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.

	Waterloo Physical Sciences (Regular/Co-op) OUAC WPS Remove	Western Engineering OUAC EE Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	80–83%“Low 80s”	87–93%“High 80s to Low 90s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	two of MDM4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, SES4U, SPH4U	—
Prerequisitesas published	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, ENG4U Advanced Functions, MHF4U Calculus and Vectors, MCV4U Chemistry, SCH4U Physics, SPH4U
More than marks?supplementary application	Marks only	Yes Unless otherwise noted, required courses must be completed with a minimum average of 70%. Prospective students applying to Engineering need to complete a mandatory supplemental application. Access the Casper assessment Usually closes before January 15
Co-op	Available	Available
Degree	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	250	850
What you study	Astronomy Chemistry Geology Materials Science	Artificial Intelligence Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Electronic & Electrical Engineering
What it is	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.	Engineering at Western teaches you to design and build solutions to practical problems using mathematics, science, and materials. You choose a specialization like software, mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering, or study general engineering first before deciding. The program includes co-op work terms, so you alternate between classes and paid jobs with employers, giving you real experience alongside your degree.
The door tomajors you reach through it	chemistry earth science physics	engineering software engineering
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	6 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 85%See them
Source	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	Western University 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.