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 Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway OUAC MPS Remove	Waterloo Environmental Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WEE Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	83–87%“Mid-80s”	83–90%“Mid- to High 80s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Advanced Functions 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U Chemistry 4U Physics 4U	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	Bachelor of Science, BSc, Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Applied Science, BSc/BASc	—
First-year intakewhere published	100	75
What you study	Astronomy Chemistry Others in Physical Sciences Physics	Biological Sciences Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Environmental Studies
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 how to design systems and structures that protect the environment and manage natural resources — combining biology, chemistry, civil engineering, and earth science. Unlike a general engineering program, this one focuses specifically on water treatment, waste management, air quality, and land remediation. It suits students who want to solve real environmental problems with engineering tools and are willing to do mandatory work terms alongside their studies.
The door tomajors you reach through it	chemistry physics	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.