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.

	Waterloo Physical Sciences (Regular/Co-op) OUAC WPS Remove	Algoma Geography (BA 4 year) OUAC JBJ Remove	Carleton Science – Major (4 years) OUAC CK Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	80–83%“Low 80s”	65%“65%+”	74–76%
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U	ENG4U	MHF4U SBI4U SPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	two of MDM4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, SES4U, SPH4U	—	two of MCV4U, SCH4U, SES4U
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	ENG4U 5 other 4U/M courses 65% combined average in top six 4U/M courses	Biochemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Neuroscience and Mental Health, and Physics. MHF4U 2 of MCV4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, SES4U or SPH4U 3 best 4U/M courses For all programs in Physics, SPH4U is strongly recommended. +3 more on the program page
More than marks?supplementary application	Marks only	Marks only	Marks only
Co-op	Available	No	No
Degree	—	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	250	—	—
What you study	Astronomy Chemistry Geology Materials Science	Geology Human Geography Physical Geography	Environmental Studies Geology Molecular Biology, Biochemistry Others in Physical Sciences
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.	A BA in Geography covers the physical Earth — landforms, climate, ecosystems — alongside human systems like culture, economics, and cities. You'll study both natural processes and how people shape and live in different places. It suits students curious about why the world works the way it does and interested in solving real-world problems across environment and society.	A Science Major is a four-year degree where you study one science subject deeply — such as physics, biology, geology, or environmental science — along with complementary courses in math and other sciences. It differs from a specialized honours program in that you focus on breadth within your chosen field rather than pursuing a single narrow specialization. This program suits students who want solid grounding in a science discipline without committing to professional training like engineering or medicine.
The door tomajors you reach through it	chemistry earth science physics	earth science geography	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	7 published, 7 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	16 published, 9 with no applicationfrom 75%See them
Source	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	Algoma University on OUInfo	Carleton University on OUInfo

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