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.

	U of T (St. George) Mathematical & Physical Sciences OUAC TPG Remove	Waterloo Physical Sciences (Regular/Co-op) OUAC WPS Remove	McMaster Chemical & Physical Sciences Gateway OUAC MPS Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	83–90%“Mid to high 80s”	80–83%“Low 80s”	83–87%“Mid-80s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	two of MDM4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, SES4U, SPH4U	—
Prerequisitesas published	ENG4U MCV4U Many programs also require or recommend 1 or more of SBI4U, SCH4U or SPH4U	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	English 4U Advanced Functions 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U Chemistry 4U Physics 4U
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
First-year intakewhere published	—	250	100
What you study	Astronomy Chemistry Geology Materials Science	Astronomy Chemistry Geology Materials Science	Astronomy Chemistry Others in Physical Sciences Physics
What it is	This program combines foundational study in mathematics with hands-on work in chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology, and related fields. You'll take core courses in pure and applied mathematics alongside lab work and theory in the physical sciences, giving you breadth rather than specialization in a single discipline. It suits students drawn to quantitative problem-solving across multiple scientific areas who want flexibility to explore before committing to a specific path.	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.	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.
The door tomajors you reach through it	chemistry earth science mathematics physics statistics	chemistry earth science physics	chemistry physics
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 90%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them
Source	University of Toronto — St. George on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	McMaster University on OUInfo

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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.