV4U A combined minimum average of 70% is required for all prerequisite courses in mathematics. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Any two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics
More than marks?supplementary application	Marks only	Marks only	Marks only
Co-op	Available	Available	Available
Degree	Bachelor of Science, BSc, Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Applied Science, BSc/BASc	Bachelor of Science, BSc, Bachelor of Science (Co-op), BSc (Co-op)	—
First-year intakewhere published	100	19	250
What you study	Astronomy Chemistry Others in Physical Sciences Physics	Computer Science General or Integrated Engineering Mathematics Statistics	Astronomy Chemistry Geology Materials Science
What it is	This is a first-year science program that teaches you foundational chemistry, physics, and related subjects before you specialize. Unlike going directly into a single honours program, you spend your first year exploring different branches of physical science, then choose your final degree path — either a pure science degree or a combined science and engineering degree. It suits students who are strong in math and science but aren't yet sure whether they want to focus purely on theory or blend science with applied engineering.	You study computer science and mathematics together over five years, learning how to write code, analyse data, and solve problems using mathematical theory and statistical methods. Unlike a single major, this double degree gives you depth in both fields so you can build algorithms and understand the theory behind them. It suits people who want flexibility between pure mathematics and applied programming, and who value alternating work terms with their studies.	Physical Sciences is a broad first-year program where you study foundational chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology before choosing a specialization in second year. The co-op option means you alternate between study and paid work terms at companies or research labs, giving you real experience in your field. This program suits students who are strong in math and science but not yet certain which specific physical science direction — from astronomy to polymer chemistry — they want to pursue.
The door tomajors you reach through it	chemistry physics	Applied to directly	chemistry earth science physics
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	22 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	University of Ottawa 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.