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.
| Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Published rangetheir exact wording | 83–87%“Mid-80s” | 83–90%“Mid- to High 80s” | 80–83%“Low 80s” |
| Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below | ENG4UMCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U | ENG4UMCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U | ENG4UMCV4UMHF4U |
| Choose one ofany of these satisfies it | — | — |
|
| Prerequisitesas published |
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|
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| More than marks?supplementary application | Marks only | Yes
| Marks only |
| Co-op | Available | Available | Available |
| Degree | Bachelor of Science, BSc, Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Applied Science, BSc/BASc | — | — |
| First-year intakewhere published | 100 | 83 | 250 |
| What you study | AstronomyChemistryOthers in Physical SciencesPhysics | BiotechnologyChemistryElectronic & Electrical EngineeringGeneral or Integrated Engineering | AstronomyChemistryGeologyMaterials 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. | Nanotechnology Engineering is the study of designing and building materials and devices at the molecular and atomic scale, combining chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering. Unlike a general engineering program, this one requires you to complete mandatory work terms alongside your studies, alternating between classroom and industry jobs so you graduate with significant hands-on experience. It suits students strong in math and sciences who want practical engineering experience and are interested in how materials behave at extremely small scales. | 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 | chemistryphysics | Applied to directly | chemistryearth sciencephysics |
| 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 |
Also compare with
Same subject area and a similar published range, at a campus you have not got in the table yet.
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.